Alisa Diakite
Alisa Diakite is an experienced education leader and current Principal at Foxborough Regional Charter School, where she oversees the academic, operational, and cultural success of a middle school serving grades 5–8. With nearly 30 years in education, she brings a deep commitment to student achievement, equity, and building school environments where both students and educators can thrive. Her leadership style is rooted in high expectations, relationship-building, and a belief that students rise to the level of opportunity and support provided to them.
Alisa’s career in education began in the Providence Public Schools system, where she was also a student. After participating in the Upward Bound program, she pursued higher education at Providence College, earning degrees in history, secondary education, and later a master’s in educational leadership. She returned to Providence Public Schools as a teacher, where she spent 18 years in the classroom before transitioning into school administration. In leadership roles across middle and high schools, she focused on instructional improvement, data-driven decision-making, and strengthening school culture. Notably, she contributed to significant academic gains in math and English language arts while serving as an assistant principal.
In addition to her professional work, Alisa completed a Doctor of Education in District Leadership at Capella University and participated in the Rhode Island Department of Education’s Aspiring Turnaround Leaders program. Much of her career has been dedicated to school turnaround efforts, where she works to improve struggling schools through strong leadership, collaboration, and instructional excellence. Outside of education, she has been actively involved in her church for more than 25 years, an experience she credits with strengthening her leadership, service mindset, and commitment to community impact.
• Aspiring Turnaround Leaders Program
• Capella University- Ed.D.
• Providence College- M.Ed.
• Providence College- B.A.
• Providence College- M.A.
• Church Leadership and Community Involvement
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to early support systems like Upward Bound and the opportunity to attend Providence College, which helped shape my path in education. I also credit leadership training programs such as the Aspiring Turnaround Leaders program and the NYC Leadership Academy, along with my long-standing involvement in church leadership, for developing my leadership skills, grounding my values, and strengthening my commitment to doing what is best for students and advancing equity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry to trust that they already have what it takes to step into intimidating spaces, intentionally build strong networks with other women leaders, stay committed to continuous learning and growth, and lead in a way that feels authentic to who they are.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field center on turning around schools and addressing inequitable practices, while working to expand equitable access for students, strengthen school culture, and consistently raise student achievement.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are equity, student-centered decision-making, building and sustaining a strong school culture, and committing to continuous personal and professional growth.