Her Story
About Christina
Dr. Christina Collins is an accomplished education leader, nonprofit executive, and public policy advocate whose career has been dedicated to strengthening public education and expanding opportunities for students. With more than two decades of experience spanning classroom instruction, curriculum leadership, higher education, and statewide education governance, she has earned a reputation for collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to equity and student success. As Executive Director of Honesty for Ohio Education, she leads a statewide coalition focused on advancing honest, inclusive, and well-funded public education while empowering communities to engage in meaningful education advocacy.
Before assuming her current leadership role, Dr. Collins built an extensive career in education, beginning as a high school English teacher before serving for nearly a decade as a curriculum director. She later taught at Kent State University while coordinating workforce education initiatives for the Medina County Economic Development Corporation. In 2020, she was elected to the Ohio State Board of Education, where she championed data-informed decision-making, student well-being, and policies designed to strengthen Ohio's public education system. Her experience across classrooms, district administration, higher education, and state-level policymaking has given her a comprehensive understanding of educational leadership and systems change.
Dr. Collins holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University, along with a Master of Education, superintendent licensure, and a Bachelor of Arts in English. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on servant leadership, coalition building, and creating lasting, student-centered solutions that improve educational outcomes. Under her leadership, Honesty for Ohio Education has expanded its statewide and national influence, bringing together educators, families, policymakers, and community organizations to advocate for transparent governance, equitable school funding, and a future in which every child has access to high-quality public education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christina
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, a strong network, and a deep belief in the mission. When you care this much about something, the effort comes naturally, and I've been fortunate to build relationships with people who share that commitment and have opened opportunities I couldn't have created on my own.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Setting boundaries and protecting what's most important. Set your boundaries, know your boundaries, and honor your boundaries because if you don't you will burn out. Prioritize what's most important to you. For me, it's my kids because we only get this one chance to experience their childhood together.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Understand that the idea of a linear pathway to growth does not exist. Take the next best step for you to fulfill your personal mission and calling. It is not linear - sometimes you have to go backwards in order to go forwards, sidestep roadblocks, but stay focused on your mission and make the next best move that advances what you want to do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Fundraising in nonprofit is very hard right now especially in this current climate. Taking care of my team and staff, getting people to honor their own boundaries and practice self-care because challenges are coming at people from every possible angle, and we have to take a step back from the noise in order to have the energy to keep moving forward.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships - nothing gets done without relationships. Servant leadership - supporting people where they're at and giving back to the greater good. Raising leadership in the people around me and trusting my team without micromanaging.
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