Shyam Kumar
Shyam Kumar founded NorthStar Education Partners to collaborate with the social sector in designing bold solutions to address the most pressing challenges in our communities. NorthStar strives to make this vision a reality by partnering with social-sector non-profits, districts, charter schools, and higher education institutions to develop equitable, sustainable solutions that drive success for students and communities. Over the past decade, NorthStar has supported over 200 organizations nationwide, helping them strengthen academics, clarify strategic direction, and develop talent solutions—all through an equity-centered lens. Shyam and his team are committed to dismantling systemic barriers to ensure historically marginalized students have the opportunity to succeed.
Before founding NorthStar, Shyam served as the Executive Director of Teach For America Metro Atlanta, where he led a network of 400 teachers and 600 alumni across four districts, focusing on increasing teacher effectiveness and expanding the impact of TFA alumni in the region. As Head of Talent and Strategy at KIPP Metro Atlanta, he spearheaded efforts to improve teacher recruitment, career pathways, and retention. Shyam’s career began in management consulting at GE, where he received his certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt and led global teams to tackle strategic business challenges across India, Ireland, the UK, and the U.S.
Today, NorthStar is a national network of over 45 consultants, including former principals, district leaders, and non-profit executives. Together, they bring deep expertise to help clients implement rigorous, coherent strategies that achieve lasting, transformative outcomes. Shyam lives in Oakland, California, with his wife, Gayathri, and daughter, Dhevna.