Cicely Taylor Selected to be an Aspen Institute Pahara Fellow

We are delighted to announce that Cicely Taylor, Chief of Staff at Acelero, Inc., has been selected to be an Aspen Institute Pahara Fellow. The Pahara Fellowship “seeks to strengthen and sustain a diverse community of outstanding, values-driven leaders who are transforming public education so that every child is prepared to lead a free and fulfilling life.” 

Using text-based dialogue, mindfulness techniques, and grounding in nature, the Pahara Fellowship provides participants the opportunity to reflect on the leadership, identity, equity, and values tensions involved in effective leadership. Once they’ve completed the Pahara Fellowship, Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in continued programming designed to deepen reflection, inspire new thought, and encourage action. 

As Acelero, Inc.’s Chief of Staff, Cicely balances urgency with clarity and care, strategically guiding initiatives while supporting staff. Prior to joining Acelero, Inc., Cicely had an extensive 17-year tenure at KIPP Texas Public Schools, culminating in her Chief of Staff role at KIPP, where she supported executive decision-making, strategic planning, and board governance. Cicely’s journey started as a classroom teacher with Teach For America, evolving into a Kindergarten teacher and early childhood center director. Her passion and mission-centered approach to joyful and academically excellent education for ALL children is the driving force behind her 25 years of experience in the education, non-profit, and for-profit sectors.

Cicely lives in Texas, with her husband Steven and their children Steven Jr. and Summer Free. Cicely holds a bachelor’s degree from Colby College and a master’s in education from the University of Texas El Paso.

Meet the other Fellows who make up this year’s impressive cohort here.