CF
Critical Friends LLC

Tenisha Tate-Austin

Principal Consultant

A proven educational leader with over 17 years of experience transforming school cultures and implementing equity-centered practices that drive measurable outcomes for historically underserved students.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

University of Southern California

Master's Degree

Master of Social Welfare

University of California, Los Angeles

Master's Degree

Master of Education Administration

Cal State Dominguez Hills

Professional Experience

17+

Years in Education

10+

Years in Leadership

Roles Served

Middle School Teacher Psychiatric Social Worker Assistant Principal Principal K-12 Continuum

Principal - Miller Creek Middle School, San Rafael, CA

Most Recent Position

  • Led staff in creating a Diversity, Equity and Leadership Elective Course.
  • Restructured 6th Grade Exploratory Wheel to focus on identity, diversity, social justice and action.
  • Implemented comprehensive equity-centered curriculum changes.

Assistant Principal - Hall Middle School, Larkspur, CA

Transformational Leadership

  • Created an Equity working group to counter negative school culture.
  • Led team efforts that earned the school "California School to Watch" distinction.
  • Implemented systematic culture transformation initiatives.

Assistant Principal - Bayside/Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, Marin City, CA

Measurable Impact

75%

Reduction in discipline referrals

Higher

Teacher morale on staff surveys

Tenisha's tenure marked a positive shift in school culture and academic performance, with measurable improvements in both staff satisfaction and student behavior.


Entrepreneurial & Advocacy Work

2 Gen Equity

Founder & Creator

Created, founded and launched a non-profit organization designed as a two-generation program that simultaneously focused on the educational attainment of transitional aged mothers and their young children.

Non-Profit Leadership Educational Equity

White House Speaker

Housing Equity Advocate

Invited to speak at the White House as an advocate for housing equity, where she introduced Vice President Harris who shared the PAVE (Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity) Action Plan.

White House Housing Equity

Why Tenisha is Uniquely Qualified

"Tenisha has always remained committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. As an educator, she has a proven record of improving school cultures as well as the teaching and learning process. Considering her professional and personal experiences, Tenisha is uniquely suited to help support leaders in the application of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies."

Proven Leadership

17+ years of measurable success in transforming school cultures and improving outcomes

National Recognition

White House speaker and advocate, with schools earning state-level distinctions

Holistic Approach

Combines educational leadership with social work background and entrepreneurial experience