City of Atlanta Advisory Roundtable with Councilmember Eshé Collins, Post 3 At-Large, Atlanta City Council

Councilmember Eshé Collins

Post 3 At-Large
Atlanta City Council

An Atlanta native and civil rights attorney, Eshé Collins proudly represents Post 3 At-Large on the Atlanta City Council. With deep roots in the city and an unwavering dedication to public service, Eshé brings a proven track record of addressing systemic disparities, empowering communities, and advancing a thriving future for all Atlantans.

 
Before joining the Atlanta City Council, Eshé served on the Atlanta Board of Education as the immediate past Chair and Vice Chair of the school board. Eshé's leadership transformed educational opportunities for Atlanta's children and families. Under her tenure, APS achieved its highest graduation rate in history, allocated over $130 million in staff pay increases and stipends, and made significant investments in school funding and fiscal stability. Eshé spearheaded initiatives that secured over $615 million for technology and infrastructure improvements and led efforts with city leaders to establish a $20 million early childhood education program. Her vision extended to community development, creating a master plan to repurpose vacant properties for affordable housing and community enrichment.

 Currently, Eshé serves as Director of the Equity Assistance Center-South at the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), where she leads equity-focused initiatives in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. Her work ensures equitable access to quality education and resources for schools and communities across the South. Previously, she advanced national advocacy efforts for early education and began her career as an elementary educator in Atlanta Public Schools.

 In pursuit of her passion, Eshé holds a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College, an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a J.D., cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Among her many honors are the Atlanta Business League's 100 Women of Influence, Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40, Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, the Martin Luther King Torch of Peace Award, the President's Award for Community Service and Social Justice, and Outstanding Atlanta. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Links, Incorporated, Eshé is also an alumna of prestigious programs like Harvard University's Public Education Leadership Project and Leadership Atlanta. Her leadership continues to inspire, advocate, and create a more equitable and prosperous Atlanta for all.