Symone James Abiola is an educator who has served students and families as a teacher and diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner. She holds a Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Administration, a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Diversity Studies in American Culture, all from the University of Connecticut. Go, Huskies!

In 2022, Symone was honored with the Excellence in Equity: Champion of Equity-General Education Teacher Award, presented by The American Consortium for Equity in Education. This award led to being selected by Times 10 Publications to receive a book publishing contract. Her book Anti-Racist Teaching: 8 Steps to Build a Framework for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Your School will be released in 2024.

Symone’s work has been motivated by the belief that every student should leave their kindergarten through twelfth-grade educational experiences with the skills to think critically about the world around them, a strong sense of self, and confidence in who they are and what they can accomplish. Her faith also guides her efforts to create inclusive and loving spaces for all individuals in celebration of who they are. She is also passionate about supporting fellow educators in gaining the knowledge and resources needed to create welcoming, equitable school environments where all students can thrive and feel that they belong. Symone hopes that her book will provide schools and districts with practical tools to support students and educators.