A 1994 Spanish and Political Science graduate from Grambling State University, Dr. ​Lamarr Shields, as Co-Founder and Senior Director of Education and Innovation at ​the

Cambio Group, has dedicated his life to inspiring adults and youth alike to pursue a ​higher purpose, achieve sustainable value for long-term success, and cope with ​adversity in order to create opportunities in their personal, professional, and spiritual ​lives.

A bilingual author, Ubuntu teacher, public speaker, social entrepreneur and thought ​leader is a dynamic presence who has appeared on NPR, ABC, NBC, CNN, and BET, ​Dr. Shields has extensive experience as a scholar-practitioner in the field of racial, ​ethnic, and academic identity among Black and Latino male youth, coupled with his ​depth of experience with fostering inter-connectivity and deep engagement among ​educators, policymakers, parents, and other change agents uniquely position him as ​a leader in the field.

Dr. Shields has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration from The ​Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s in Education from Loyola College Maryland, ​and has also studied at La Universidad de Coahuila, in Mexico.

As the Special Advisor to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity and a ​recipient of the 2015 Social Innovator award, Dr. Shields has been studying, writing ​about, and implementing change in schools and nonprofit organizations for years ​and won Best of Baltimore 2017 for his work on “Fades & Fellowship,” a theatrical ​social commentary experience with a barbershop backdrop.