Kimberly Clarida

Kimberly D. Clarida is the assistant director of policy and research for EdTrust-Midwest. A mixed methods researcher and policy analyst, she brings a strong track record of advancing equity through data-driven research, partnership and coalition building, and strategic policy engagement. Kimberly will lead and support research that exposes educational inequities, strengthens advocacy efforts, and advances policies that expand access and opportunity for Michigan students from early learning through postsecondary education and into their careers.

Her work centers on how education policies and systems shape access to opportunity for underrepresented students and educators. She has particular expertise in educator diversity and has contributed to research and advocacy efforts that strengthen pathways into and through the educator workforce. Her previous research has elevated how policy decisions—across funding, accountability, and workforce development—impact students’ access to high-quality teachers, leaders, and learning opportunities.

Prior to joining EdTrust-Midwest, Clarida served as a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University, where she led partnerships with organizations, school districts, and community stakeholders to produce policy-relevant research across multiple states. She also taught education policy courses to undergraduate and graduate students.

She has also served as a senior policy analyst, where she led statewide higher education advocacy efforts, coordinated with coalitions, and provided policy analysis to inform legislative decision-making in Texas. She has authored policy briefs, reports, peer-reviewed research publications, and public-facing analyses used by policymakers, advocates, researchers and community leaders to advance equity-focused reforms.

Kimberly earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Planning from The University of Texas at Austin, her Masters in of Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her favorite things: Carolina College basketball and her dog – Sundaé!