Our Team
Meet the educators behind Legacy Lab RI. Shahidah Ali and Deja Foster bring more than fifteen years of classroom teaching experience between them, along with deep, active roots in Providence's Black community. We're not just starting a program — we're bringing years of relationships with local families, historians, artists, and civic leaders straight into the classroom, so every guest speaker, every field trip, and every session feels like it's coming from people who already know and love this community.
Deja Foster is an educator and program leader who brings over fifteen years of teaching experience and a track record of fundraising to Legacy Lab RI. At Legacy Lab RI, she designs curriculum, leads curriculum facilitation, and supports fundraising efforts.
A Boston native now based in Providence, Deja taught in Boston Public Schools and later served as an English Language Arts Lead Teacher before moving into fundraising and community development, where her writing has helped fund youth education, workforce training, and transportation programs across the region. She holds a Master's in Education and a Bachelor's in Journalism and English, both from UMass.
Outside of work, Deja enjoys yoga and movement practices, and keeping up with her two adventurous kids.
Role at Legacy Lab RI: curriculum design, program facilitation, budget management, and grant compliance/reporting.
Deja Foster —
Co-Founder, Program Lead & Grant Compliance
Shahidah Ali is a writer, speaker, community advocate, and educator committed to amplifying Black history, culture, civic engagement, and community voices. She serves as Political Action Chair for the Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women, where she works to advance voting rights and meaningful political participation. She is the writer and presenter of "The History of Black Hair" and has presented throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Role at Legacy Lab RI: community and family engagement, guest-speaker coordination, and co-facilitation of sessions.
Shahidah Ali —
Co-Founder, Community Engagement & Facilitation