In August, Dr. Linda Lehmil became executive director of Reach for Excellence, taking the reins from Karen Dessables, who retired after 18 years of service. She joins Reach from Marist School, where she was an AP French teacher and moderator of Share the Journey, a student club that focuses on supporting and building solidarity with refugees and immigrants. Linda established the first global fair for Marist students and organized an annual pilgrimage from Decatur to Clarkston, Georgia with Share the Journey.

Linda grew up in Lyon, France as one of seven children of Algerian immigrants. Her parents had no formal education, and her father was not able to read or write. He worked as a shepherd and welder. After many years, he was able to save enough money to start a kebab restaurant. Linda credits him for passing on his work ethic and determination to her.

Linda and her family knew that education was her best chance for a brighter future. Her family enrolled her in a free church-offered tutoring program and an after-school enrichment program. Linda excelled academically and won scholarships to complete her undergraduate degree and study abroad in Ireland and Scotland. Through a program in conjunction with CODOFIL and the Ministry of French Education and Foreign Service, Linda accepted a French language teaching position in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there, she received a scholarship to attend graduate school at Tulane University where she received both master’s and doctorate degrees in French studies.

Linda and her husband moved to Hong Kong where she earned her third master’s degree in international education and development. She pursued a UNESCO fellowship in Paris and was a lecturer at Hong Kong University. Linda continued to provide educational opportunities for children in developing countries by working as a research, evaluation, and monitoring officer in Nepal for Child Welfare Scheme. These experiences eventually led her to start her own consulting firm focused on education and poverty, children’s rights, and education for girls in the developing world.

Linda attributes her success to the outstanding teachers who saw her potential and believed in her when she was a child. “I am blessed to have met amazing educators during my long learning journey,” said Linda. “Not only did they believe in me, but they also inspired me to become a teacher to impact the lives of children in the same way. Reach for Excellence embodies my passion to serve students who, like me, would not otherwise have a chance for a better education. It allows students to push doors open into a brighter future.”

Linda’s priority as executive director is to continue the outstanding work of Reach for Excellence in preparing high-potential middle school students with limited resources for college-preparatory high schools and beyond. She envisions a future that not only changes a student's path in middle school, but also provides resources through high school and college, creating a community of support that breaks the intergenerational cycle of poverty. She wants to give these students the same opportunities she received so many years ago.

Reach for Excellence is a Society of Mary-sponsored program housed at Marist School. For more information, visit reachforexcellence.org.