NYCMER Conference 2025 Keynote Conversation: Kimaada Le Gendre

Kimaada Le Gendre is the Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Queens Museum, where she curates innovative educational, cultural, and public programs rooted in social justice, accessibility, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. She is also a strategic lead in developing a new children’s museum, overseeing strategic planning, content creation, and research to enhance intergenerational and culturally responsive educational experiences.

During her tenure, she created the Queens Teens Institute for Art and Social Justice, envisioning a brave space for BIPOC and marginalized teens from Queens to engage in art, leadership, community service, and professional development. A former history and environmental studies teacher, Kimaada is also a best-selling author of 19 children’s books highlighting cultural diversity, empowerment, and environmental issues. She co-authored the official curriculum guide for the critically acclaimed movie Till (2022).

Kimaada holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Hunter College and a Master’s in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School. Recognized as a 2023 and 2024 Power Player in Education by Politics NY and AM Metro NY, she serves as a board member of the Museum Education Roundtable, is a 2024 Women InPower Fellow, and participated in NYFA’s Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a focus on educational leadership and organizational innovation.