NEW YORK, N.Y. (Diya TV)  — Teach For America (TFA) announced today that it has selected Aneesh Sohoni to become its new chief executive officer, effective April 15, 2025. Sohoni is an Indian American and alum of Teach For America, replacing Elisa Villanueva Beard, who spent 27 years with the organization.

A Minneapolis native and son of Indian immigrants, Sohoni has a personal commitment to advancing educational equity. In 2009, he joined TFA’s Twin Cities corps and taught high school English near his childhood home, working closely with Somali, Kenyan, and Ethiopian students. His experience in the classroom shaped his belief in the transformative power of education and its ability to overcome systemic barriers.

“I am inspired by what is possible and hopeful that the current trajectory of education does not have to define our future,” Sohoni said.

Most recently, Sohoni served as CEO of One Million Degrees, a nonprofit that supports community college students. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its reach from 650 to 2,400 students, achieving significant gains in retention and career readiness. He has also worked with the Tennessee Department of Education and TNTP to drive educational initiatives.

TFA Board of Directors chair David Kenny described Sohoni as a “strategic and visionary leader” who remains committed to the cause of providing every child with access to high-quality education.

TFA 2030 Goals

TFA aims to advance literacy, math proficiency, and postsecondary readiness in more than 300 communities across the U.S. As Sohoni takes the helm, the organization is optimistic that it will make further progress toward these goals.

Sohoni received his undergraduate from the University of Minnesota and earned his master’s in public policy from Vanderbilt University.