Dr. Mahalia A. Hines

A pillar in education for over 45 years, Dr Mahalia A. Hines is known for her wisdom, candor, and unwavering dedication to children. While raising her son, Grammy Award-winning artist COMMON, she shattered barriers in education leadership. Dr. Hines' journey began with leading three preschools on Chicago's Southside. For the next 35 years, she served as a teacher and principal. As principal, she revitalized not only her school but also the surrounding neighborhoods, fostering community engagement in unprecedented ways. Dr. Hines currently serves as Board President of the Common Ground Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by COMMON and Dr. Hines, two decades ago, dedicated to empowering and developing urban youth. In 2017, Dr. Hines was appointed to the Board of Directors for The Obama Foundation. In 2011, then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Dr. Hines to the Chicago Board of Education, where she served for 8 years. Drawing from her extensive personal and professional experiences, Dr. Hines has recently penned an insightful manual, “Tomorrow’s Children: How to Stay Human in a High-Tech Society.” This guide reflects on timeless methods for parents and educators navigating the complexities of raising children in an era of advancing technology. Dr. Hines received a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, an MBA from Northeastern University, and a BA from Central State University. She currently resides in Florida with her husband of 45 years.