Dr. Asya Johnson

Dr. Asya Johnson, is an award-winning educational leader, founding principal, and social impact entrepreneur committed to expanding equitable pathways to college, careers, and leadership for historically marginalized students. She is the Founder and Principal of HBCU Early College Prep, a pioneering early-college public high school in Southeast Queens (NYC Public Schools District 29) that partners with Delaware State University, enabling students to earn up to a tuition-free associate’s degree and secure guaranteed admission to a Historically Black College or University while still in high school.A first-generation college graduate raised in North Philadelphia, Dr. Johnson’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that education is both a civil right and a vehicle for generational transformation. Her leadership blends rigorous academics, culturally responsive pedagogy, and holistic student development, grounded in values of legacy, Ubuntu, innovation, and collective responsibility. Under her direction, HBCU Early College Prep has rapidly emerged as a nationally recognized model for early-college access, HBCU-aligned curriculum, and authentic partnerships across higher education, philanthropy, and industry.Dr. Johnson holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education, and is an alumna of Drexel University, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Recent Alumni. She is an active member of national leadership networks and frequently speaks at high-profile convenings, including ASU+GSV, UNCF, and HBCU philanthropy and innovation forums, sharing insights on startup school leadership, early-college design, and educational equity.Beyond her school leadership, Dr. Johnson is the Founder of HBCU Prep Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to scaling HBCU-inspired college-prep high schools nationwide. She is deeply engaged in fundraising and partnership development with organizations across education, technology, sports, and the arts, working to ensure students have access to world-class resources, mentorship, and exposure to professional pathways.Dr. Johnson’s work is guided by a simple but powerful mission: to build schools and systems that do more than prepare students for college ; schools that prepare them to lead, to serve, and to be the dream for the generations that follow.