By: Natalie Johnson
At first glance, Tiffany Gilmore’s life might sound impossible. She’s a mother of three, a wife, a daughter, a founder, a CEO, a superintendent, a doctoral candidate, and a fearless entrepreneur. But when you sit with her story, it becomes clear — impossible is exactly what she was born to challenge.
Raised by a single mother in the vibrant neighborhoods of Compton and Carson, California, Tiffany learned early on that Black women make a way, even when there isn’t one. Her grandmother, an entrepreneur in her own right, passed down lessons in hustle, faith, and perseverance that Tiffany still draws on daily.
Today, she’s the founder, CEO, and Superintendent of Garvey Allen STEAM Academy, a groundbreaking public charter school located in Moreno Valley. She also runs two businesses — The D.O.P.E. Educator, which provides resources for equity-focused educators, and Educated Threads, an apparel brand that turns affirmations into wearable activism.
But behind the titles and accolades is a woman navigating the same push and pull familiar to many working mothers. The early mornings before school drop-offs. The late nights catching up on emails while packing lunches. The juggling act of pouring into students, staff, and her own children — all while fighting to make generational change.
“My life is full, but it’s rooted in purpose,” Tiffany says. “I don’t do balance. I do alignment. If it’s not aligned with my values, my family, or my mission to open schools and close prisons, it doesn’t get my energy.”
That mission — to create culturally affirming schools that serve Black and Brown students with excellence — didn’t come from theory. It came from lived experience. Tiffany grew up navigating public schools that were under-resourced, overcrowded, and indifferent to the potential of students who looked like her. Still, she excelled. From Broadacres Elementary to Curtiss Magnet Junior High, then to the nationally recognized King/Drew Medical Magnet High School, Tiffany broke molds. And she kept going.
She earned a Bachelor’s in English and Communications from Cal State Dominguez Hills, followed by a Master’s in Secondary Education from Pepperdine University and a second Master’s in Educational Administration from National University. She is now completing her doctorate at Grand Canyon University, with her dissertation the final step.
After nearly 20 years in public education — where she led equity-focused initiatives and dramatically reduced suspension rates for Black students — Tiffany made a courageous leap. She left her district role and set out to build the kind of school our children deserve.
Garvey Allen STEAM Academy was born out of that leap. It’s not just a school, it’s a movement. Focused on STEM and the arts, it allows students to thrive academically without sacrificing their identity. Tiffany refers to them as “Achievers” — a nod to the excellence they carry and the greatness they are expected to pursue.
What makes her story even more remarkable is that she may be the youngest Black woman in California to found a charter school, a milestone that deserves both celebration and support. And while the multi-million dollar campus is still under construction, Tiffany’s vision is already transforming lives.
She recently launched a $500,000 GoFundMe campaign to help complete the buildout — a call to action for those who believe in educational equity and the limitless potential of Black youth. The funds will go toward outfitting classrooms with smart technology, building out STEM labs, creating outdoor learning spaces, and offering scholarships for families in need.
But for Tiffany, it’s never just about funding. It’s about investing in futures.
“We can’t keep waiting on systems that weren’t built for us to suddenly save our children,” she says. “We have to build what they need now. That’s what I’m doing with Garvey Allen.”
Despite the scope of her work, Tiffany remains deeply grounded in family. Her college sweetheart is her husband and biggest supporter. Her children inspire her daily. And her mother’s influence is still present in every decision she makes.
“My kids are watching me. So are other people’s kids. I want them to know that it’s possible to lead, to love, to build, and to serve — all at once,” she says.
In Tiffany Gilmore’s world, the lines between educator, entrepreneur, and mom are not separate roles. They are strands of the same braid, woven together with intention, fire, and deep care for her community.
She is building more than a school. She is building legacy. One child, one classroom, one bold decision at a time.
To support Garvey Allen STEAM Academy’s campus completion, visit:
https://gofund.me/5275a6e7
To learn more about Tiffany and her work, visit:
www.garveyallenacademy.com
