Aisha Gayle Turner, Esq., is Start Early’s inaugural chief development officer, where she is charged with providing leadership and strategic direction to meet the organization’s annual and multi-year private revenue and strategic goals. Learn more about Start Early’s mission and vision to close the opportunity gap and create more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners.

Most recently, Aisha served as the interim chief advancement officer for IDEA Public Schools, where she built and managed a team of fundraisers across the country, more than doubling IDEA’s regional fundraising growth. Aisha has worked in development for over 13 years, also serving in fundraising leadership roles at OneGoal and Teach For America.

Aisha holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a master’s degree in fine arts from Columbia University, and a juris doctorate degree from Duke University School of Law. She is originally from New Jersey and has served on several boards that support early literacy efforts. She resides with her husband and two children in Austin, Texas where you can find her jogging (slowly), watching Top Chef or debating  passionately  with her long-time book club.