Sharon Darling, president and founder of the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) in Louisville, Kentucky, has been a teacher, administrator and educational entrepreneur, challenging the status quo and developing new methods of educating families. Internationally recognized as the leader in family literacy, NCFL is known for creating innovative program models, developing effective advocacy strategies and providing research, training and technical assistance to professionals working in literacy across the lifespan. Since its founding in 1989, NCFL has been dedicated to placing family literacy—parents and children learning together—on the agenda for social change. Most recently, Ms. Darling led the center in establishing the Hispanic Family Learning Institute that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of Hispanic immigrants in the nation.

As a pioneer in education, Ms. Darling serves as an advisor on education issues to governors, policy makers, business leaders and foundations throughout the nation. In doing so, she provides them with advice and planning strategies for strengthening families through education and moving them toward literacy and self-sufficiency—key issues associated with breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Her work has been instrumental in shaping state and federal policies and laws that address critical societal issues such as welfare reform, education reform and the development of the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

Ms. Darling continues to receive recognition for her groundbreaking work and leadership in education. Her many awards and recognitions include: the National Humanities Medal awarded by the President and Mrs. Bush; Razor Walker Award from the University of North Carolina for her contributions to the lives of children and youth; Woman of Distinction Award, Birmingham Southern University; Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, Johns Hopkins University; Charles A. Dana Award for Pioneering Achievement in Education; and the Harold W. McGraw Award for Outstanding Educator. In addition, she is the recipient of the National Caring Award and was inducted into the Frederick Douglass Museum and Hall of Fame for Caring Americans on Capitol Hill. Ms. Darling has received several honorary doctorate degrees for her contributions to education and has been featured on the Arts & Entertainment television network’s series, Biography.

Ms. Darling serves on the boards of numerous national and international organizations including: the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education, PNC Grow Up Great, Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Ready To Learn, and the Heart of America Foundation.

Ms. Darling has authored numerous publications and articles on intergenerational education and is a frequent keynote speaker to such diverse groups as the Business Week Fortune 500 Forum and the National Governors Association.