Byron Sanders is dedicated to empowering students and enhancing educational opportunities in Dallas. With a passion for community engagement, he strives to make a positive impact on the lives of every student.

A proud product of Dallas ISD and a son of Southern Dallas, Byron grew up with the district at the center of his life. As the son of an elementary school teacher and a student in Oak Cliff, he found his voice and developed a love for his culture through the care and guidance of his Dallas ISD educators. They instilled in him a belief that the world is wide and he has a place in it. This foundation fuels Byron’s commitment to ensuring every Dallas ISD student, regardless of their zip code, has access to the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Byron’s career spans education, philanthropy, and innovation, with a proven track record of impact in Dallas ISD and beyond. As the former President and CEO of Big Thought, he championed creative, student-centered programming to narrow the opportunity gap for youth from underserved communities. Prior to that, as Executive Director of the Dallas Education Foundation, Byron secured critical partnerships and funding to advance initiatives directly benefiting Dallas ISD students.

An alumnus of Leadership ISD, Byron has built bridges between the community, educators, and policy leaders. His diverse experiences across healthcare, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, finance, and youth development have given him a deep understanding of the complexities of public education. He combines this knowledge with a history of collaboration, strategic thinking, and innovative problem-solving. A Presidential Leadership Scholar, his leadership has been widely recognized, including accolades like the 2022 Dallas Business Journal Most Admired CEO and the 2020 CASEL O’Brien Award for Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning. He is also the co-editor of the 2024 volume of Current Issues in Out-of-School Time, Built for More: The Role of Out-of-School Time in Preparing Youth for the Future of Work.