Meet Dr Selma B – Dr Selma Bartholomew For Mayor

Meet Dr★ Selma B

“I am an outlier, who confidently harnesses my talents to tackle deep-rooted societal and historical challenges with innovative solutions. As a Black businesswoman, leader, policymaker, mathematician, physicist, educator, change agent, and community builder with more than 30 years of experience, I’ve never fit in the box—nor do I see one.”

— Dr★ Selma Bartholomew

Dr★ Selma Bartholomew, affectionately known as Dr★ Selma B, was born in Grenada, grew up in Harlem which gave her a deep love of jazz, family, community, city, and our nation. Having survived the crack epidemic, at 16 she went off to college, earned a degree in Math and Physics from Lehman College. With a baby in her arms, she worked on two master’s degrees at the same time, one from Adelphi and a master’s from Fordham and went onto earning her Doctorate. And, Dr★ Selma B also has an ABD in pure mathematics. As an educator, she has made breakthroughs in education at all levels — with PreK-12 students, at the university level, and for those incarcerated.

She founded her company, as one of the only certified minority women businesses, in 2008 in a recession after a full career working in corporate America and managing multimillion dollar initiatives from New York to California. She has been seminal in ending the Social Reproduction of Failure within our schools and the culture of low expectations. She has put her focus on ending the achievement gap and developing the capacity of teachers and building ecosystems in STEAM across the country.

Dr★ Selma Bartholomew knows how to build partnerships that result in clear thinking, full participation, only to arrive at results that change people’s lives. And, she’s not all work: she loves hot yoga, boxing, and kicked breast cancer in the throat — knowing God is not done with her yet.

“As I reflect on my body of work, the dress that fits me perfectly is leadership, putting people in motion, building coalitions, and knowing we can accomplish anything when we do it together.

Let’s face it: our City Departments are not functional, operate in silos, nor are they concerned with what it takes for positive change. I believe in New Yorkers and a future where we lean into our shared humanity, lift one another up. This is the only way, when we do the work together, New York will once again lead the country.”

— Dr★ Selma Bartholomew

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LOCAL WORK:

Yonkers Public Schools:

Today, with my foundational work, Yonkers on-time graduation rate has reached a 91%, continues to rise and is strong across all race and subgroups: 87% for black students, 91% for Hispanic students, 88% for male, and their dropout rate has reached 2% for all students.

District 16, Brooklyn, New York:

In 2013-2014 school year, NYSED reported that District 16 (Bed-Stuy) had a proficiency rate of 22% for children and more than 40% of students were at Level 1in math. Today, with my work, District 16 is on a new path and on the move, with 45% proficiency level, and they have cut the number of third grade students in level 1 to 17%

Urban Action Academy, Brooklyn:

Building strong relationships and a commitment to improving teachers’ practice in Science and Math led to the school’s removal from New York State’s TSI list. At the start of the partnership with the school, the graduation rate was 45%. Today the school has a graduation rate of 82%.

William E. Grady High School, Brooklyn New York:

William Grady HS graduation rate has soared from 45% to 84%. The school is a model for creating career pathways for students and as result of their accomplishment, they received a 2-million dollar investment for a new state-of-the-art culinary program.

Newburgh, Hudson New York :

Giving agency and inspiring educators to work with families to help them author their vision for Young Men of Color and all youth. Today Newburgh schools’ graduation rate has reached 72% and their regents’ outcomes for all students have now finally reached the same level as NYS.

Sojourner Truth School, Harlem New York:

In 2017 the proficiency rate in mathematics for Grade 3 students was 12% and 4% for 8th Graders. In 2022 Grade 3 students reached 71% proficiency and surpassed NYS with a 54% proficiency rate. And Grade 8 students reached 40% proficiency and NYS reached 41%.

Academy for College Preparation and Career Exploration, Brooklyn New York:

ACPCE has an unwavering commitment to building relationships with students and staff. In June 2024, the school outperformed NYS with a Algebra Regents rating of 97% proficiency while NYS hovers at 62%.

Rochdale Early Advantage Charter (REACS):

REACS growth demonstrates that STEM serves as a motivator for students and educators. REACS 7th grade proficiency in 2022 was 24% compared to NYS with 52%. REACS 7th grade students have surpassed NYS with 71% proficient to NYS’ 57%.

Amityville, New York:

After working with State Government and providing feedback on their strengths as a village, what is working and strategies to build relationships between schools and community the Village of Amityville was open to new possibilities. The Village of Amityville was selected to receive a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant from NYS in 2022.

NATIONAL WORK:

Bismarck, North Dakota :

With strategic thinking, open dialogue about the flatlining of American Education, and a shared vision for providing opportunities to STEAM jobs, ND has a thriving ecosystem. Bismack today has a 98% completion graduation rate.

President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper :

President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance is a national initiative addressing the historical and persistent challenges of Boys and Young Men of Color. As an example, we tackled gang violence in Chicago, developing strategies and curriculum to help Chicago healthcare workers and community advocates redirect youth and bridge relationships.

St. Augustine High School, New Orleans –A Bold Vision:

St. Augustine building an ecosystem with attention to STEAM, breaking all fixed mindsets and changing the narrative for Young Men of Color.

Non-Public Schools: Charter, Catholic, and Islamic Day Schools

Worked with Non-Public Schools including Catholic Schools, Charter Schools, Islamic Schools, and other faith-based organizations, integrating their vision, unique culture, needs, and strategies for the betterment of us all.

American Business Women’s Association

As President of the ABWA NYC chapter, created opportunities for networking, fostering mentorship, and equipping women with the tools to advocate for themselves and each other.