Albina Head Start

From a Head Start classroom in Portland's Albina neighborhood to CEO of a community-focused investment firm, Rukaiyah Adams' journey shows what happens when early opportunity meets lifelong purpose.

How it started: At Albina Head Start, Rukaiyah didn't just find early learning. She met Ron Herndon, the program's director and community leader, who would later become a mentor. Decades later, they reunited to launch the 1803 Fund, building wealth and opportunity in the very community that shaped them both. Rukaiyah's work is love in action — investing in the neighborhood that first invested in her.

The bottom line: Head Start is a launchpad for future leaders and strong communities. Rukaiyah's story is living proof.

Explore more Alumni stories: https://nhsa.org/alumni/

Following PPS, All Albina classrooms will be closed at 2:00, Friday, August 29th @ due to extreme heat. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you

Early Closure for Monday, 6/9/25: All Albina Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms will close at 1:00pm due to extreme heat.

Albina Head Start Gets New Building, Tries To Save Old Murals After being given a 100-year-old building next to the Albina Head Start in Northeast Portland's Alberta District, Head Start officials had a choice.