Amaad Hardy is running for School Board because he knows our community thrives when our schools and students thrive.

With a background in public policy and community engagement, Amaad is the Business Developer for the City of Grand Rapids. He oversees the City’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Program, which promotes equitable access to public contracting opportunities. In that role he helped build the Micro Local Business Enterprise, & MLBE, bonding program, opening the door for small and diverse businesses to compete for and work on city projects.

Amaad previously served as Director of Policy & Engagement at the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, where he championed civil rights and social justice initiatives for over five years. In this role, he built partnerships with local organizations, led advocacy campaigns, and helped create the GR NAACP Expungement Program, working with the city, local law firms, and community partners to give residents a path to clear their records.

Amaad’s early career includes experience as a Legislative Assistant for Michigan State Representative Rachel Hood, where he played a key role in shaping legislative strategies, conducting research, and managing constituent services.

Amaad is also a product of Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he spent the overwhelming majority of his school years. That experience shapes why he’s running for the Board of Education today.

Outside of his professional life, Amaad has a passion for the arts, science, and physical activity. He plays guitar in a local band, enjoys biking and hiking, stays engaged with the latest scientific discoveries and technological innovations, reads philosophy, and keeps up with world affairs.