Arshad Ali serves as Deputy Operating Officer at Southeast Children's Fund, where he oversees operational execution and leads the DC LEAD scholarship program, one of the District's largest degree attainment initiatives for early childhood educators. He is responsible for program operations, data systems, compliance, and coordination with institutions of higher education and the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

Arshad brings strong expertise in managing large-scale, publicly funded workforce initiatives, ensuring operational rigor, data integrity, and alignment with funder and regulatory requirements. His leadership supports the effective delivery of scholarships that enable educators to complete associate and bachelor's degrees while strengthening workforce stability across the birth–grade 3 continuum.