Dr. Payal Mital is a results-driven educator, systemic leader, and researcher with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and over ten years of dedicated experience in K-12 and higher education. Originally from India, Payal’s early observations of pervasive colorism, sexism, and casteism deeply shaped her lifelong commitment to social justice and educational equity. As an immigrant navigating institutions where diverse identities were often underrepresented, she personally experienced the isolation of feeling like an outsider—fueling a passionate drive to build environments where authenticity thrives and every student and educator feels empowered.
Currently a Biology Teacher at South Fayette School District, Payal works at the intersection of student advocacy, trauma-informed response, and systemic support. Recognizing the need to address representation gaps in a district where 35% of students are of color but only 2% of teachers are of color, she actively bridges cultural gaps between diverse families, school leadership, and district resources.
Beyond the classroom, Payal is a prominent voice in regional educational advocacy across Western Pennsylvania. She serves as a Steering Committee Member and Teacher Facilitator for the Teach Plus BEAM (Belonging Empowerment and Mentorship) network, is a Founding Member of TIMFC (Community for Educators of Color for Western PA region), and serves as the faculty sponsor for the student SHOUT Club. An invited presenter for the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC) and former Teacher Leader with the Equity Leadership Institute and a Policy Fellow with Teach Plus, Payal leverages her cross-sector experience—from managing laboratory research to building regional equity coalitions—to advise on systemic policy, scale teacher leadership, and champion educational equity across Western Pennsylvania.
