Gloria Ladson-Billings is an influential American educator and scholar known for her work in the fields of education and critical race theory. She is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has focused on issues of race, culture, and equity in education. Her research emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy, which aims to engage students by connecting learning to their cultural backgrounds. Ladson-Billings has authored several books and articles, contributing significantly to discussions about educational reform and social justice. She served as the president of the American Educational Research Association and has received numerous awards for her contributions to education, making her a prominent figure in the field.