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Meet Our Team
We are inspired by a shared vision: empowering leaders to develop and refine their strategic vision, grow organizational capacity, and optimize what leads to the best possible outcomes and experiences for all students.
Founding Leadership
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Meghan Mackay
Believes visionary leaders are the key to excellent school systems. Loves a challenge, adventure, her four boys, New York City, and bringing out the best in teams.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Vanessa Bangser
Believes that leaders are at their best when they are able to lead as their authentic selves. Loves bold ideas, new people, complex problems, and helping others rediscover themselves.
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
Dr. Richard Seigler-Carter
Believes strong systems and vision are the cornerstone of excellent schools. Loves efficiency, problem-solving, his two boys, Orlando, and enhancing team capacity.
Programs and Operations
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Danielle Webber
Believes meaningful connections hold power in fostering growth, equity, and community. Loves innovation, poetry, exploring with her three kids, and eliciting a collaborative synergy from others.
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Derek Harris
Believes in unlocking the greatness within every school. Loves designing systems that drive teacher success and student achievement.
PROGRAMS OPERATION MANAGER
Flora Salazar
Believes the foundation of a thriving community is built on family in all its forms and the pursuit of knowledge. Loves fostering inclusive spaces, championing mental health, and travel, literature, music, and art.
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BRANDING ASSOCIATE
Hanan Abraha
Believes in the power of art to amplify marginalized voices and foster understanding, community, and unity. Loves being immersed in creative projects, rabbit holes, diverse music, new cafes, and analog photography.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAM INTEGRATION
James Deenihan
Believes that visionary, authentic leadership and strong systems are the foundation of exceptional school systems. Loves audiobooks, tackling new challenges, cultivating efficiency, and unlocking potential in others.
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PROGRAMMING AND LEARNING DEVELOPMENT
Jess Zannikos
Believes transformative leadership thrives on developing shared values, intentional collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Loves designing learning experiences, exploring nature, and cooking.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
Kathy Genao
Believes that passionate leaders shouldn’t have to sacrifice their health and well-being for their causes. Loves integrating wellness into the work, traveling, sharing experiences, and repping the Bronx.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Katie Smith
Believes the “impossible” is achievable with the right plan in place and the right people behind it. Loves good organizational tools, icebreakers, walking up mountains, and planning her next adventure.
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Kristen Jefferson
Believes that leadership is an acquired skill that can be developed through intentional practice and growth. Loves traveling, Pilates, spending time with family, and inspiring others to try new strategies that yield results.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Laurel Wong
Believes that passionate dreamers, thoughtful design, and creative communications drive change. Loves advocating for mental wellbeing, booking flights, new creative outlets, and adding to her endless to-read list.
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Lauren Jonas
Believes in the capacity of all children to excel, and in the role of teachers and leaders to spark enthusiasm for learning. Loves bringing out the best in people and spending time with her two sons and husband.
DIRECTOR OF MONITORING, EVALUATION,
AND IMPACT
Dr. Lizz Tetu
Believes education’s purpose is to help humans and communities thrive. Loves to co-create new approaches to enduring dilemmas in teaching, learning, and leading.
DIRECTOR OF NETWORK PARTNERSHIPS AND NEW PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Maria Guzman-Colon
Believes that equitable and impactful educational experiences can transform lives, communities, and society. Loves exploring unconventional approaches to systemic issues, and creating community spaces.
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT, STRATEGY, AND INNOVATION
Molly Cohen
Believes that novel ideas and thoughtfully designed learning experiences can transform leaders. Loves thinking outside the box, fostering strong relationships and communities, photography, flea markets, and family.