Larry, a 2021 TED Fellow, is the chief executive officer and co-founder of Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T). He is the chief fundraiser and ensures that the vision and culture match the mission. Larry is the creator and mastermind of ‘The Cipher’, which is BE2T’s in-house personal and professional development space. Before this role, Larry … Continue reading Larry Irvin

Linda García is the Executive Director of the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). Prior to this role, she served as the Assistant Director of College Relations at CCCSE. Previously, Linda was Vice President of Community College Relations at the Roueche Graduate Center at National American … Continue reading Linda Garcia

Melissa Connelly is the CEO of OneGoal, a national postsecondary access and success organization. Prior to becoming CEO, Melissa served as the organization’s first Chief Program Officer. In this role, she was responsible for executing the programmatic vision to ensure all students have an equitable opportunity to earn a postsecondary degree or credential. As a … Continue reading Melissa Connelly

Throughout her career, Niamani has developed a reputation for her skill in connecting people and ideas. She joined AGAG in 2001 and has guided its evolution from an idea to a vibrant network, working in partnership with the Steering Committee, members, and other colleagues working at the intersection of philanthropy and Africa. Before joining AGAG … Continue reading Niamani Mutima

Noël Harmon is President and Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars, formerly, the Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund. She joined the organization in June 2018. Harmon comes to APIA Scholars from Say Yes to Education, where she was Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships. Harmon has also held positions at the Brookings … Continue reading Noel Harmon

Sameer has been a leader in college access and success for over a decade. Most recently, Sameer was a Senior Program Officer at the Joyce Foundation, where he led the philanthropy’s efforts on higher education. His portfolio focused on addressing racial and economic disparities in college access, including improving the longstanding racial disparities in access … Continue reading Sameer Gadkaree

David Johns is the executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black LGBTQ+/SGL people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.  Johns was appointed the first executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans by President Barack Obama and served from 2013-2017. Johns … Continue reading David J. Johns

Deborah A. Santiago is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Excelencia in Education, America’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education. As an innovator, thought leader, and educational visionary, she has led research and advanced evidence-based practices and strategies for more than 20 years at national levels to improve educational … Continue reading Deborah Santiago

Denise Forte is the CEO at The Education Trust, a national advocacy organization often described as “the most important truth teller” in American public education. As one of the country’s leading voices on education equity, Denise is a fierce advocate for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. She is on the forefront of … Continue reading Denise Forte

Gary Z. Linnen is the CEO of PeerForward, following its original co-founders. Mr. Linnen has steered PeerForward’s programs for more than a decade, cultivating deep experience in youth development, program innovation, and organizational leadership. He has contributed to virtually every function of the organization, from designing and facilitating workshops for educators and students to fostering … Continue reading Gary Linnen