Cheryl Crazy Bull, Wacinyanpi Win (They Depend on Her), a citizen of the Sicangu Lakota nation, is President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, a role she has held since 2012. A lifelong educator and community activist, Cheryl advocates for self-determination focused on Native voice, philosophy, and traditions as the heart of the … Continue reading Cheryl Crazy Bull

Born in Alameda County and raised in Richmond, Christopher is a proud product of the City of Richmond and the East Bay. Equally driven by the racial, educational, health, and economic disparities he experienced around him and the dedication he saw throughout the community to secure a more equitable future for the city, Christopher aspired … Continue reading Christopher Whitmore

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

Dr. Heather Deneen Wathington’s background is a unique blend of education, research, and philanthropy that has focused on students in underserved communities. She has served as the past president at Girard College, a historic boarding school in Philadelphia, and the chief executive officer at See Forever Foundation and the Maya Angelou Schools in Washington, DC. … Continue reading Heather Wathington

As uAspire’s chief executive officer, Jaclyn’s core responsibilities are strategic leadership and governance, organizational and people management, external relations, and fundraising. Jaclyn has been a key member of uAspire’s executive leadership team since 2017. Previously, as chief regional officer, Jaclyn strengthened uAspire’s influence and coordinated our impact in Massachusetts, New York City, and the San … Continue reading Jaclyn Piñero

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Javaid Siddiqi is the President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. During his tenure The Institute has more than tripled its staff and has expanded its scope of work beyond K-12 to include the entire education continuum from early childhood to postsecondary and the workforce. Javaid works with the … Continue reading Javaid Siddiqi

In fall 2020, Rev. John C. Jones was named HOPE Toledo president by the HOPE Toledo board, which is chaired by Wendi Huntley, Esq. As a Toledo native, Jones knows first-hand the impact quality education can make on an individual, a family and the broader community. Prior to taking the position with HOPE Toledo, Jones … Continue reading John C. Jones