Aneesh is the child of immigrants and was compelled to begin his career in education because of the meaningful role access to educational opportunities played in his family’s life. He started as a high school English teacher. It was his experience working with his students that brought to life for Aneesh the limitless potential of … Continue reading Aneesh Sohoni

As one of the nation’s foremost intersectional researchers and scholars, Dr. C. Nicole Mason brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. For the past two decades, Dr. Mason has spearheaded research on issues relating to economic security, poverty, women’s issues, and entitlement reforms; policy formation and … Continue reading C. Nicole Mason

Carrie Billy, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and attorney from Arizona, was appointed President & CEO of AIHEC June 2008. Carrie is a graduate of the University of Arizona and the Georgetown University Law Center. Her career reflects a commitment to public service, as seen through her work on behalf of the 37 … Continue reading Carrie L. Billy

Celina Moreno, J.D., is president and CEO of the Intercultural Development Research Association in San Antonio, Texas, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to equity and excellence in education. IDRA works with school systems, institutions of higher education and communities across the country to create education that works for all children, particularly those who are students … Continue reading Celina Moreno

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