Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations and learning organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, Tom is author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents, Better Together, The Power of Place, and Difference … Read more
Greg Gunn is a leader in using technology, innovation, and venture capital investing to promote educational and economic opportunity. As co-founder of Lingo Ventures, he makes early-stage investments in education and workforce technologies. Greg co-founded Wireless Generation (now called Amplify Education), a leading educational software company serving millions of K-12 students with groundbreaking instructional products. … Read more
Ryan Shadrick Wilson has been referred to as “the good food whisperer” because of the quiet yet significant role she has played in launching many of the innovative ideas and companies shaping the future of health, climate, and culture. Throughout a career that has spanned law, civil rights, public policy, marketing, philanthropy, and finance, Ryan … Read more
Angela is an experienced advisor with well over two decades’ experience advising substantial families and family offices on sophisticated investment strategies with implementation focused on managing risk, liquidity, and, where appropriate, socially responsible and impact investments. Angela brings a unique experience and skillset to families regarding family business succession planning, family governance, legacy, and intergenerational … Read more
Tommy Cerja has been with Simpson Thacher since receiving his J.D. in 2024 from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was President of the Student Bar Association. He received his B.A. in 2021 from the R.C Nusbaum Honors College at Norfolk State University. He is admitted to practice in the District of … Read more
Lisa is an entrepreneur and angel investor with over 30 years of executive and strategic leadership across a variety of businesses and industries. She believes in getting involved and making the world a better place for children and people today and for future generations. In 2002 she co-founded Close Reach Partners, providing advisory services to … Read more
As CEO of The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group (The CAFE Group), Liz Thompson is deeply engaged in the social innovation and philanthropic communities. The CAFE Group provides financial and programmatic support to Leaders of Color whose proximity to current and historic challenges in education allows them to influence philanthropic decisions and create meaningful … Read more
Diane Whitty, Executive Director and Global Head of The Philanthropy Centre, joined J.P. Morgan in 2010. The Philanthropy Centre is focused on providing clients with insights and services to help meet their financial and philanthropic goals through innovative advice, thought leadership and collaborative opportunities. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Diane served over the past 30 … Read more
Cary Leitzes is the Founder and President of LEITZES&CO, a creative agency that specializes in blockbuster partnerships between creatives and brands that drive cultural relevancy. Her roster of clients and projects span across all sectors and include the likes of Target, NBC Universal, Karl Lagerfeld, Lady Gaga’s Workshop at Barneys, Diplo, Cindy Sherman, MAC Cosmetics, … Read more
In June 2021, Darla Vaughn joined Emerson Collective’s Culture Council: an asymmetric, culture-focused EC resource created in response to the Golden Age of art and activism. She leads, advises, supports, serves, and collaborates on a wide variety of projects with innovative and creatively inspiring problem-solvers—internally and externally—in pursuit of a more just, equitable, and inclusive … Read more
