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 progress in education. As founder of Lingo Ventures, he makes early-stage investments in education and workforce technologies. In 2000, Gunn co-founded Wireless Generation (now called Amplify), a leading educational software company serving millions of students annually with groundbreaking assessment and … 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 food revolution. Throughout a career that has spanned law, civil rights, public policy, marketing, philanthropy, and finance, Ryan has maintained a devotion … Read more
Angela Mwanza is Co-Founder of Evergreen Wealth Management at UBS Private Wealth Management, where she has achieved immense success as a Private Wealth Advisor and Family Office Consultant by focusing on the intersection of family, finance, and philanthropy. She serves on UBS’ Sustainable Investing Advisory Council and was selected as a UBS Global Visionary Ambassador … Read more
Tommy Cerja is a local Virginia Beach resident and currently a senior Interdisciplinary Studies Major at Norfolk State University. Tommy is passionate about community improvement and is a current member on Mayor Dyer’s, of Virginia Beach, African American Roundtable that is seeking to address systemic issues and sew unity in the city. He loves going … 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 President of The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (The CAFE), Liz is deeply engaged in the non-profit community and passionate about youth development and education. The CAFE is focused on college access and success and career readiness and attainment. Also, through the foundation, Liz mentors and supports students and young professionals as they transition … 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
