About Us
Our Mission
We partner with communities to imagine and create more equitable, relevant, and effective schools. Using research, we convene, coach, and build capacity to improve outcomes and experiences for all students.
Our Vision
Students, educators, and communities partnering as agents of change to design:
Classrooms that empower
Schools that respond
Systems that liberate
Our Core Values

CURIOSITY
We begin with inquiry so that we can learn, grow, and build a culture of continuous improvement alongside our partners.

COMPASSION
Culturally responsive school change work can be challenging, uncomfortable, and personal. Our strengths-based approach is infused with compassion and hope.

COLLABORATION
We ask for feedback, listen, and respond to improve our services, working to ensure that our partners find sustainable success.

RESEARCH
We anchor our approach to a strong research base, highlighting studies led by and focused on people with marginalized identities.

EQUITY
We approach all of our work with an equity lens. No matter the project focus or target audience, we work to increase awareness about systemic inequities that are at play.

COMMUNITY
We value local solutions that center community perspectives. We seek input and recommendations from all school stakeholders to support inclusive decision-making.
Our Team
Our board

Soumangue Basse
Chief Executive Officer, Akamai Brands LLC and Founder, Ti Leaf Capital

Melanie Dukes
Founder, EdVenture Lab & Strategic Advisor, OBC at Southern Education Foundation

Travonnie Mackey
Co-Founder & Chief Program Officer, Empact Work

Dr. Arun Ramanathan
CEO, PowerMyLearning

Sean Lane
SVP Portfolio Operations, PSG

Noah Wepman
Senior Director, Alvarez & Marsal; Throughline Learning Board Treasurer

Dr. Davion R. Lewis
Superintendent, Essexville-Hampton Public Schools

Karl Rectanus
Educator, Entrepreneur, Advisor, Investor

Dr. Paula Talty
Interim Dean for the School of Education at CCSU
Our staff

Shawn Rubin
Executive Director

Malika Ali
Chief Innovation Officer

Stephanie Castilla
Chief Operating Officer

Cathy Sanford
Director of Communications

Karina Rodriguez
Director of Research & Analytics

Heidi Vazquez
Program Manager

Rebecca Roberts
Data Analyst

Maeve Murray
Communications Manager