2026 Summit

8:00 am Registration | Campus Center -3rd Floor

8:30 am - 8:45 am Welcome | Campus Center Ballroom & Annex 

8:45 am - 9:05 am Keynote I Campus Center Ballroom & Annex 

• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Ph.D., Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education 

9:05 am- 9:45 am Panel Conversation| Campus Center Ballroom

• Annie Duong-Turner, Director of Grantmaking & Programs, Britebound (Moderator) 

• Edward M. Lambert, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education 

• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Ph.D., Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education 

• Amanda Seider, Executive Director, One Goal Massachusetts  

• Natalia Thomas, Student

9:45 am - 9:50 am Announcements I Campus Center Ballroom

10:00 am - 11:00 am Workshops - Session 1 |Classrooms

11:10 pm - 12:10 pm Workshops - Session 2 |Classrooms

12:10 pm - 1:10 pm Lunch & Award Presentation |Campus Center Ballroom & Annex

1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Resource Fair I Campus Center Terrace 

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Workshops - Session 3 | Classrooms

3:10 pm - 3:30 pm Closing & Dessert Reception |Campus Center Ballroom

* Additional Seating and refreshments are available in CC-2550-A located on the second floor

Workshop Session 1

(10:00 am - 11:00 am) 

Changing Labor Market Conditions and the Role of Bootcamps for Career Exploration and Skill Development

Joseph McLaughlin, Boston Private Industry Council I Cara Brooks, Boston Private Industry Council 

This session will begin with an overview of industry and occupation job growth trends in Greater Boston, as well as the recent slowdown in entry-level hiring and internships. As part of a strategy to provide more opportunities for career exploration in this environment, the presenters will share examples from immersive vacation-week bootcamps that foster skill development in a range of professional fields.

Hello to Xello: BPS' New College & Career Planning Platform

Anthony Cook, Xello I Caitlin Gilligan, Boston Public Schools I Erin Jaques, Boston Public Schools 

This session will introduce participants to Xello and its features as a tool for student exploration and planning. It will also demonstrate how Xello can support exploration and planning through MyCAP engagement, and how schools and partners can coordinate.

Middle Grades Career-Connected Learning: Connecting Student Perspective, Opportunity, and Classroom Experience

Reynaldo Benzan-Martinez, OneGoal I Beverly Pierce, Boston Public Schools I Clara Shim, BriteBound

This session explores how to make career-connected learning actionable in middle grades by aligning student interests, district resources, and supportive adults to create experiences that genuinely resonate with young learners. Participants will examine real-world strategies for identifying needs, engaging mentors, leveraging community assets, and designing meaningful opportunities that help students understand and navigate emerging career pathways.

Navigating Data on College and Career Outcomes to Guide Student Success

Danielle Kane, Massachusetts Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub I Katie Singer, Massachusetts Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub

Learn how to find and use publicly available data and resources for college and career readiness, postsecondary outcomes, and career options. We'll dive into a new data story on career-connected pathways participation and new dashboards on post-college earnings. Bring your data questions, and discover how the Massachusetts Education-to-Career (E2C) Research and Data Hub can help inform student advising and decision-making.

Scaling Career-Connected Learning for Students 

Marcia Fitzpatrick, Boston Public Schools I LaVonia Montoute, EdVestors I Rosemary Powers, Cristo Rey Boston I Christopher Quaye,  Boston Day & Evening Academy I Geoffrey Walker, Fenway High School

This session introduces an inclusive definition of career‑connected learning—spanning career exploration through career immersion—and explores what it takes to ensure all students can access these experiences at scale. In a community conversation with schools immersed in this work, we’ll examine the enabling conditions, challenges, and opportunities for scaling career-connected learning. Attendees will leave with practical insights on approaching and growing coordinated career-connected learning efforts.

Set Up for Your Step with Muadi B. Dibinga

Muadi B. Dibinga, Muadi B. Dibinga Unlimited

Experience a youth-focused executive coaching curriculum aimed at boosting students’ workforce skills. Implemented during an arts summer program with nearly 200 high school students, it enhances goal setting, success habits, and networking resources. Led by an experienced Executive Coach and Life Strategist, leave this hands-on session with a personal vision statement, the curriculum playbook, instructional videos, and new network contacts. Join us and get your mind right and your game tight!

The STEM Success Equation: Alignment Across Secondary and Postsecondary Pathways

Alex Ferro, Boston Public Schools I Sydney Morgan, University of Massachusetts Boston I Rebecca Siggelkoe Moreno, Bunker Hill Community College I Elizabeth Walczak, Independent Consultant I Miriam Rubin, Ezmay Consulting 

What do we know about how students navigate STEM degree pathways, from secondary to earning degrees? Drawing on institutional analyses, district and higher education leaders will share insights on students pursuing STEM postsecondary pathways and encourage attendees to share their observations on the work needed to align STEM pathways across sectors, as well as the tools and resources advisors need to support students. We will consider: What factors may help students persist by overcoming common barriers and challenges, and setting conditions for students’ success in STEM pathways? What types of supports would help students make informed choices and thrive? How can we strengthen alignment and student preparedness in math so that completing courses can unlock opportunities?

Unlocking the Creative: Creative Sector Pathways for Students

Kenny Mascary, City of Boston, Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture I Ruth Mercado-Zizzo, EdVestors I Ann Sousa, Brighter Boston I Natalia Thomas, Boston Public Schools Alum

This session will provide insights into the landscape of creative career opportunities, a growing but often overlooked avenue for careers, and will uplift a shared definition of the creative sector informed by education, workforce, and CBO perspectives. Speakers will also share insights on the pathways for employment in the creative ecosystem.

Workshop Session 2

   (11:10 am -12:10 pm) 

Advising in the New Graduation Landscape: The Graduation Council Recommendations Opportunity

Erin Jaques, Boston Public Schools I Amanda Seider, OneGoal Massachusetts I Femi Stoltz, uAspire I  Elizabeth Walczak, Independent Consultant

The Commonwealth's Graduation Council, tasked with shaping redefined graduation requirements, released recommendations late last year that describe what it means to graduate from a public high school in Massachusetts, be prepared for today’s workforce, and pursue postsecondary education and training opportunities, including critical elements for entering a postsecondary education or training program. The College, Career, and Civic portion of these recommendations presents an opportunity to: advance key policy conditions, create a vision for what it takes to do this well, and strengthen advising for all students. Panelists will share insights on the recommendations and potential implementation and policy considerations, and explore: What could - or should - implementation of the CCCR elements look like?  How could these requirements represent a unique opportunity to elevate and bring support and infrastructure to the work of advising and supporting students?

AI in Practice: A Cross-Institutional Perspective

Anthony Beatrice, Boston Public Schools I George Garcia, Britebound I  Khaleel Shreet, Duet I Dudney Sylla, Axim Collaborative I Marinell Rousmaniere, EdVestors 

This session will focus on how we can best support students through key transitions in K-12 and during their postsecondary journey, including middle school to high school, high school to postsecondary, and transfers across postsecondary institutions. Participants will learn about tools and strategies that student-facing practitioners can use at each transition point. They will also have the opportunity to share their own tools and strategies in small groups and brainstorm with peers about additional approaches.

Connections that Count: Practical Strategies for Building Belonging in Secondary Classrooms

Laura Johnson, Harmony Academy 

Secondary educators know relationships matter—but finding time and structures to build authentic connections can feel challenging within packed schedules, academic pressure, and large student loads. In this interactive session, educators’ perspectives will be prioritized, and participants will explore research-informed, classroom-ready strategies that make relationship-building practical and sustainable in middle school settings through Harmony’s Everyday Practices: Harmony Goals, Meet Up, and Buddy Up. Educators will experience these routines firsthand, collaborate to adapt strategies across content areas, and leave with ready-to-use approaches that strengthen belonging, increase student engagement, and support positive school culture.

Hello to Xello - BPS's New College & Career Planning Platform

Anthony Cook, Xello I Caitlin Gilligan, Boston Public Schools I Erin Jaques, Boston Public Schools 

This session will introduce participants to Xello and its features as a tool for student exploration and planning. It will also demonstrate how Xello can support exploration and planning through MyCAP engagement, and how schools and partners can coordinate.

[CANCELLED] Navigating the Modernized Career Clusters Framework and Aligned Credentials 

Kate Kreamer, Advance CTE 

In 2024, the National Career Clusters Framework was updated for the first time in 20 years to better reflect the needs of learners and industry. Building on the updated frameworks, this session will explore career clusters, credentials, and how they can be leveraged to support students of all ages.

Set Up for Your Step Up with Muadi B. Dibinga

Muadi B. Dibinga, Muadi B. Dibinga Unlimited

Experience a youth-focused executive coaching curriculum aimed at boosting students’ workforce skills. Implemented during a summer arts program with nearly 200 high school students, Set Up for Your Step Up enhances goal setting, success habits, and networking resources. Led by an experienced Executive Coach and Life Strategist, attendees will leave this hands-on session with a personal vision statement, a curriculum playbook, instructional videos, and new network contacts. Join us and get your mind right and your game tight!

Two Cities, One Vision: Advancing Advising & Future Readiness for Students through Partnership in New York City Public Schools and Boston Public Schools

Kristen Harris, New York Public Schools I Marsha Inniss-Mitchell, Boston Public Schools I LaVonia Montoute’, EdVestors I Allison Palmer, Charles Hayden Foundation 

In this session, participants will explore the synergies between NYC Public Schools and Boston Public Schools in advancing aligned advising and its links to career‑connected learning priorities—both within districts and through cross‑sector partnerships. Attendees will learn about NYC Public Schools’ approach to advising and its integration with district priorities, and will hear insights from a joint Boston–NYC partnership panel. Together, we will surface key insights, common challenges, and collaborative opportunities to strengthen support for all students.

Understanding Our Context: An Update on Policies Impacting Postsecondary Transitions

Raul Fernandez, Boston University 

Building on insights from the past year, this session will explore the federal and Massachusetts policy landscapes shaping students’ access to and persistence in postsecondary pathways. Following a policy snapshot, participants will engage in Q&A and guided reflection to examine how policy impacts surface in their daily work and elevate key narratives that can inform policy conversations on seamless student transitions.

Workshop Session 3

(2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

Community Roundtable 

Heang Ly, The Boston Foundation | Jessica Beaton, University of Massachusetts Boston

This session offers an opportunity to connect, reflect, and process together. Grounded in a conversation about sense of belonging, we will explore examples of intentional practices on postsecondary campuses that foster belonging, and then reflect on what belonging looks like in our practice of seamless advising. This will be a conversational space is designed to invite open reflection, shared insights, connection, and meaningful takeaways from the day.

Expanding Opportunity in an AI-Transformed Labor Market

Kerry McKittrick, The Project on Workforce, Harvard University

Generative AI is rapidly reshaping the structure of work, particularly in entry-level roles that have traditionally served as gateways to career mobility, and in doing so, raising urgent questions for students, families, and educators. How can students gain experience, demonstrate readiness, and access career opportunities in this evolving landscape? This session will draw on emerging research from the Harvard Project on Workforce and related studies to examine AI’s impact on the labor market,  what these changes mean for our education system, the practical, evidence-backed strategies that can expand opportunity, and the role of work-based learning and social capital in today's evolving workplace.

Facilitating a Warm Handoff

Augusta Davis, Boston Opportunity Agenda I Marsha Inniss Mitchell, Boston Public Schools I Lauren Meissner, Boston Public Schools I Miriam Rubin, Ezmay Consulting

This session will encourage participants to think about how they can use existing data (such as senior exit surveys and partner rosters) and resources to facilitate a more seamless experience for students graduating from BPS and moving on to the next step in their postsecondary journey. Participants will have the opportunity to dig into current data on how students are experiencing and navigating this transition, discuss the strategies and tools used at each transition point, and brainstorm with peers about additional approaches. 

Middle Grades (5-8) Roundtable

Erin Jaques, Boston Public Schools I Lindsay Nicastro, Boston Public Schools 

This session will be an informal conversation space for those who support middle grades students and would like to connect with others. Join us to network with fellow educators as we share best practices and grapple with the unique challenges of supporting our middle-grade students in their academic and career planning.

Navigating the Credential Landscape

Charlotte Cahill, All4Ed 

With more than 1.5 million credentials available in the U.S., and uneven evidence about which credentials actually open doors, it's no wonder the landscape is hard to navigate—and the evidence about which credentials actually open doors is uneven. Students are making high-stakes decisions about credentials, yet the information available to educators to guide those decisions hasn't always kept pace with the rapid proliferation of credentials. In this interactive workshop, we'll dig into what the research shows about credential value and what it means for the work we do with young people. Participants will leave with new tools for evaluating credentials and new questions that put young people’s goals at the center of the conversation to bring to their work with students.

Postsecondary Advising and Academic Connections for Transitions

Jacqueline McMillion- Williams, Bunker Hill Community College 

This interactive session explores how advisors and faculty in higher education can intentionally integrate academic planning and career exploration to support student navigation and equity. Grounded in NACADA (The Global Advising Community) advising principles, guided pathways, and career readiness frameworks, participants will engage in collaborative activities, examine common student scenarios, and leave with actionable strategies that strengthen advising–academic partnerships across community college and university contexts.

Postsecondary Perspectives Enrollment and Completion

Mike Dennehy, Boston University I Paul Jean-Baptiste, Bunker Hill Community College I Jacob Jones, Bunker Hill Community College I Loretta Minor, Roxbury Community College I Sydney Morgan, University of Massachusetts Boston

In partnership with Success Boston, this session will feature a cross-institutional panel from the University of Massachusetts at Boston (UMB), Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, and Boston University, as well as student voices discussing the strategies, successes, and challenges of college enrollment and completion.

Supporting Students with Disabilities in Postsecondary Readiness and Success 

Marcia Fitzpatrick, Boston Public Schools | Hannah K. Huynh, UMass Boston

This session will outline the differences in access to disability services as students move from K-12 to higher education. Presenters will highlight how those differences play out for students and share strategies and steps that student-facing practitioners can take to create seamless support experiences for students with disabilities at every level.

Seamless Advising Summit 2026

Speaker Bios

Paul Jean-Baptiste, Student, Bunker Hill Community College 

Paul Elieshama Jean-Baptiste is an Electrical Engineering student at Bunker Hill Community College. He serves as a Peer Connector with Community Connect, where he helps support student engagement and strengthen connections within the campus community. In addition, he is one of the voices of the Opportunity Youth Collaborative (OYC), contributing to conversations and initiatives that advocate for and empower opportunity youth. Through his academic work and leadership roles, Paul is committed to community engagement, collaboration, and creating positive impact.

Anthony Beatrice, Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning, Boston Public Schools  

Tony Beatrice serves as the Deputy Chief of Teaching and Learning for Boston Public Schools, where he leads districtwide strategy across several academic departments including Academic Mentoring, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, Global Travel, Health and Wellness, Library Services, Visual & Performing Arts, and World Languages. Previously Tony served as the district’s Executive Director for the Arts and has been a strong advocate for expanding equitable access to high-quality arts education for all students. He currently co-leads the BPS AI Steering Committee and serves on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education AI Task Force. Tony earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education from UMass Lowell and is the Past-President of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association.

Jessica Beaton, Assistant Director of Student Success, UMass Boston

Jessica oversees all student success initiatives for the Manning College of Nursing and HealthSciences, including the First Year Learning Community, Peer Mentorship programs, Academic Coaching, and Academic Intervention for at-risk students. Jessica began her work at UMass Boston in 2023 as an Academic Advisor for Nursing students and has been in her current role since last April. Jessica holds an earned her M.Ed in Higher Education Student Affairs from Salem State University.  In her free time, she loves going to the Cape, taking group fitness classes, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Reynaldo Benzan-Martinez, Senior Program Director, OneBead

Reynaldo Benzan-Martinez is in his sixth year at One Bead, having joined the team in 2019 after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a degree in public health. While at UMass, Reynaldo gained valuable experience assessing community needs, implementing services for English Language Learners, and building strong relationships across diverse communities. A former youth enrichment program participant and first-generation college student who navigated an IEP, Reynaldo brings a deep, personal understanding of the barriers many Boston students face—making him exceptionally well-suited to lead One Bead’s programming in schools. He is also bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English, which further strengthens his ability to connect with students and families. In fall 2024, Reynaldo stepped into a senior leadership role, quickly becoming a key driver of One Bead’s growth and impact.

Joseph Berger, Provost, UMass Boston 

Joseph B. Berger is a renowned and award-winning scholar whose work focuses on higher education policy, organization, and leadership; the impact of higher education on key stakeholders; and the development of higher education across various national contexts. He has authored dozens of journal articles, book chapters, and research reports and has served on the editorial boards for several top journals.

Cara Brooks, IT & STEM Employer Engagement Manager, Boston Private Industry Council 

Cara Brooks is a STEM career pathways leader at the Boston Private Industry Council, where she supports Boston Public high schools in building stronger connections between classroom learning and high-growth careers. Her work focuses on expanding equitable access to career exploration, internships, and industry-aligned learning experiences for students across the city. Cara collaborates with educators, employers, and workforce partners to design innovative programs, including immersive career bootcamps, that help students develop practical skills and explore emerging opportunities in Greater Boston’s evolving labor market.

Charlotte Cahill, Senior Advisor, All4Ed 

Charlotte Cahill is a senior advisor at All4Ed focused on advancing strategies that multiply opportunities for young people, drive equitable outcomes, and create pathways to economic security, choice-filled lives, and thriving adulthoods. She builds external relationships, develops thought leadership, and designs strategies that support and transform K-12, higher education, and workforce development systems. Her areas of expertise span policy and practice and include systems change, cross-sector partnership building, intermediary development, work-based learning, dual enrollment, career navigation, and career and technical education. Charlotte was previously an associate vice president at Jobs for the Future (JFF), where she co-led Pathways to Prosperity, an initiative that has supported cross-sector leaders in 32 states and over 150 communities in designing and scaling education-to-career pathways since its launch in 2012. She holds a B.A. in history from Boston College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in the history of U.S. public policy from Northwestern University.

Anthony Cook, Trainer, Xello

Anthony Cook has nearly 20 years of experience in education, including 8 years as a teacher and the remainder as a school counselor, with experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Cook served five years as the Coordinator of College and Career Services for the School District of Osceola County before being elected as a School Board Member in the district, and has presented at conferences across the nation to advance the work of school counselors. Cook has been recognized as Counselor of the Year, nominated as Florida’s Innovator of the Year, selected as a fellow with NCAN and KIPP, and Cook currently work for Xello as a trainer and consultant.

Augusta Davis, Manager of Projects and Communications, Boston Opportunity Agenda

Muadi B. Dibinga, Executive Coach, Muadi B. Dibinga Unlimited

With over 30 years of experience as an independent consultant, Muadi B. Dibinga brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this workshop. Specializing in nonprofit, social justice, and community-based organizations, Muadi has a proven track record in providing essential training, information, tools, and resources to maximize organizational effectiveness. Her extensive background includes organizational assessments, strategic planning, diversity training, and fundraising development. Muadi's work as an executive coach for youth interns and program participants at various youth-serving organizations, including EdVestors Boston Arts Internship Program, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, Real Journeys Academy, Harvard University’s Phillips Brooks House Association, N.A.A.C.P., Jose Mateo Ballet Theater, and the National Speakers Association Youth Conference, underscores her dedication to youth development. She is the author of Put Your Shoes On! A Step-by-step Guide for Young People Entering the Workforce and the creator of “Set-up for your Step Up,” a curriculum that provides young people with practical strategies to maximize their chances of achieving success while also adding value in the workforce and life. As a highly effective facilitator, coach, and motivational speaker, Muadi is dedicated to using her skills and knowledge to support people of all ages in their efforts to thrive in an increasingly competitive society.

Raul Fernandez, Senior Lecturer, Higher Education Administration, Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Dr. Raul Fernandez is a senior lecturer in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, where he studies, writes, and teaches about educational inequities. Previously, he served as associate dean for equity, diversity & inclusion. He is also an appointee to the Racial Imbalance Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and has been named a Public Impact Scholar by the Initiative on Cities. Dr. Fernandez’s community work helped topple a monument to white supremacy, held a venerable but misguided institution accountable, launched a film and conversation series that engaged thousands of participants in challenging dialogues on social justice issues, and trained thousands more in developing equitable policies and practices at institutions throughout the country and beyond. Dr. Fernandez also served as vice chair of the Brookline Select Board – the first Latinx person elected to that position. He chaired the Small Business Development Committee he founded in Brookline. He also led the successful efforts to create a working group designed to better support the Brookline Housing Authority and its residents, a Racial Equity Advancement Fund, and a task force focused on reimagining public safety. Dr. Fernandez regularly consults with organizations on equity and inclusion and leads workshops that challenge participants to examine their backgrounds, beliefs, and biases while urgently addressing social justice issues by making changes to policy and practice. He’s facilitated workshops for teachers and academics, doctors and nurses, lawyers and social workers, business and nonprofit leaders, artists and librarians, students and seniors, and more.

Alex Ferro, Career Pathways Analyst, Boston Public Schools 

Alex Ferro is a Career Pathways Data Analyst with Boston Public Schools, where he supports the district’s College, Career, and Life Readiness Office through data analysis and strategic insights. His work focuses on strengthening secondary programming and expanding opportunities that connect students to postsecondary education and the workforce. He holds a Master’s in Educational Policy Studies from Boston University and brings experience in education, policy research, and program development. 

Marcia Fitzpatrick, Assistant Director of Transition, Boston Public Schools

Marcia Fitzpatrick is the Assistant Director of Transition for the Boston Public Schools.  She has been a teacher, team chair, and special education administrator over the course of her 30+ year career.

Most recently, Ms. Fitzpatrick was part of the team that designed and opened the NExT Transition Program in the Boston Public Schools.

George Garcia, Research Analyst, Britebound

George Garcia is an education researcher using mixed methods to understand how we can best support young people in preparing for their futures. He cares deeply about equity, rigor, transparency, and uplifting the voices of those too easily ignored in our current system.

Stephen Garschina-Bobrow, Mathematics Program Director, Boston Public Schools

Stephen started his 25+ year career in the Boston Public Schools. He later served as a Math Content Specialist in the Center for Instructional Support at DESE, where he facilitated Math Pathways work and supported district Math leaders. He believes collaboration is the key to good practice and loves engaging in problem-solving. For the past 4 years, in this role as a BPS Math Program Director, Stephen has most enjoyed working with Teachers and School Leaders to improve instruction, leadership, and HQIM implementation.

Caitlin Gilligan, Executive Director of School Counseling, Boston Public Schools 

Caitlin Gilligan is the Executive Director of School Counseling for Boston Public Schools.   She began working in education in 2004 as an employee of Lawrence Public Schools, where she assumed several roles: serving as an Intensive Case Manager for students in grades K-8, a School Counselor for grades 9-12, and the Supervisor of Counselors at Lawrence High School from 2017 to 2023. During her time at Lawrence High School, Caitlin oversaw a counseling department of 20 school counselors and school adjustment counselors serving a school of 3,300 students. In addition to this, she supported several initiatives within LHS, including the launch of the Early College Program, CTE partnership with Greater Lawrence Technical High School, and the roll-out and implementation of the Innovation Pathways. Caitlin received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Assumption University.

Louis Gregoire, Instructor & Math Space Coordinator, Bunker Hill Community College

Louis Gregoire has served as the Math Space Coordinator at BHCC since March 2008, where he oversees academic support services and tutoring for students in mathematics. Louis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology. His work focuses on strengthening student success by providing accessible, high-quality academic support and fostering confidence in math across diverse student populations.

Kristen Harris, Executive Director for College and Career Planning, New York City Public Schools Office of Student Pathways 

Kristen Harris is a dedicated advocate and systems-level leader working to improve college and career access and success for NYC Public School students. She serves as the Executive Director for College and Career Planning in the NYCPS Office of Student Pathways, where she guides citywide efforts to strengthen pathways advising, influence academic policy, and build strategic partnerships to ensure students graduate with personalized plans tailored to their futures beyond high school. With over twenty years of experience, Kristen has worked in community-based organizations, district schools, and charter networks, gaining a deep understanding of diverse student needs. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and has held leadership roles with CACNY, NYSACAC, Johns Hopkins University Access Advisory, and University of Hartford Alumni Advisory Council.

Hannah Hyunh, Assistant Director, Ross Center for Disability Services, University of Massachusetts Boston

Hannah Huynh is the Assistant Director of the Ross Center for Disability Services at UMass Boston. She has worked with students with disabilities in a variety of K-12 and higher education settings for over a decade. 

Marsha Inniss-Mitchell, Executive Director of Post-Secondary Initiatives, Boston Public Schools

Marsha Inniss-Mitchell is the Executive Director of Post-Secondary Initiatives for the Boston Public Schools. In her role, Marsha leads strategies to increase access to advanced coursework for high school students, expand quality advising services, and build more robust systems for overall college, career, and academic planning. Since the city of Boston’s college completion initiative began in 2008, her work has been core to supporting BPS graduates' postsecondary entry and persistence rates and to aligning systems across the K12, employer, and higher education sectors.  She has served BPS students and families for over 20 years and has an extensive background in nonprofit management, out-of-school-time programming, and college access services. Marsha holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hampton University and an M.Ed. in the Administration of Higher Education from Suffolk University

Erin Jaques, Assistant Director of College & Career Advising Programs, K-12, Boston Public Schools

Erin Jaques (she/they) works closely with teams of educators and stakeholders across Boston to create systems and strategies for MyCAP, a student-driven process that engages all young people in grades 6-12 in authentic postsecondary planning through a continuum of experiences centered around the individual student’s interests, skills, and goals for their future. Erin has experience across education as a special education teacher, program development and strategy consultant, policy researcher, and teacher coach. Erin has an Ed.M. in Educational Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and studied psychology and communication at Texas A&M University.

Laura Johnson, Senior Manager, Client Success Field Operations, Harmony Academy 

Laura Johnson is a senior client success and operations leader with over 15 years of experience supporting educators and organizations through implementation, professional learning, and client engagement initiatives. She currently serves as Senior Manager of Client Success at Harmony Academy for National University, where she leads national implementation and engagement strategies that strengthen partnerships and improve program outcomes. Laura has worked extensively with school districts and education organizations across the country, designing and delivering professional learning experiences that translate strategy into practical application. Her work focuses on building sustainable systems, strengthening relationships, and helping educators create meaningful, lasting impact for students and communities.

Jacob Jones, Academic Coordinator - Law and Public Service and Safety (LPSS) Pathway, Bunker Hill Community College

Jacob Jones is an (Navigator) Academic Coordinator at Bunker Hill Community College within the office of Community Connect. He serves as the pathway advisor for the Law, Public Service, and Safety pathway, aligning his professional experience with a lifelong commitment to public policy and local governance. He is also dedicated to creating culturally responsive programming, such as Community Connect’s annual Health is Wealth Summit.

Danielle Kane, Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Massachusetts Education-to-Career (E2C) Research and Data Hub

Danielle Kane has extensive communications experience with educational and cultural nonprofit institutions. A member of the E2C Hub team since 2023, she works to increase access to public data to inform education policy, practice, and individual decision-making. Previously, she was an associate director for communications at the College of the Holy Cross, where she built audience engagement for interdisciplinary campus conversations and scholarly initiatives. As communications manager at both the Worcester Art Museum and EcoTarium, she focused on public outreach and media relations. Danielle is active in her local community and a member of the Tantasqua Regional School Committee.

Ed Lambert, CEO, Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education 

Before joining MBAE in January of 2019, Ed served as vice chancellor for university relations at UMass Boston, where he was responsible for government and community relations, corporate relations, and communications. Ed was the founding director of the Urban Initiative of UMass Dartmouth, a research center focusing on urban policy and leadership issues. There, he helped organize the state’s Gateway Cities Coalition and assisted in designing and implementing state programs and legislation to support them, and led the Initiative’s work in urban schools assessing practices and serving as the regional satellite of the National Dropout Prevention Center. He also taught Public Policy and Public Management and served as the Chair of the Education Policy Committee of the Kaput Center for STEM Education and Research. Ed’s record of service also includes seven years as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where, as a member of the Education Committee, he assisted in the creation and passage of the 1993 Education Reform Act. He co-chaired the legislature’s Literacy Caucus in support of increased funding for Adult Basic Education and literacy programs. He also served twelve years as the mayor of Fall River, initiating a comprehensive school building campaign and creating a series of community education summits. He served 22 years on the Fall River School Committee, earning himself the Massachusetts Association of School Committees Lifetime Achievement Award. Ed served 8 years as a mentor to at-risk youth in the SMILES Mentoring program. He also served on a national task force for the development of the 21st Century Workforce of the Urban Serving Universities. He was appointed Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation by Governor Patrick and, earlier in his career, served as the director of social services at Saint Vincent's Home in Fall River. He earned his BA in psychology at UMass Dartmouth and his MEd in counseling at Bridgewater State College.

Heang Ly, Director of Pathways to Postsecondary Success, The Boston Foundation

Heang Ly is a leader with a proven track record in education, youth development, and organizational impact. A 20-year Boston resident and first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about advancing educational equity for Boston’s youth. As Director of Pathways to Postsecondary Success at The Boston Foundation, Heang leads efforts to increase access to postsecondary education and career-building opportunities. Previously, as Director of Consulting and Training at Third Sector New England, Heang revitalized the department and expanded partnerships, including a multi-million-dollar collaboration to support BIPOC-led organizations. In earlier roles at The Center for Teen Empowerment and Boston Public Health Commission, she launched and scaled youth programs, securing significant funding and national reach. Heang holds a Master of Education from Harvard and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UMass-Amherst.

Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of Arts and Culture, City of Boston 

Kenny ‘KNSZWRTH” Mascary is a Haitian-American DJ, street photographer, cultural producer, and emergent strategist based in Boston, MA. Navigating the intersection of culture, creativity, and social justice, Kenny moves through the world with both curiosity and conviction. As a civic leader and cultural strategist, his work advances Boston’s creative ecosystem and strengthens the city’s cultural infrastructure. Since arriving in Boston in 2004, he has contributed to mission‑driven organizations including the West End House Boys & Girls Club, Cambridge Youth Programs, the Cambridge Public Library, and Now + There, before joining the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture where he works on strategies that strengthen collaboration, celebrate cultural diversity, honor local perspectives as a roadmap for a thriving arts and culture ecosystem.

Kerry McKittrick, Co-Director, Project on Workforce at Harvard 

Kerry McKittrick is the Co-Director of the Project on Workforce, where she leads strategy, policy,  partnerships, and research at the intersection of education and workforce development. Her work centers on redesigning systems to expand access to high-quality education pathways and strengthen economic mobility. Kerry focuses on structural reforms to improve cross-sector collaboration and reduce inequities in education and work. She has co-authored several reports examining career-connected learning, institutional partnerships, career navigation, and workforce policy design, and she serves on advisory boards dedicated to expanding opportunities for underserved learners and workers. She is a 2025 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow, part of a national cohort of leaders working to improve the lives of children and families. Prior to Harvard, Kerry was a Senior Policy Advisor to Congressman Jim Langevin, co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, where she led federal policy across education, workforce, and child welfare portfolios. She later served as Senior Manager at Jobs for the Future, partnering with executive leadership to develop and oversee cross-organizational strategic initiatives. She began her career in politics as the successful campaign manager for Massachusetts State Representative Ken Gordon. Kerry holds a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Analysis from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she was distinguished as a Leadership in Education Fellow, and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Brown University. She is a frequent speaker at national forums on education and workforce systems transformation.

Joseph McLaughlin, Director of Research, Strategy, and Operations, Boston Private Industry Council Joseph McLaughlin is Director of Research and Strategy at the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), which serves as Boston’s MassHire Workforce Board and school-to-career intermediary for Boston Public Schools (BPS). In this role, Joseph leads the PIC’s research, data management, and program evaluation activities. Joseph’s research focuses on the college enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes of BPS graduates, the labor market experiences of youth and adults in Massachusetts, and industry and occupational employment developments in Massachusetts and the U.S. Joseph’s recent publications, include: College Enrollment and Completion Rates: Trends for Boston Public School Graduates (2023), Coming Back to Class: What Predicts Reenrollment of Students Who Have Stopped Out of College (2021), Moving to Opportunity: Connecting Low Income College Students to Internships and Good First Jobs (2021), and Staying the Course: Six-Year College Enrollment and Completion Experiences of the BPS Class of 2011 (2018).

Jacqueline “Jackie” McMillion-Williams, Director, Advising & LifeMap, Bunker Hill Community College

Jacqueline “Jackie” McMillion-Williams is a Roxbury native, alumna of Bunker Hill Community College and the University of Massachusetts Boston, and proud Black, queer scholar-practitioner in higher education. Her journey from single motherhood and first-generation college student to higher education leader reflects her deep commitment to access, equity, and student success. Jackie currently serves as Director of Advising & LifeMap and as an adjunct faculty member in the Behavioral Sciences Department at BHCC, where she advances inclusive advising and retention strategies. She is pursuing a Ph.D. (ABD) in Higher Education at UMass Boston, further strengthening her research and leadership in community college student success.

Lauren Meissner, Senior Data Analyst,  Boston Public Schools 

Lauren Meissner is a Senior Data Analyst with Boston Public Schools in the Office of Data & Accountability. She partners with the College, Career and Life Readiness Office to provide data-driven insights that inform district strategy on secondary school programming. She began her career as a high school math teacher and holds a Master’s in Education Policy & Management from Harvard.

Ruth Mercado-Zizzo, Vice President, Programs and Equity, EdVestors 

Ruth C. Mercado-Zizzo (She, Her, Hers) is the Vice President of Programs and Equity. In this role, she ensures that overall internal and organizational programmatic efforts incorporate an explicit, specific focus on advancing racial equity, including building an inclusive and equitable organizational culture and community. She is also responsible for overseeing EdVestors' work in Math and Racial Equity, as well as the Bloomberg Arts Internship program and all aspects of BPS Arts Expansion. She previously worked at the Boch Center, where, as Director of Education, she oversaw the long-term planning and evaluation of all education programs and managed partnerships with cultural institutions and community organizations across the city. Ruth also worked for People’s Light and Theatre in both education and administration. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from Arizona State University, where she was honored with the Herberger College of Fine Arts Research and Creative Activity Award, and is a graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She has served as Treasurer and board member of TYA/USA and as a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. She is an alum of the National Guild’s Community Arts Education Leadership Institute and National Arts Strategies/University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy. Ruth was the Operations Director for Createquity, an online think tank that synthesized research pertaining to the arts

Loretta Minor, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment, Roxbury Community College 

Loretta Minor is a higher education leader focused on enrollment strategy, student success, and equitable access. Her work emphasizes strengthening student pathways, improving retention, and advancing student completion through data-informed strategies and cross-campus collaboration.

LaVonia Montouté, Senior Director, Career Pathways, EdVestors 

LaVonia Montouté is the Senior Director, Career Pathways, where she fosters career-connected learning experiences through partnerships with Boston Public Schools and New Skills Boston, a cross-sector effort focused on improving systems and eliminating structural barriers to make quality career pathways accessible to more young people in Boston. LaVonia is passionate about career development and learning through work. She also leads EdVestors' staff development learning agenda and facilitates cross-program learning forums. LaVonia previously worked at the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy, where she supported schools in Gateway cities in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based postsecondary interventions. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Davidson College and Masters of Education in Human Development from Boston University. She is also a proud alumna of a local culinary arts workforce training program.

Sydney Morgan, Director, Undergraduate Admissions, UMass Boston

Sydney Morgan is a higher education professional with over a decade of experience working in education in the Greater Boston area. She currently serves as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UMass Boston. She is passionate about creating equitable and accessible pathways to and through higher education, particularly for transfer and non-traditional students. She has served on the board of the New England Transfer Association and is involved in state-wide initiatives like MassTransfer and Early College.

Lindsay Nicastro, Postsecondary Readiness Coordinator, Boston Public Schools

Throughout Lindsay’s experiences in the non-profit sector and as a youth educator, she’s realized it is impossible to understand what a community needs unless you listen to whom is most affected by institutional inequities. Her goal is always to expand opportunities for success by creating accessible, approachable pathways. 

Allison Palmer, Senior Program Manager, Charles Hayden Foundation 

Allison Palmer, MSW is a Senior Program Manager at the Charles Hayden Foundation, where she manages a portfolio of grants supporting organizations that help young people access and succeed in post-secondary education and career pathways. In this role, she works closely with nonprofit partners, schools, and higher education institutions across New York City and Boston to strengthen college access, career-connected learning, and youth development initiatives. Prior to joining the Charles Hayden Foundation, Allison served for more than twenty years in leadership roles at New Settlement, a large multi-service community-based organization in the Bronx, most recently as Associate Executive Director. During her tenure, she supported the development and implementation of programs that connected youth and young adults to both traditional and nontraditional educational and career opportunities. She also helped oversee a staff of more than 200 employees (54 full-time and 166 part-time), supported management of an $11 million organizational budget, led fundraising efforts to sustain and expand programming, and designed New Settlement’s data and evaluation strategy to ensure program quality and community impact. Allison has been an active leader in the college access and youth development field. She served as the New York State delegate to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) for three years and co-founded both the Bronx Opportunity Network and the College Success Network. She is a founding Board Member of Rule One and serves on the advisory boards of the Options Institute, DegreesNYC, and College Access: Research & Action (CARA). Allison earned her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and her Master of Social Work from Columbia University.

Beverly Pierce, Director of Career and Technical Education, Boston Public Schools 

Beverly A. Pierce serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Boston Public Schools, leveraging over 20 years of experience committed to the success and service of young people and families through education. In her role, Beverly focuses on strengthening systems to enhance equitable access to high-quality CTE pathways, workforce readiness in high-demand fields, and cultivating strong relationships with industry partners to increase work-based learning opportunities. She is passionate about creating inclusive, high-performance spaces where students thrive, and programs grow. Prior to her role at BPS, Beverly dedicated many years to the local nonprofit and community-based sector. In this capacity, she directed college access programs to support high school and post-high school students throughout their postsecondary journeys and guide organizational efforts. Beverly holds a BA in human services from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a master’s degree in Education from Northeastern University. 

Rosemary Powers, President, Cristo Rey Boston High School

Rosemary J. Powers is the President of Cristo Rey Boston High School, located in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Dorchester, MA. A lifelong resident of Savin Hill, Rosemary is proud to serve the community she calls home. A graduate of Catholic elementary and high school, and as a first generation college student herself, she knows the need for an academically rigorous affordable education for under-resourced students continues in the City of Boston. Cristo Rey Boston is the only private, tuition-free college prep high school in Boston. The school is rooted in the Jesuit tradition, committed to serving culturally diverse, aspirational students with demonstrated economic needs. Cristo Rey Boston uniquely integrates rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. Partnering with educators, businesses and communities enables students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success. Offering full academic scholarships to all accepted Cristo Rey Boston students reflects the school’s commitment to identifying and removing barriers to students’ academic and professional success. Rosemary is a highly respected professional with a long career in public service. She has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts, Governor Andrew Cuomo in New York, and Governor Gina Raimondo in Rhode Island. She is known for expertise in the transportation, energy, and environmental sectors, operations and budget management skills, and extensive experience in Governmental Affairs. Rosemary has long demonstrated an interest in politics and government. She has been an advocate, a community activist, a candidate for elected office, and has worked in various positions at the city and state level. Prior to her work for Governor Patrick, she served as Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Government Affairs Director for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. She spent over six years as Chief of Staff for former Massachusetts State Senator Jack Hart. Rosemary received her bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Rosemary lives in Dorchester with her husband, Bob Eastman,  and their dog, Fitzy, and their cats, Bonnie and Clyde. They have four adult children and four grandsons

Max Prudent, Math & Learning Specialist, Bunker Hill Community College

After graduating from UMass Boston, Max worked as a substitute math teacher for both the Boston Public Schools and Malden Public Schools, before moving to a full-time teaching position at Malden High School. He has been an instructor at the college level since 2012. 

Rachel Puopolo, Director, CLAFirst! And Early Support, UMass Boston

In her role as Director of CLA First! and Early Support, Rachel oversees the College of Liberal Arts' learning communities. Her work in student success focuses on ensuring students feel seen and supported from day 1. Rachel has worked at UMass Boston since 2005. Rachel is a first-generation college student and a proud Beacon Alum, having earned her MEd in School Counseling at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, experiencing live music, and is a huge fan of the Boston Celtics

Christopher Quaye, Pathway Coordinator, Boston Day and Evening Academy

Christopher joined BDEA in 2023 and has worked with youth in a mentoring, employment support, or college readiness capacity for the entirety of his professional career. Prior to joining BDEA, he served as a Transition Instructor at Learning Prep School in West Newton, supporting students with learning disabilities to develop job skills they can use in the workplace. As part of that role, Christopher supervised students within their respective job placements, and monitored their progress in partnership internships. Christopher holds a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from University of Massachusetts Boston, and a M.Ed. from Lesley University. 

Marinell Rousmaniere, CEO, EdVestors 

Marinell Rousmaniere is the President and CEO of EdVestors, bringing more than 25 years of experience in youth development and education to her role. Over her fifteen years with Edvestors Marinell has been a key leader in the organization, most recently serving as Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, where she oversaw BPS Arts Expansion and launched EdVestors’ newest work in career pathways. Previously, Marinell served as Executive Director of MYTOWN, a creative youth development organization that connects teens to Boston’s diverse history; worked as a senior staff member in former Mayor Menino’s mayoral initiative on out-of-school time; and started her career in Boston at Brighton High School with the Boston Private Industry Council. A first-generation college student, Marinell is a proud graduate of Connecticut College. She also holds an MBA in public and nonprofit management from Boston University. She lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with her husband and two children - one graduate of and one current student in the Boston Public Schools.

Miriam Rubin, Independent Consultant, Ezmay Consulting  

Miriam Rubin has spent her career working in and with Boston-based youth-serving organizations. She currently runs her own consulting firm, ezmay consulting, LLC, and focuses on supporting organizations and city departments with implementation and change management. Before that, she served as the Budget Director for the Boston Public Schools, overseeing the development and management of the district’s $1.4 Billion operating budget. Previously, she led the district’s partnership work, coordinating with the 1000+ partner organizations supporting BPS to increase equitable access to high-quality partnership opportunities. In that role and in her previous roles, Miriam has supported post-secondary initiatives at the policy and direct service levels. As a proud Bostonian, BPS graduate, and mother of two young children, Miriam is deeply committed to serving the city’s students, families, and schools. 

Mandy Savitz-Romer, Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education 

Dr. Mandy Savitz-Romer is the Nancy Pforzheimer Aronson Senior Lecturer in Human Development and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). Dr. Savitz-Romer began her career as a school counselor and has directed several college access and readiness programs and managed a statewide GEAR UP grant.  Her research and field-facing work examines how schools and universities structure student support systems and specifically, what conditions are critical to effective practice. She writes and speaks extensively on college and career readiness and school-based counseling, especially as it relates to minority students. Dr. Savitz-Romer is the author of “Fulfilling the Promise: Reimagining School Counseling to Advance Student Success” and co-author of “Ready, Willing, and Able: A Developmental Approach to College Access and Success” and “Technology and Engagement: Making Technology Work for First-Generation College Students.”  

Amanda Seider, Executive Director, OneGoal Massachusetts

Amanda Seider is the Massachusetts Executive Director at OneGoal, where she and her team work closely with school, district, state, and community partners to increase access to high-quality postsecondary advising and support. Amanda has over 20 years of experience in the education nonprofit sector, and currently serves on the board of the Mass. Alliance for Early College and the advisory board of Teach For America - Massachusetts. Amanda is a proud graduate of Boston Public Schools, and as a first-generation college graduate, holds an AB from Harvard College and a MA from Emory University.

Clara Shim, Research Analyst, Britebound

Clara Shim is a research analyst dedicated to advancing career-connected learning through meaningful, data-driven research that empowers young people to realize their aspirations. She specializes in survey design, measurement, and program evaluation, translating data into insights that help Britebound and its partners better support students on their pathways to success. Clara holds a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College and an Ed.M. in International Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  

Khaleel Shreet, Senior Coach and Director of NH Program, Duet

Khaleel's insights about transforming the college experience benefit from his perspective as a Syrian-born entrepreneur, advocate, teacher, thinker, innovator, and lifetime learner. His work in pursuing a doctorate in education at SNHU is informed by the real connections he forges with the students who encounter him at Duet. Regarding his personal motivation, Khaleel says: "I joined Duet with the mission of expanding resettled refugees and immigrants' access to higher-education, with the firm belief that earning a degree can transform their lives and empower them to contribute to the growth and success of their communities." He finds balance through life's ups and downs with a freshly brewed Italian espresso and a side of fine dark chocolate.

Rebecca Siggelkoe Moreno, Associate Director of Advising & LifeMap/Transfer Services and Credit for Prior Learning, Bunker Hill Community College.

Rebecca Siggelkoe Moreno is the Associate Director of Advising & LifeMap/Transfer Services and Credit for Prior Learning at Bunker Hill Community College, where she leads initiatives that support student success, transfer mobility, and equitable transfer outcomes, and collaborates with faculty and administrators to strengthen transfer partnerships, advising, and retention for students transferring both into and out of the college. A BHCC graduate and doctoral student in Higher Education Administration, Rebecca is committed to advancing access, equity, and student achievement through collaborative leadership.

Katie Singer, Ph.D., Lead, Massachusetts Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub

Katie has over 15 years of experience in research, analysis, and data visualization, with a focus on providing meaningful data to higher education leaders, policymakers, and the public.  As Director at the New England Board of Higher Education and the University of Tennessee System, she led regional strategic planning and statewide initiatives aimed at addressing complex education and workforce challenges. She earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee and a M.S. in Geology from North Carolina State University.  Outside of work, Katie serves on the Board of Directors of the World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Inc. and the Ronald V. Fodor Endowment to Enhance Geoscience Research and Field Experiences.

Ann Sousa, Executive Director, Brighter Boston

Ann Sousa is the Executive Director of Brighter Boston and a committed advocate for career-connected learning as a pathway to economic mobility for under-resourced young adults. A vocational school graduate, she knows firsthand the power of hands-on learning and strong support during the transition to adulthood. Her nontraditional path reflects her consistent drive to challenge systems that underestimate young people, especially those marginalized by race, class, ethnicity, or gender. At every stage, Ann has stayed rooted in her belief that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive.

Femi Stoltz, Massachusetts Policy Director, UAspire

As the Massachusetts Policy Director at uAspire Femi leads strategic, state-level advocacy efforts to expand higher education access and opportunities. With over a decade of experience in the college access sector, Femi has dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers and crafting equitable policy solutions that empower students to reach and complete their postsecondary journeys. Femi joins uAspire after having spent years working in various higher education roles, including academic advising, career services & employer relations, and civic engagement, and working for non-profit organizations focused on higher education. 

Dudney Sylla, Partnership Director, Axim Collaborative

A passionate youth advocacy leader, Dudney Sylla has devoted his career to advancing justice, equity, and mentorship. With a steadfast commitment to creating meaningful change, Dudney focuses on uplifting youth voices, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering inclusive environments where all young people are empowered to thrive. Grounded in the unwavering belief that every young person possesses inherent dignity, worth, and potential, his approach to justice is shaped by deep listening, lifelong learning, and a commitment to leading with empathy and compassion.

Natalia Thomas, BPS Alum

Elizabeth Walczak, Independent Consultant

Liz Walczak is an independent consultant whose career in the nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors has been dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth and families. Most recently, Liz served as Interim Executive Director of the Boston Opportunity Agenda, a cradle-to-career public-private partnership focused on creating a more just and equitable education system in Boston. Previously, Liz was Program Officer for Education at TBF, where she provided support and oversight for the Success Boston College Completion Initiative. She also served as Policy Advisor to Mayor Thomas Menino in Boston, where she worked on initiatives in the areas of education, health, and human services. Liz received her MPA from New York University and her BA from Hamilton College. A graduate of the Boston Public Schools, Liz lives with her husband and two children in Dorchester.

Geoffrey Walker, Head of School, Fenway High School 

Geoffrey Walker, Ed.D., is the Head of School at Fenway High School in Boston, where he has led a successful redesign into an early college and career pathway model. Fenway was named a 2024 Massachusetts DESE School of Recognition and an EdVestors School on the Move finalist. Dr. Walker brings over 25 years of experience in urban and international education and is committed to equity, inclusion, and expanding opportunities for all students. He speaks Portuguese & Spanish, and outside of school enjoys playing soccer, spending time with his two daughters, and summers in Brazil.

• SAS 2026 Session Slides

• Mentimeter: Closing Session

• High Quality Advising Framework | College Access: Research & Action

• State Graduation Requirements Survey