Dr. Steven A. Chambers, M.Div.

A Columbus, Ohio native and graduate of Hampton University, Steven is an educator, religious leader, school district administrator, and entrepreneur. Previously serving the Greater Houston, Texas as an elementary school teacher, college access counselor, district administrator, associate pastor, and founder of two mentoring programs for young men of color, Steven finds his Purpose deeply rooted in repairing social systems of brokenness.

In his current role as Executive Director of ImagineNYC Schools at New York City Public Schools, Steven’s team is charged with managing the new school design and existing school redesign efforts for public high schools in New York City. Most recently, Steven was a policy writer and the chief administrator for the NYC’s Outdoor Learning Initiative, featured in the New York Times. In response to COVID-19, the Initiative supported around 900 schools in securing public street and park space to conduct classes and school day activities outdoors: mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.

A recent graduate from Harvard University’s Doctor of Education Leadership program and a certified Data Wise improvement coach, Steven approaches the work of community and school system leadership through the lens of continuous improvement, racial equity, and social emotional wellness. Steven finds joy in teaching as an adjunct professor at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, serving on the board of directors for Young Life-Harlem, lifting weights, spending time with family, friends & dog, and remaining an active brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

William 'Billy' Gioia

Billy is currently the Director of Innovation and School Design at ImagineNYC in the Office of School Design. He has had a varied and circuitous 25 year career through education as an elementary teacher, a High School Assistant Principal, New Teacher Mentor, Director of Continuous Improvement, and Turn-around specialist. Despite the multitude of jobs, Billy has had at the Department of Education, the core path has remained unwavering; An unending search for truth that contributes to his own freedom while holding space for the journey of others as they pursue theirs.  

Kate Karageorgiou

A Queens native and current resident, Kate is a proud New Yorker and a forever educator at heart. As a Director of School Design in the Office of School Design at NYC Public Schools, Kate draws much of her inspiration from the young people whom she works with in her current role and previous experiences as a school administrator, nonprofit leader, and founder of a charter high school in the South Bronx. Kate is on a mission to ensure that every young New Yorker can lead a choice-filled life. As a lifelong learner, Kate holds an M.S. in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street College of Education, an M.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Political Science and Communications from Northwestern University. When Kate is not working to shape NYC for the better, she can usually be found spending quality time with her spouse and 3 young children. 

Dr. Christine Leo

Dr. Christine Leo is a scientist, educator, designer, mother, and entrepreneur. Her love of science and passion for education led her to create STEMbridge Consulting, where she works with students, teachers, and administrators to develop pathways for more equitable access to high-level science research opportunities. Her most recent consulting work with ImagineNYC Schools has allowed her to work directly with school Design Teams to develop new science research opportunities for Bronx students.  

During her time as a Chemistry/Biochemistry Major at Marist College as well as a NSF Graduate Research Fellow at Columbia University, she looked for every opportunity to expand her research and teaching experiences. After receiving her PhD in Chemistry, she joined Horace Mann School as a faculty member and became the Science Research Coordinator, reimagining and expanding their research program under her leadership. Over the course of her career, Christine has mentored over 100 independent research projects at the high school and undergraduate level, some of which went on to receive regional, national, and international recognition. She is always looking for more opportunities to expand access to science research experiences for students through her work.