Kate spent over a decade in education. She has experience teaching at a number of post-secondary institutions across Connecticut and has worked as a Learning Specialist supporting students who are struggling academically to help them reach their full potential. Kate has extensive research and data analysis experience. Kate earned her PhD in Biology at Wesleyan University.

Emily holds a BA in Anthropology from Franklin and Marshall College, an MDiv from Emory University, and an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of Atlanta. In 2013, she founded Grow Montessori School (501c3) in Atlanta, Georgia and served as director for 7 years. Emily recently received a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was selected to the first cohort of the Georgia Early Education for Ready Students (GEEARS) P-3 Leaders Fellowship. Her interests include play-based learning, literacy instruction, equity in education, and building inclusive learning environments. Emily and her husband now live in northeastern Connecticut with their two children.​

Nichelle has dedicated over two decades to advancing equity and excellence in education. She currently serves as the Chief of Network Success at the RISE Network, where she leads efforts to support school improvement and student success across a growing network of high schools. Nichelle brings a wealth of experience from both public and charter school settings, with a strong focus on systems-level change and collaborative leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vassar College, a Master of Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work, and a Sixth Year Degree, along with an Intermediate Administrator Certification from Central Connecticut State University.  

Daemond L. Benjamin is an entrepreneur, educator, husband and father. Daemond is passionate about the experiences of others, particularly young men of color. As the Founder of Walk Worthy Brands, he facilitates and produces events centered around youth engagement and empowerment such as the Passing the Torch Luncheon and the Journeys through Life Rites of Passage Program. A graduate of Talladega College and strongly believes that BROTHERHOOD IS THERAPEUTIC .

walkworthybrands.com - walkworthybrands@gmail.com - @mrwalkworthy -

Amaka is an assistant principal at Manchester High School and a current doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program at Central Connecticut State University. Her current research, focuses on empowering Black students in classroom settings. Her research emulates the work she has done in her former classroom as a middle school ELA teacher, her role as a School Climate Specialist, and district Youth Empowerment Coordinator. Some of Amaka's interests include going to plays, live concerts/bands, playing basketball, writing poetry, going to the beach, traveling with her husband, and of course designing and implementing youth programming.

Richard is an application development coordinator for Hartford Public Schools. In this role, Richard supports and oversees many of the student data systems within the district. With over 12 years of experience with data and IT systems, he supports the development of the student information system and the shared infrastructure between data systems to ensure seamless connections. Richard also serves as a member of the PowerSchool state reporting focus group, which advises the company on the updates and changes to the product on behalf of all Connecticut districts for state reporting.