Estrella Aráuz
Estrella Aráuz is a college access and persistence professional with more than a decade of experience helping students achieve long-term success. Raised in Chicago by Ecuadorian immigrant parents, she is passionate about mentorship, educational equity, and supporting students through their higher education journeys.
Jessica Ball-Johnson
Jessica Ball-Johnson is founder and principal of Studio79 and a former educator committed to helping organizations turn strategy into action. A CPS alum and parent, she is passionate about creating the conditions for leaders, families, and communities to thrive.
Cindi Camacho
Cindi Camacho is an educator and bilingual leader whose work centers access and opportunity for multilingual learners. A first-generation college graduate and daughter of Mexican immigrants, she currently oversees English Learner and bilingual programming.
Andrew DeMuro
Andrew DeMuro is a musician, educator, and nonprofit leader dedicated to expanding access to creative spaces for young people. As Director of Methodology & Training at Guitars Over Guns, he develops curriculum and supports teaching artists across the country to foster belonging and inspiration.
Rosemarie “Rosie” Dominguez
Rosemarie “Rosie” Dominguez is a community organizer and public servant deeply rooted in Chicago’s West and South Side communities. As an elected district council member and advocate, she works to advance justice, healing, and collective care through grassroots engagement.
Annette Dowd
Annette Dowd is a lifelong educator and MTSS Interventionist with Chicago Public Schools with 30 years of experience serving students and families. Having experienced public education as a student, parent, teacher, and leader, she brings a comprehensive perspective to expanding opportunities for underserved communities.
Jamie Lee Enge
Jamie Lee Enge is a CPS District College and Career Equity Specialist, doctoral researcher, and systems-level advocate. His work focuses on postsecondary success, holistic wellness, and creating pathways that empower future generations.
Paul Floyd
Paul Floyd serves in the CPS Office of Teaching and Learning, leading districtwide health and physical education initiatives. A former teacher, assistant principal, and administrator, he believes health and wellness are critical levers for academic success and opportunity.
Alex Fralin
Alex Fralin is a nationally respected education leader and father of two CPS students with three decades of experience advancing equity-centered systems change. As Director of the District Redesign Network at the National Equity Project and founder of Leading Partnerships, he works to strengthen school systems through continuous improvement and community partnerships.
Mihir Garud
Mihir Garud is a high school educator and Local School Council representative who believes every student deserves a rich and equitable education. His work emphasizes transparency, community engagement, and developing students academically and personally.
Latasha Geverola
Latasha Geverola is a veteran educational leader and Chief of Network 11 Schools for Chicago Public Schools. With more than 20 years of experience and as a CPS parent herself, she is committed to strengthening instructional leadership and improving outcomes for students.
Vanessa Gutiérrez
Vanessa Gutiérrez is a CPS alum and research professional with the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. Through mixed-methods research, she elevates the voices and experiences of participants to inform educational improvement.
Alejandra Herrera
Alejandra Herrera is a proud CPS graduate and parent leader with more than six years of active involvement at Bateman Elementary. Through her service on multiple advisory councils and as Chair of the Local School Council, she advocates for families and works to ensure all students have the support they need to succeed.
Carl Hurdlik
Carl Hurdlik has served Chicago Public Schools communities for more than a decade as a Community Action Council Specialist. With a background in health education and violence prevention, he is deeply committed to supporting families and strengthening community engagement.
DeLisa New Williams
DeLisa New Williams is a parent leader, community advocate, author, and Local School Council Chair committed to ensuring every child has a strong village of support. As a longtime CPS parent and Kids First Chicago Parent Champion, she believes every voice deserves a seat at the table.
Juliana Paradise-Suarez
Juliana Paradise-Suarez works at the intersection of technology and workforce development, leveraging innovation to expand economic mobility. A proud Colombian-American and first-generation college graduate, she is dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity.
Shaz Rasul
Shaz Rasul is Chief Programs Officer at High Jump Chicago, where he leads programming that supports the academic and social-emotional growth of middle school students. He is dedicated to ensuring young people have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Amari Roberts
Amari Roberts is a CPS alum, Mikva Challenge alum, and youth advocate committed to amplifying student voice. As Student Advisory Council Manager at Mikva Challenge, she creates spaces for young people to shape policy and advance restorative, culturally responsive practices.
Chinella Robinson
Chinella Robinson is a community organizer, restorative justice practitioner, and founder of My Sister’s Keeper Chicago. Guided by a healing-centered approach, she works to uplift Black women and girls while advocating for educational equity and collective care.
Yaslin Ruiz
Yaslin Ruiz is a proud CPS alum, parent, and leader dedicated to advancing educational equity in under-resourced communities. As Senior Manager of People and Operations at The Chicago Public Education Fund, she works to strengthen systems that support students and families.
Randy Seriguchi, Jr.
Randy Seriguchi, Jr. is an attorney, social entrepreneur, and community leader with a passion for racial equity and systems change. Through his work in education and community development, he champions Black civic and cultural leadership while weaving creativity into his advocacy.
Sejal Shah
Sejal Shah is the Executive Director of Springboard Foundation Fund and a champion for building a city that works for everyone. Inspired by her family’s journey and her connection to Chicago public education, she is committed to expanding opportunity and impact.
Stephen Simpson
Stephen T. Simpson is an operations and public policy leader and Managing Partner of Method Consulting Group. A proud Chicago native and educator, he leverages data and strategy to drive organizational excellence and community impact.
Nyzinga West
Nyzinga West is an experienced operations and student affairs leader known for her people-centered approach and strategic leadership. Rooted in service, she brings a commitment to supporting schools and communities throughout Chicago.
Jerry Yelton
Jerry Yelton is a nonprofit leader and community organizer with a passion for coalition building and inclusive leadership. As Director of Development and Partnerships at NewRoot Learning Institute, they bring a deep commitment to educational equity and the principle of “nothing about us without us.”