As a Philanthropy Program Manager at the nonprofit America Student Assistance in Boston, Massachusetts, Jing Cox-Orrell (MODERATOR) is dedicated to empowering youth so they can make informed decisions about their lives. In her current role, she is responsible for the implementation, relationship management, and evaluation of a portfolio of nonprofit grant programs and partnerships that support ASA’s mission to change the way middle and high schoolers learn about careers and navigate education-to-career opportunities. Prior to joining ASA, Jing led curriculum development, teacher training, and student workshops related to sexual health, teen pregnancy prevention, healthy relationships and gender identity at Cambridge Health Alliance in Greater Boston and Peer Health Exchange in Chicago. She has served as an account manager at Archway Health and a summer program leader for the Council on International Educational Exchange, where she led groups of 30+ high school students on immersive study abroad programs with a focus on wildlife conservation, aquatic ecosystems, and sustainability. Jing received a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago.

Jay Galbraith is a K-12 education leader interested in bringing engaging, student-centered curricula to schools.  He has over fourteen years of experience in teaching, instructional leadership, and curriculum development.  He recently became the Director of Academics for Innovation and Technology at KIPP Massachusetts Public Charter Schools, where he is working to bring authentic project-based learning to over 2,200 students in Mattapan and Lynn.  Jay received his Master's in Education at Harvard GSE and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at Vanderbilt University.  He lives in Boston with his wife, two daughters, and trusty dog Honeysuckle.

Zaida Ismatul Oliva is from Guatemala and migrated to the US at a young age. She was raised in Chelsea, MA and feels that this community helped ignite her passion for social justice, leadership, education, and community empowerment. She has worked in nonprofits and higher education for the past 20 years. She received a bachelor’s from the University of Massachusetts Boston in Latin American and Iberian Studies and a Masters of Education from Florida Atlantic University. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of the Chica Project. A nonprofit that serves young Women of Color and empowers them with the skills, confidence, and network necessary to thrive personally and professionally. Zaida is passionate about uplifting marginalized voices and bringing awareness to inequities that leave Women of Color disenfranchised.

Dave Quinn is the Director of Technology Integration for the Mendon-Upton Regional School District in Massachusetts and works directly with teachers and students in grades K-12 to design learning experiences that are relevant, meaningful, and connected. He recently completed his Ph.D. at the University of Rhode Island, researching teacher practices that utilize technology to support interest-driven learning. Before joining the Mendon-Upton team, Dave was a graduate assistant and instructor at the University of Rhode Island. He was also the logistics coordinator and presenter for the URI Summer Institute in Digital Literacy - a program recognized by the US DOE Office of Ed Tech for Rethinking Teacher Preparation. In addition to his work in classrooms, Dave previously served on the Attleboro and Seekonk School Committees.