Over the past two decades, I have led organizations and initiatives that drive social change with and for communities furthest from opportunity. I am a fierce advocate for an equitable, inclusive, and diverse democratic society that sees and lifts up those most often overlooked and oppressed.I am a dreamer and an operator. I am an experienced fundraiser, partnering with major donors, foundations, the corporate sector, and government. I develop and scale programs, initiatives, and campaigns. I lead teams and partner with boards of directors, manage organizational finances, digital transformations, operations, and drive an organizational culture that centers people, equity, inclusion, diversity, learning, and joy. I earned a PhD in political theory from Loyola University Chicago, where my research focused on the intersection of digital media design and democratic participation. I have published academic articles on topics ranging from economic policy to digital technology and democracy, and have given talks in universities across the country. I also served as a Commissioner on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, to which I was appointed by the Governor of Illinois.I currently serve as the Executive Director of SMART, a nonprofit focused on education equity. Prior to SMART, I served as Chicago Director of The Posse Foundation, one of the top leadership development programs in the nation for emerging leaders of diverse backgrounds. Before joining Posse, I led initiatives as Director of Programs and Operations at the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA), an organization dedicated to combating poverty, racism and antisemitism in partnership with Chicago's diverse communities through advocacy, organizing and community development. Prior to my work at JCUA, I served as a program director for an educational program in an under-resourced public school in New York City.Prior to my PhD, I earned an MA in political theory from Loyola University Chicago, and a BA in Politics, Government and Philosophy from Ben Gurion University in Israel.