Innovate’s work would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and strategic vision of our Board of Directors. Our board members generously volunteer their time, share their leadership, and provide the direction that helps advance Innovate’s mission to build the capacity of parents and families to organize, advocate, and demand high-quality schools for their children.
Today, we are excited to announce an important leadership transition for Innovate’s Board of Directors and want to recognize several milestones for our board members.
Earlier this year, we welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors–Courtney Criswell and Zehra Vahanvaty. Courtney brings more than 20 years of leadership in public education, policy, philanthropy, strategic communications, and cross-sector partnerships to expand opportunities for students, families, and communities. Her expertise in building the capacity of education leaders to effect change, strategic partnerships, and advancing public policy will be invaluable to Innovate’s mission. Zehra brings deep expertise in law, public policy, government relations, and strategic partnerships. Her experience navigating complex policy issues and building cross-sector partnerships will help guide Innovate’s work.
As part of this exciting chapter, we want to thank Antonio “AJ” Gutierrez for his leadership serving as Innovate’s Board Chair over the past four years. AJ came to Innovate with extensive knowledge and expertise in education. He has spent his career advancing education equity through leadership roles in education policy, research, and nonprofit strategy, partnering with school systems, policymakers, and community organizations to improve outcomes for students and families. During AJ’s time as board chair, he provided strategic guidance as we honed our mission and celebrated numerous campaign and policy wins at the local and state level. We are deeply grateful to AJ for his service and happy that he will continue to serve as Board Secretary. As AJ concludes his term as Board Chair, we are excited to welcome Kathy Dominguez into this leadership role. Kathy is uniquely qualified for this role, particularly given her career leading organizations focused on educational equity, strategic growth, and community impact, bringing the collaborative leadership and governance experience needed to guide Innovate’s next chapter. We look forward to doubling down on our priorities and mission as we begin this next chapter with Kathy as our board chair.
We are also grateful to the continued service and leadership of Vincent Quan, Emma Hiza, and Orson Aguilar, who will continue to serve on Innovate’s board in strategic leadership positions. Vincent joined the board three years ago and brings deep expertise in evidence-based policymaking, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit leadership. During his tenure on our Board, Vincent has strengthened Innovate’s advocacy work, expanded the organization’s impact, and ensured that parent voices continue to shape education policy. We are grateful to Vincent for taking on the new role of Vice Chair of Innovate’s Board of Directors this year. Emma brings deep experience in education philanthropy and social impact strategy, including her work at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, along with a strong understanding of how data, partnerships, and community-centered approaches can drive meaningful change for students and families. Earlier this year, Emma took on even greater leadership as Board Treasurer, where she has already contributed to the development of Innovate’s strategy to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. With extensive experience in public affairs, policy development, advocacy, and community engagement, Orson has dedicated his career to advancing economic justice and building wealth in communities of color. Orson has deep experience in equity-focused policy, community advocacy, and nonprofit leadership that will help Innovate strengthen partnerships, advance systems change, and continue elevating the voices of communities in shaping a more equitable education system.
Finally, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Jon Deane, who recently transitioned out of the board after serving since 2022. Jon is an education leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning K-12 education, philanthropy, technology, and nonprofit leadership. As the current CEO of GreatSchools and in his previous roles at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the Gates Foundation, Summit Public Schools, and more, he has led numerous efforts to improve public educational outcomes through meaningful family engagement, strategic investment, and data-driven strategy. He began his career as a teacher and school leader before moving into philanthropic and systems-level leadership and has also served on numerous nonprofit boards. Jon served as Board Treasurer throughout his four years as a board member. His thoughtful, intentional leadership made a significant impact on Innovate’s work.
Please join us in celebrating our incredible board members.
With gratitude,
Michelle