ABOUT GRANTMAKERS FOR EDUCATION

nrodriguezleach@edfunders.org

Nicole Rodriguez Leach

Executive Director

Guided by her commitment to social justice, Nicole Rodriguez Leach has led a career focused on building education sites and systems to foster thriving communities with and for children, youth and families. Since her first job as a camp counselor in high school, she has held positions in K-12 and postsecondary classrooms, in community-based and other nonprofit organizations, and in the private sector. Her professional practice informs her research and college instruction which examines education policy, restorative philanthropy, civic engagement, and justice in public administration and nonprofit management. Nicole strongly promotes the public promise of education equity and justice in a multi-racial democracy.

Prior to her appointment as executive director of Grantmakers for Education (EdFunders), Nicole served as a nonprofit and philanthropic executive advisor with organizations across the U.S. She also taught undergraduate courses at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, where she is pursuing her doctorate in public policy and nonprofit management. Within philanthropy, Nicole has held the position of vice president and head of education with Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, where she oversaw a grant program focused on education equity as a strategy for community engagement and economic empowerment. She began her career in philanthropy as program officer with the Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation, where she managed grantmaking in education, health and human services, and disaster response. Her leadership in the sector extends to chairing donor collaboratives and local foundation network organizations.

Before entering the philanthropic sector, Nicole served as director of admissions and summer institute for The TEAK Fellowship, as education coordinator at the East Harlem Tutorial Program, was program director of Summerbridge Germantown (now known as Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia), and held a teaching position at Germantown Friends School. Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in socio-cultural anthropology from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in urban policy analysis and management from The New School. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at The Ohio State University.

ujoshihansen@edfunders.org

Ulcca Joshi Hansen

Chief Program Officer

Ulcca has been a child advocate and educator for more than twenty-five years, committed to transforming American education in ways that ensure that all students have access to learning experiences that help them achieve their unique potential by meeting their developmental and learning needs. She is the child of two immigrants from Tanzania who began school as an English language learner. With the support of amazing educators, she ended up being the first in her family to graduate from a four-year college program. Her experiences fuel her desire to interrogate and advocate for an expanded vision of what it means to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. She is committed to ensuring that the voices of diverse learners and communities are represented in conversations about these issues. Ulcca began her career as an elementary school teacher in Newark Public Schools, and went on to build a career that has included leading nonprofit programs, conducting research, engaging in advocacy and shaping policy. She understands the power of philanthropic investment to influence the direction and work of the education sector, and believes that catalyzing the wisdom of collective networks is one of the best ways to accelerate shifts in strategy and responsiveness, and to increase overall impact. An internationally-recognized expert on educational transformation at the level of instruction, assessment, organizational design and policy systems, Ulcca has addressed audiences at conferences including World EduLead, SxSW Education and the Aurora Institute, and has presented twice at TEDx events. Her award winning book, The Future of Smart, was released in September 2021. Ulcca earned her Ph.D. (DPhil) in education and philosophy from Oxford University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. She has been recognized nationally for her work and commitment to public service through education as a 1997 Harry S. Truman Scholar; a 2001 British Marshall Scholar; and a 2005 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow.

kkomprathoum@edfunders.org

Kara Komprathoum

Programs and Events Manager

Kara joins Grantmakers for Education after previously working for Summer Search Boston and Generation Citizen Rhode Island. She was also a member of Brown University’s College Advising Corps where she served with Americorps as a college adviser in Providence, Rhode Island. Kara’s direct service experiences with students of all ages both inside and outside of the classroom have deepened her love for equity, education and justice. She works passionately to elevate the voices of young people and other historically resilient groups in the hopes of creating a more equitable world. Kara is particularly excited to continue to work with other mission driven professionals to strengthen their philanthropic practices in education. She holds a B.A. in global studies with a minor in public and community service from Providence College. In her spare time, Kara loves traveling, reading and learning new skills.

jlea@edfunders.org

Jessie Lea

Systems and Data Administrator

Jessie’s background includes more than eight years’ experience in data management and systems administration. As systems and data administrator, he ensures our IT systems serve us to the best capacity and makes sure we have quality data at our fingertips to support programs and decision-making within Grantmakers for Education. Jessie’s commitment to technology makes him a driver of innovation and efficiency.

kmalone@edfunders.org

Kyle Malone

Associate Director of External Affairs

With more than 30 years of experience in program management, youth development, higher education and philanthropy, Kyle has proudly made a career in education focused on student advocacy and college attainment. As Grantmakers for Education’s associate director of external affairs, Kyle is expanding and deepening the organization’s partnerships to generate resources, create programs and establish connections that align with the current and future needs of our members. Kyle is dedicated to ensuring that all learners, his own children included, are supported and prepared for higher education and life. Kyle holds a master’s degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor of arts degree in political science at the University of Indianapolis. In his spare time, Kyle is an avid track and field enthusiast and also enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.

apiani@edfunders.org

Alessandra Piani

Membership Associate

Alessandra believes that education is a basic human right which should be promoted by challenging inequality. In her role as membership associate, she builds relationships with current and prospective Grantmakers for Education members. Before moving to New York to earn a certificate in business management, she put her master's in foreign languages to use at the United Nations in Italy where she gained much insight in the promotion of education in developing countries. This experience contributed to her passion for the philanthropic sector.

brossdenny@edfunders.org

Beverly Ross Denny

Managing Director

With professional experience in both the private and public sectors, Beverly is a seasoned operations executive working for over 15 years leading teams, managing change, and engaging in systems improvement to enhance overall organizational performance while maintaining day-to-day management responsibilities. She began her career in management consulting with Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group and marketing with Microsoft before transitioning into K-12 education. She entered public education through the Broad Residency in Urban Education. In over a decade, she has worked with the Boston Public Schools where she was the deputy of human resources, as well as Research for Better Teaching as the chief operating officer, serving clients such as the Singapore Ministry of Education, Boston Public Schools, Newton Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools. Beverly has a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

rsmith@edfunders.org

Rebecca Smith

Associate Director of Communications

Rebecca brings more than 25 years of nonprofit administration and communication experience as well as a M.S. in communication to her position. As associate director of communications, she assures that the value of Grantmakers for Education’s programs and benefits are effectively conveyed to philanthropies that serve the education community. Her passion for increasing empowerment and opportunities for learners of all ages fuels her dedication to Grantmakers for Education’s mission.

ataylor@edfunders.org

Angela Taylor

Accounting and Operations Manager

Angela Taylor is no stranger to accounting, having spent over 10 years as a bookkeeper and accounting assistant. With a passion for nonprofits, Angela understands how important it is to be on top of your financial footing. She assists Grantmakers for Education's managing director by creating and maintaining high-quality financial records and efficient operational organization. Angela's strong belief in the power of change and the importance of transparency aligns with one of Grantmakers for Education’s operating principles: We embrace a culture of change and innovation.

swaller@edfunders.org

Stephanie Waller

Program Director

Stephanie joins Grantmakers for Education with over a decade of experience across K-12, adult education and workforce development settings. Prior to joining the EdFunders team, she worked in charter school authorizing for the School District of Philadelphia, where she led compliance, engagement and operations initiatives focused on creating equitable and inclusive environments for students. Prior to that role, Stephanie held multiple positions at YouthBuild Philadelphia, a charter school serving older youth and young adults, where she focused on workforce development partnerships, vocational training and student leadership. She has also coordinated programs for the Job Opportunity Investment Network, a partnership between adult education providers, philanthropy and government that focused on connecting entry-level workers to career pathways and family-sustaining wages housed at the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Stephanie began her career supporting teacher effectiveness efforts at DC Public Schools.

As program director at Grantmakers for Education, Stephanie ensures all EdFunders members are well-served by a robust, diverse, ongoing set of program offerings. In this capacity, she blends an understanding of philanthropy, trends in the field of education and principles of adult learning to develop program agendas that build knowledge, connection and opportunities for collective action among members.

Stephanie holds a master’s degree in social policy from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and a bachelor's degree in public policy from Duke University. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys traveling, concerts and trying new restaurants.