Executive Officer
Susan Shaffer
President and Co-Founder
Proud and happy grandparent of three, passionate and seasoned equity advocate working for the civil rights of all people to achieve social justice. Susan's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Karmen Rouland
VICE PRESIDENT, MAEC
Petersburg, VA native; wife and mother of small children; passionate about ensuring that our schools meet the needs of all students. Karmen's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Staff
Mira Best
Data and Evaluation Specialist
Raised in Richmond, VA and passionate about the use of data to amplify voices, promote social justice, and inform meaningful change from the micro- to the macro-level. Mira’s pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Kailanya Brailey
Senior Education Equity Specialist
Livingston, SC native who believes in aspiring to be greater, honoring the story, and finding and using your voice in pursuit of learning and boldly impacting change. Kailanya’s pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Kate Farbry
Director of Communications and Engagement
DC-area native, lover of sharp wit and vegan junk food, believes that empathy makes the world go round. Kate's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Carol Gant
Associate Director of Early Childhood Programs
Dedicated advocate for equity with over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood and Special Education. Carol's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Hebest Jemberu
Senior Finance Specialist
Experienced nonprofit finance professional, wife, and mother of two who loves trying out cuisines from around the world. Read More »
Allegra Kogan
Senior Communications Associate
Bronx native, former teacher, and lifelong advocate for educational access and equity. Allegra’s pronouns are she/hers. Read More »
Jenny McCann
Senior Administration and Program Associate
Former VA teacher and DC-area native, passionate about the cross section of immigration and education justice, house plants, and her dog, Bernie. Jenny's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Hugo Nájera
Communications Specialist
Focused on amplifying voices from oppressed communities, empowerment, and building community in his work from advising BIPOC students at college campuses to performing for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Hugo's pronouns are he/him/his. Read More »
Michelle Gwinn Nutter
Senior Educational Equity Consultant
Passionate civil rights advocate and dedicated educator who is committed to helping create and maintain safe, respectful learning environments for all students. Michelle's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Rita Perez
Project Director for CAFE & Senior Education Equity Specialist
First American citizen in her family; wife; passionate educator who believes in creating classroom and school environments that provide a sense of belonging, access, and opportunity for all students. Rita's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Jenny Portillo-Nacu
Senior Education Equity Specialist
A first-generation college graduate and proud daughter of immigrants, passionate about supporting educators in building equitable learning communities that foster student and community agency. Jenny's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Vo Ram Yoon
Senior Data and Evaluation Consultant
Third culture kid with roots in Bolivia and South Korea who uses mixed methods research infused with abolitionist values to promote equity and social justice. Vo's pronouns are he/him/his. Read More »
Ian Rashleigh McNally
Senior Data and Evaluation Associate
Excited to expand his passion for illuminating critical issues in inequitable systems and giving voice to underserved populations, while abiding by the axiom that the perfect number of daily coffees is always n+1. Ian's pronouns are he/him/his. Read More »
Kasia Razynska
Director of Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
First generation immigrant who is passionate about languages, ballroom dancing, evaluation, and ensuring access to education for all children, especially English Learners. Kasia's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Phoebe Schlanger
Director of Finance and Administration
Former New Yorker and unabashed grammar geek, passionate about the beauty of words and their power to affect change, who has recently acquired an admiration of numbers. Phoebe's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Nikevia Thomas
Senior Education Equity Specialist
A vegan foodie who is dedicated to promoting excellence in education. Read More »
Jessica Webster
Senior Family Engagement Specialist
Experienced educational leader who is dedicated to creating inclusive school communities where all children thrive. Jessica's pronouns are she/her/hers. Read More »
Daryl Williams
Associate Director of the Center for Education Equity
Daryl returns to MAEC as the Associate Director of the Center for Education Equity, providing managerial day-to-day operations and monitoring program alignment with CEE's goals and objectives. Read More »