XQ

About XQ

Who We Are

XQ Institute is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to rethinking high school.

Our young people are growing up at a time when the economy, the workforce, and the environment are changing rapidly. And high schools must respond.

We help high schools become centers of innovative and rigorous learning, where every student is prepared to succeed in college, career, and life. Our free tools and products empower educators, communities, and policymakers to disrupt outdated systems by redesigning schools and transforming student learning to be more relevant and engaging. Our approach is guided by deep research, and powered by data and storytelling that inspire action. In partnership with a growing network of schools, districts, and states, we are advancing a movement that radically transforms the high school experience for young people everywhere.
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Meet the XQ Team

Abena Adjei

Admin & Ops Executive Assistant in Operations

Russlynn Ali

Chief Executive Officer

Stephanie Arata

Sr. Creative Production Manager

Francesca Battisti

Contract Specialist

Shveta Berry

Director of Content Marketing

Karim Biaye

Facilities & Workplace Experience Manager

Michele Cahill

Senior Advisor

Joseph Chan

Financial Budget Analyst

Christina Desnoyers

Head of Community & Experiential

Mozzie Dosalmas

Sr. Researcher & Curriculum Designer

Keith Dysarz

Chief Academic Officer

Marc Ecko

Senior Advisor

Mike Evans

Head of Creative

Beth Fertig

Sr. Director: Editorial

Aaron Goldman

Senior Product Manager

Jennifer Golub

Senior Advisor

Daniel Hagos

Legal Operations Manager

Joshua Hamlet

Accountant in Operations

Laurence Holt

Senior Advisor

Cassandra Juniphant

Senior People Manager

Kayleah Kellybrew

Project Manager, Schools & Systems

Ann-Katherine Kimble

Director: School Success

Jeanie Lee

Chief Program Officer

Zoe Lewis

Deputy CPO

Anna Li

Accountant in Operations

Anne Mackinnon

Senior Advisor

TJ Marston

Chief Product Officer

Molly Mauer

Chief Operating Officer

Kyle Maxwell

Accounting Manager

Daria McCall

Director: Experiential Production

Sean McClung

Head of XQ Leadership Network

Marty McCoy

Director: Operations

Judy McKoy

Director: Special Programs & Events

Eddie Montalvo

Director, Educator Network

Sarah Navarro

Head of Network Success

Mary Quisenberry

Controller in Operations

Bob Regan

Sr. Director: Prod Mgt, Learning Models

Nytesia Ross

Director: Youth Engagement & Innovation in Schools

Mary Ryerse

Senior Advisor

Rachel Safferstone

Sr. Director Prod Mgt

Carri Schneider

Head of Content

Brittany Scott

Project Manager, Policy & Programs

Stephanie Shultz

Senior Director of Strategic Projects

Jaime Smith

Senior EA & Board Liaison

Patrick Starzan

Chief Marketing Officer

Carlee Strathmann

Project Manager

Tracy Tademy

Executive Assistant

Katie Tague

Chief Legal Officer

Stacy Tran

Product Manager

Max Vargas

Senior Data Analyst

Anna Weltman

Sr. Curriculum Editor

Lauren Wilson

Director: Strategic Projects

Founders & Board

XQ was co-founded by board chair Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of Emerson Collective, and Russlynn Ali, XQ’s CEO and former U.S. assistant secretary of education for civil rights. XQ’s board of directors also includes Geoffrey Canada, Marc Eckō, Jimmy Iovine, Michael Klein, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Emerson Collective

Emerson Collective

XQ works in direct collaboration with Emerson Collective, which is dedicated to removing barriers to opportunity so people can live to their full potential. Established and led by Laurene Powell Jobs, Emerson Collective’s work focuses on education, immigration reform, the environment, and other social justice initiatives. XQ is an independent affiliate of Emerson Collective.

Visit Emerson Collective

It Starts with You + XQ

Learn more about our Schools and Partners, explore our Resources and Tools, and view our Media to begin the work of high school transformation.

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