About XQ
Who We Are
XQ Institute is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to rethinking the high school experience so that every student graduates ready to succeed in life.
Our vision is for young people everywhere to have vibrant high schools where students can grow to the fullest as civic participants, critical readers, proactive problem solvers, original thinkers, generous collaborators, and learners for life.
XQ works in communities throughout the country, with individual schools and entire school systems, to help them dream big about what high school could be, turn their innovative ideas into action, and create more rigorous and equitable schools. Since launching in 2015, XQ has partnered with 21 individual high schools across 12 states. XQ has also partnered with three urban school districts in New York City, Tulsa, and Washington, D.C., and one state school system in Rhode Island.
Why
High School
High school is the last stop before students enter the real world of college, career, and adulthood. It’s where adolescents—whose brains are still growing rapidly—should develop both academically and socially, so they’ll graduate prepared for all the future has to offer.
But too many college students need remedial coursework, and employers want workers who can engage in creative problem-solving.
You + XQ
We encourage educators to develop more meaningful, engaging classes—often with the help of local businesses and community organizations. Our open-source tools, based on research and design thinking, empower people to take up the challenge of transforming their high schools with a unifying goal: unlocking the American promise of a high-quality education for everyone.
Seeing is
Believing
We meet people where they are to share the importance and possibility of change through listening, learning, and storytelling. We share what’s working with other schools and districts so they can tailor new models to the needs of their own students and communities.
Stephanie Arata
Senior Project Manager, Creative Services
Francesca Battisti
Contract and Grants Coordinator
Shveta Berry
Director of Content Marketing
Karim Biaye
Workplace Experience Specialist
Dr. Lauren J. Bierbaum
Head of Research, Data and Evaluation
Michele Cahill
Senior Advisor
Christina Desnoyers
Head of Experience and Brand Strategy Integration
Dr. Mozzie DosAlmas
Math Curriculum Writer and Designer
Keith Dysarz
Head of State and Local Partnerships
Mike Evans
Head of Creative Direction
Beth Fertig
Senior Education Editor
Aaron Goldman
Senior Product Manager
Jennifer Golub
Senior Marketing + Creative Service Director
Allie Hembrough
Project Manager, Editorial & Publishing
Hamilton Henson
Video Editor
Laurence Holt
Entrepreneur in Residence
Kayleah Kellybrew
Project Manager, Schools Coordination
Ann-Katherine Kimble
Director of Learning Experiences
Phil Kregel
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Jeanie Lee
Chief Program Officer
Zoe Lewis
Project Manager, Systems and Partnerships
Anna Li
Accountant
Nathan Ma
IT Manager
Anne Mackinnon
Senior Advisor
TJ Marston
Head of Product
Molly Mauer
Chief Operating Officer
Daria McCall
Director of Experiential Productions
Sean McClung
Head of School Success
Marty McCoy
Operations Manager
Judy McKoy
Director of Scholarships and Fellowships and Lead for Special Events
Edward Montalvo
Senior Education Writer
Dr. Linda Murray
Superintendent-in-Residence
Mary Quisenberry
Controller
Jey Ratnagopal
Chief Financial and Budget Officer
Bob Regan
Senior Director of Product
Nytesia Ross
Youth Engagement Director
Mary Ryerse
Head of Schools
Rachel Safferstone
Director of Product Management, Labs
Carri Schneider
Head of Editorial + Publishing
Brittany Scott
Project Manager, Policy and Programs
Jaime Smith
Administrative and Operations Assistant
Patrick Starzan
Head of Growth and Expansion
Carlee Strathmann
Project Manager, School Success and Growth
Tracy Tademy
Executive Assistant
Katie Tague
General Counsel
Ada Tam
Project Manager, Creative Services
Stacy Tran
Product Manager
Max Vargas
Senior Data Analyst
Katrina Wardell
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO & Board Liaison
Anna Weltman
Curriculum Writer and Researcher
Lauren Wilson
Director of School Success
Showit Woldu
Facilities Manager and Engagement Specialist
Joyce Yoo
Art Director
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
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.
It Starts with You + XQ
Learn more about us—see Where We Work, view our Resources, and read our Insights to begin the work of high school transformation.
