XQ

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.

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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.

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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.

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Meet the XQ Team

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

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 us—see Where We Work, view our Resources, and read our Insights to begin the work of high school transformation.

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