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 Our free tools and products empower educators, communities, and policymakers to disrupt outdated systems by redesigning schools and transforming student learning to be more relevant and engaging.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.
Abena Adjei
Admin & Ops Executive Assistant
Russlynn Ali
XQ Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder; Emerson Collective Managing Director, Education
Azeez Alli-Balogun
Director, Product Design
Stephanie Arata
Senior Creative Production Manager
Karim Biaye
Facilities & Workplace Experience Manager
Jamira Burley
Head of Community and Strategic Partnerships
Michele Cahill
Senior Advisor
Julie Carpenter
Senior Director, Operations & Administration
Joseph Chan
Financial Budget Analyst
Mike Cohen
Director of Engineering
Jon Dooley
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Keith Dysarz
Chief Academic Officer
Marc Ecko
Senior Advisor
Jennifer Golub
Senior Advisor
Daniel Hagos
Legal Operations Manager
Joshua Hamlet
Accountant in Operations
Sheena Heikkila
Senior Program Manager
Laurence Holt
Senior Advisor
Evan Jackson
IT Manager
Chris James
Workplace Experience Coordinator
Craig Jerald
Senior Advisor for Policy & Analysis
Kayleah Kellybrew
Project Manager, Schools & Systems
Jeanie Lee
Chief Program Officer
Zoe Lewis
Deputy Chief Program Officer
Anna Li
Accountant in Operations
Anne Mackinnon
Senior Advisor
Molly Mauer
Chief Operating Officer
Marty McCoy
Director, Operations
Eddie Montalvo
Director, Educator Network
Sarah Navarro
Chief of Schools and Systems
Isabel Ouziz
Executive Assistant
Rikha Sharma Rani
Chief of Content & Editorial
Bob Regan
Senior Director, Product Management, Learning Models
Nytesia Ross
Director, Youth Engagement & Innovation in Schools
Mary Ryerse
Senior Advisor
Rachel Safferstone
Senior Director, Product Management
Stephanie Shultz
Senior Director, of Strategic Projects
Jaime Smith
Senior Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Patrick Starzan
Head of Growth & Marketing
Carlee Strathmann
Program Manager
Tracy Tademy
Executive Assistant
Katie Tague
Chief Legal Officer
Stacy Tran
Product Manager
Lauren Wilson
Director, Strategic Projects
Showit Woldu
Senior Experience Coordinator
Denise Zocchi
Senior Project Manager
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 Larry Berger, 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.
