About Us
We are a diverse team that brings a critical mix of expertise in higher education, K-12, talent development, policy and entrepreneurship. We are connected in our belief that designing models from the learner perspective can address equity and skills gaps in an incredibly dynamic world of work.
Our Team
Our Team, Board, and Advisors bring cutting edge expertise across disciplines such as technology, pedagogy, student voice, edtech and design. The common thread is a belief that we are at a critical historical moment in redesigning the school-to-work pipeline. And that we can vastly improve access and outcomes.
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Kathleen deLaski
Founder + President
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Laurence Roth
Partner + Chief Growth Officer
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Don Fraser, Jr.
Chief Program Officer
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Kevin Stump
Director of Impact, Evaluation, and Thought Leadership
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Naomi Boyer, PhD
Director of Micro-credentialing Products
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Penny Smith-Mickey, EdD
Senior Education Designer, HBCU Lead
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Ana Hageage
Education Designer and Deputy Lead, Community College Growth Engine Fund
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Binh Thuy Do
Senior Education Designer
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Leslie Daugherty, EdD
Education Designer
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Miriam Swords Kalk
Education Designer
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Tara Laughlin, EdD
Education Designer, Micro-Credentialing Project Manager
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Kenna Fallan
Education Designer
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Dawn Marvino
Manager, Business Partnerships + Operations
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Sammie Oputa
Visual Designer + Impact Associate
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Elisabeth Fellowes
Associate Education Designer
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Matthew Aranda
Associate Education Designer
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Emily Caplinger
Events + Office Manager
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Brandon Zhou
Project Consultant
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Valerie Taylor
Innovation Coach
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Julia Moffett
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Our Board
Our Board is made up of visionaries with proven track records in innovation, social impact, launching new models, often for serving historically under-represented groups. The Lab relies on their expertise to guide and grow our work.
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Kathleen deLaski
Chair
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Kris Clerkin
Vice Chair
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Erik Heyer
Treasurer
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Rufus Glasper, PhD
Member
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Marta Urquilla
Member
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Marco Davis
Member
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Lou Pugliese
Member
Our Advisors
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Erica Estrada
Advisor
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Ryan Craig
Advisor
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Susan Metros
Advisor
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Tyler Cowen
Advisor
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John White
Advisor
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Amit Sevak
Advisor
Who We Are
- Educators
- Futurists
- Designers
- Entrepreneurs
- Collaborators
- Systems Thinkers
- Bakers
- Arts Lovers
- DJs
- Improv Artists
- Parents
- Crafters + Makers
Core Values
We are biased towards action.
We are learner-driven.
We believe education is the most important lever for economic mobility.
We believe economic mobility can break the cycle of poverty.
Featured Clients + Partners
Careers + How to Get Involved
We are always looking for fellow travelers who believe we can build a more relevant, accessible, portable, and visible education system for learners. Join us in working on-the-ground to build an equitable future.