a lifelong educator, kaya henderson recently concluded her tenure as the chancellor of dc public schools where she served from 2010-2016. prior to dcps, kaya worked at the new teacher project, teach for america and as a middle school spanish teacher.

kaya is actively involved in a number of community and professional organizations including: aspen institute board of trustees, college board board of trustees, international women’s foundation, chair of the board of education leaders of color (edloc), pahara aspen fellowship, surge institute board of directors, ednavigator board of directors, and teach for all global advisory council.

brad montague is an award-winning writer and director working to creatively communicate hope to children of all ages. he is creator of kid president, which began its life online and has grown into a new york times bestselling book, television series, and movement for good among families, children, and classrooms around the world.

as a writer, he has appeared in many publications including time, parent magazine, and reader’s digest. he and his work have been featured on cnn, fox news, bbc, npr, the today show, good morning america, and the new york times - just to name a few. additionally, he was nominated for an naacp image award for his work bringing positivity and diversity to children’s media.

dr. ray a. owens is the pastor of the metropolitan baptist church of tulsa, ok.  in addition to his parish work, dr. owens serves as the affiliate assistant professor of ethics and black church studies at the phillips theological seminary.  he is also the founder and chairman of the board of the met cares foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to facilitate the development of high performing schools in the north tulsa community.