UNGA 2024

Inclusion for All:

From Learning to Leading

September 24th, 9:30am - 12:00pm ET

L’Avenue at Saks

United Nations General Assembly logo

Register to join us.

In an increasingly interconnected and diverse world, fostering inclusion is not just a moral imperative—it's a key driver of innovation and economic success. Join us at this exclusive event where thought leaders from both education and industry sectors will come together to explore the transformative power of inclusion across the entire lifecycle, from early education through to the workplace.

This forum will feature insights from top experts on how inclusive practices in K-12, higher education, and the workplace can unlock the full potential of every individual, leading to more innovative, resilient, and successful organizations and economies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions and collaborative sessions designed to bridge the gap between education and the workplace, ensuring that inclusion is woven into the fabric of every stage of personal and professional development.

Whether you are an education or business leader, HR professional, or DEI advocate, this event will equip you with actionable strategies to create environments where everyone can thrive—from the classroom to the boardroom. Be part of this pivotal conversation and help drive the global movement toward inclusive excellence in both education and the workplace.

L’Avenue at Saks

L’Avenue brings the Parisian dining experience to Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York flagship store.

Designed by renowned architect Philippe Starck, the restaurant spans two floors with a French art deco-inspired dining room and Le Chalet—a bar and lounge offering cozy, après-ski style interiors.

Address: 8 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022

Agenda

More speakers to be announced soon.

Session Time Speaker
Doors Open
9:15 am
N/A
Opening Remarks
9:35 am - 9:45 am

David Banks, Chancellor of New York City Public Schools

Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics

Gus Schmedlen, Chief Revenue Officer at Texthelp

Panel: Inclusive K-12 schools, everywhere
9:45 am - 10:15 am

Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise

Ryan Imbriale, Vice President and Head of Worldwide Education at PowerSchool

Jacqueline Jodl, Chief of Global Youth and Education at Special Olympics

Glenna Wright-Gallo, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Moderator: Jenn O'Donoghue, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director at the Center for Universal Education Brookings Institution

Panel: Accessibility and the redefinition of student success in postsecondary education
10:15am - 10:45 am

Ana Homayoun, Founder and CEO of Green Ivy Educational Consulting, LLC

Tom Looney, Chair of the State Board of North Carolina Community Colleges

Matthew vandenBerg, President of Ohio Wesleyan University

Moderator: Gus Schmedlen, Chief Revenue Officer at Texthelp

Panel: Inclusive workplaces and entrepreneurship
10:45 am - 11:15 am

Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide

Jay Persaud, Global Emerging Technology Ecosystem Leader at EY

Alicia Williams, VP and Head of DEI & Employee Relations at Saks Global

Moderator: Cathy Donnelly, Chief People Officer at Texthelp

Closing Remarks
11:15 am - 11:30 am

Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow & Director at the Center for Universal Education of Brookings Institution

Gus Schmedlen, Chief Revenue Officer at Texthelp

Networking
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
N/A

Speakers

More speakers to be announced soon.

Asheesh Advani

CEO, JA Worldwide

Asheesh is a lifelong social innovator who has led JA Worldwide since 2015, during which time JA has been recognized as one of the ten most impactful NGOs globally. As a JA alumnus, he has led two businesses from startup to acquisition, including a peer-to-peer finance venture acquired by Virgin Group and a financial technology company acquired by Interactive Brokers. His entrepreneurial experiences have been featured in case studies at Harvard Business School and Babson College. Asheesh is a member of the Young Presidents Organization and the World Economic Forum, and he received the Tony Hsieh Award in 2021 and the YPO Global Social Impact Award in 2022. He holds degrees from the Wharton School and Oxford University and lives in the Boston area with his family.

David C. Banks

Chancellor, New York City Public Schools

David C. Banks is the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, the nation's largest school system. Appointed by Mayor Eric Adams on January 1, 2022, Chancellor Banks is reimagining education to ensure brighter futures for all NYC children. In 2023, he launched NYC Reads and NYC Solves, initiatives to transform literacy and math education across the city. He has expanded career-connected learning through programs like FutureReadyNYC and Modern Youth Apprenticeship. Banks has also prioritized safety, wellness, and support for students with disabilities through initiatives like Project Pivot and the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning. A native New Yorker and graduate of NYC Public Schools, Chancellor Banks is a former teacher, principal, and founding leader of the Eagle Academy for Young Men. He is a thought leader in education and has been recognized by City & State New York, Crain’s, and other organizations for his contributions.

Jean-Claude Brizard

President and CEO, Digital Promise

Jean-Claude Brizard is President and CEO of Digital Promise Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equitable education through the integration of research, practice, and technology. Formerly a Senior Advisor at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he has extensive experience in PK-16 education, including leadership roles in Chicago Public Schools and the Rochester, NY School District. With a 21-year career in the NYC Department of Education, Brizard has overseen numerous schools and educational programs. He has been recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as a "Great Immigrant, Great American" and is a Fellow of the Broad Center, Pahara-Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Institute Global Leadership Network.

Mary Davis

CEO, Special Olympics

Mary Davis is the CEO of Special Olympics, leading an international team of over 250 professionals. She began as a local program volunteer and coach after college and has since held numerous leadership roles. Davis helped create the first Special Olympics Regional Games in 1985, led Special Olympics Ireland as CEO, and globalized the movement by overseeing the 2003 World Summer Games in Ireland. She has received a Person of the Year Award for her contributions. Based in Washington, DC, and Dublin, she is married with four children and is an accomplished athlete, having run the NYC Marathon and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc.

Cathy Donnelly

Chief People Officer, Texthelp

Cathy is a senior HR executive with over 25 years of experience. As Chief People Officer at Texthelp, she aligns business strategy with HR initiatives, focusing on creating a globally inclusive, high-performing culture. Since the merger with n2y, Cathy has continued to drive initiatives like global job architecture, talent management frameworks, and DEI leadership. She also serves as a board member of the Now Group and mentors aspiring HR leaders through the CIPD. Before Texthelp, Cathy held senior HR roles at Liberty IT and IKEA UK & Ireland, where she led HR strategies for thousands of employees.

Ana Homayoun

Founder and CEO, Green Ivy Educational Consulting, LLC

Ana Homayoun is an academic advisor and early career development expert specializing in executive functioning, technology, and personal energy management. She is the author of four books, including "Erasing the Finish Line," which outlines essential skills for students and young adults to succeed beyond grades and college admissions. Ana has spent over two decades working with students, schools, and companies worldwide, helping young people develop key life skills and navigate challenges like social media and perfectionism. Her work has been featured in major outlets such as the New York Times, NPR, and The Atlantic. She is based in San Francisco.

Ryan Imbriale, CETL

Vice President and Head of Worldwide Education, PowerSchool

Ryan Imbriale is the Vice President and Head of Worldwide Education at PowerSchool, where he deepens the company’s educational focus. With nearly 30 years in education, Ryan has served as a teacher, high school principal, and higher education administrator. Before PowerSchool, he was Executive Director of Innovative Learning for Baltimore County Public Schools, leading efforts in blended learning and student choice programming. Ryan has been recognized for his contributions to educational technology, including being named a National Digital Principal of the Year, a PDK Emerging Leader, and an Intel Education Visionary. He has also served on the ISTE Board of Directors.

Jacqueline Jodl, Ph.D

Chief of Global Youth and Education, Special Olympics

Jacqueline Jodl is the Chief of Global Youth and Education at Special Olympics, where she oversees youth leadership and education programs worldwide. Before this, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia, focusing on education innovation and race. She also served as the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. Jackie began her career in marketing at Unilever and has been recognized as a Presidential Management Fellow. She holds degrees from the University of Minnesota, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University, including a PhD in education policy.

Tom Looney

Chair, State Board of North Carolina Community Colleges

Tom had a 40-year IT career at IBM and Lenovo, retiring as VP and GM of North America for Lenovo. Post-retirement, he worked with AI startups Trill AI and Merlyn Mind and currently serves on the boards of the NC Community College System and the NC Coastal Federation. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Wake Tech Community College, advocating for IT employer support for the new RTP campus, and at the NC School of Science and Math, enhancing statewide STEM education. Additionally, he served on the NC Economic Development Board, contributing to the creation of the Economic Development Partnership of NC and chaired business recruitment. Tom also led the CS4NC initiative to support computer science education in middle and high schools.

Jennifer O'Donoghue

Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, Center for Universal Education

Jennifer O’Donoghue is a senior fellow and deputy director at the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, where she coordinates the Echidna Global Scholars Program. With 28 years dedicated to promoting inclusive education for democracy and social justice, her research focuses on policies that enhance educational and economic opportunities for marginalized girls in low- and middle-income countries. Before Brookings, she was research director at Mexicanos Primero, leading studies on inclusive education and teacher development. She has also taught at universities in the U.S. and Mexico and holds degrees from Wesleyan University, the University of Minnesota, and Stanford University.

Jay Persaud

Global Leader Emerging Technology Ecosystem, EY

Jay is the EY Global Emerging Technology Ecosystem Leader, working with AI and data platform companies to expand alliances and drive growth. He also serves as a Global Client Service Partner and Senior Advisory Partner on multiple accounts. With over 30 years at EY, Jay has held key roles, including Vice Chair of Risk Management in the Americas during COVID-19, where he was recognized for prioritizing health and safety. He has also served as Presiding Partner of EY Americas and US Partner Councils, and on the EY Global Governance Council and other executive committees.

Gus Schmedlen, EdD

Chief Revenue Officer, Texthelp

Gus Schmedlen is the Chief Revenue Officer at Texthelp, the global leader in assistive technology. Texthelp strives to help people understand and be understood, helping schools, colleges, and workplaces be more inclusive and accessible. Previously, Gus served as Vice President and Head of Worldwide Education at HP, where he led the expansion of their global education technology business into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. Gus earned a BA from Colgate University, an MBA from Duke University, and an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania.

Matthew vandenBerg, EdD

President, Ohio Wesleyan University

As President of one of 45 national “Colleges That Change Lives,” Matt has led partnerships and initiatives to make tuition more affordable, help students persist to graduation, help community college students to earn four-year degrees, train all students and employees in civil discourse, and establish a sister school agreement with Claflin University, creating one of higher education’s most comprehensive collaborations between a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Before joining Ohio Wesleyan, Matt was President of Presbyterian College. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Alma College, where he graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Alicia Williams, EdD

VP and Head of DEI & Employee Relations, Saks Global

Dr. Alicia Williams is the Vice President and Head of DEI & ER at Saks Global, where she drives diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee relations strategies. Before joining Saks in 2022, Alicia was the inaugural Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Morgan Stanley, shaping DEI efforts across U.S. Banks. Her leadership experience spans top institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Harvard University, and NYU Shanghai. Recognized as a trailblazer, Alicia was named a Luxury Woman to Watch in 2023 and a 2024 Baltimore Dream Maker. She holds a Doctorate from USC and is a proud Baltimore native, wife, mother, and former track star.

Rebecca Winthrop

Senior Fellow & Director at the Center for Universal Education, Brookings Institution

Rebecca Winthrop is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, focusing on global education and the skills young people need for work, life, and citizenship. She promotes quality and relevant education, leveraging innovations and community engagement to advance progress for marginalized children and youth. Winthrop advises various governments, international institutions, and organizations, and serves on several global education boards. Prior to Brookings, she worked for 15 years in education for displaced communities, including leading the International Rescue Committee’s education efforts in conflict-affected countries. She holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University Teachers College, an M.A. from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, and a B.A. from Swarthmore College.

Glenna Wright-Gallo

Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Glenna Wright-Gallo is the assistant secretary in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the United States Department of Education. In this capacity, she serves as advisor to the U.S. secretary of education on matters related to the education of children and youth with disabilities, as well as employment and community living for youth and adults with disabilities. With over 25 years of experience, Wright-Gallo has previously served as the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in Washington and as the State Director of Special Education for Utah. Her expertise includes improvement planning, data analysis, and special education program monitoring. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Special Education, various administrative licenses, and an MBA.