About - XQ Institute (2025)

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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 Our free tools and products empower educators, communities, and policymakers to disrupt outdated systems by redesigning schools and transforming student learning to be more relevant and engaging.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.

Where We Work

Meet the XQ Team

Abena Adjei

Admin & Ops Executive Assistant

Olaitan Ajilore

Art Director

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

Francesca Battisti

Contract Specialist

Karim Biaye

Facilities & Workplace Experience Manager

Michele Cahill

Senior Advisor

Annette Cardwell

Chief Marketing Officer

Joseph Chan

Financial Budget Analyst

Mike Cohen

Director of Engineering

Jon Dooley

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Mozzie Dosalmas

Senior Researcher & Curriculum Designer

Keith Dysarz

Chief Academic Officer

Marc Ecko

Senior Advisor

Mike Evans

Head of Creative

Aaron Goldman

Senior Product Manager

Jennifer Golub

Senior Advisor

Daniel Hagos

Legal Operations Manager

Joshua Hamlet

Accountant in Operations

Sheena Heikkila

Senior Program Manager

Laurence Holt

Senior Advisor

Chris James

Workplace Experience Coordinator

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

TJ Marston

Chief Product Officer

Molly Mauer

Chief Operating Officer

Kyle Maxwell

Accounting Manager

Daria McCall

Director, Experiential Production

Marty McCoy

Director, Operations

Judy McKoy

Director, Special Programs & Events

Eddie Montalvo

Director, Educator Network

Sarah Navarro

Head of Network Success

Isabel Ouziz

Executive Assistant

Pep Pepper

Creative Director

Rikha Sharma Rani

Director, Thought Leadership & 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

Brittany Scott

Project Manager, Policy & Programs

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

Max Vargas

Senior Data Analyst

Anna Weltman

Senior Curriculum Editor

Lauren Wilson

Director, Strategic Projects

Showit Woldu

Senior Experience Coordinator

Denise Zocchi

Senior Project Manager

Board of Directors

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.

Founders & Board

Larry Berger Board Member Geoffrey Canada Board Member Jimmy Iovine Board Member Michael Klein Board Member Yo-Yo Ma Board Member

Emerson Collective

About - XQ Institute (3)

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

Get Started

Which group best describes you?

Transformation begins with Educators and Leaders + XQ

The First Class A feature-length documentary following the founding class of Crosstown High in Memphis Tennessee.
XQ Competencies The XQ Competencies translate the XQ Learner Outcomes into 37 specific, attainable goals for learning.
Xtra Inspiration XQ Xtra Newsletter XTRA Inspiration Get the latest…

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Transformation begins with Policymakers + XQ

The First Class A feature-length documentary following the founding class of Crosstown High in Memphis Tennessee.
Do High Schools Prepare Students for Careers? We know that today's learners and high school graduates need to be well-prepared to enter…
DC + XQ A District-wide, Community-Led Initiative to Transform DC Public High Schools.

More Resources

Transformation begins with Family and Communities + XQ

The First Class A feature-length documentary following the founding class of Crosstown High in Memphis Tennessee.
How to Write a Letter to the School… If you want your voice to be heard and to show your concern for your…
Future-Proof Your Teen: Game-Changing High School Tips for… Our young people are growing up at a time when the economy, the workforce, and…

More Resources

Transformation begins with Students + XQ

The First Class A feature-length documentary following the founding class of Crosstown High in Memphis Tennessee.
Youth Voice Toolkit This resource guides students through driving change within their high school communities.
Podcast: Tennessee High Schoolers Solved a Nearly 40-Year-Old… Alex Campbell asked his students to solve a cold case involving a potential serial killer,…

More Resources

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