Mia Howard is a Managing Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund. In her role, she brings her experience as a school founder and education funder to the organization’s efforts to find, fund, and support diverse educators with bold ideas for new schools and PK-12 education solutions around the country. Prior to joining NewSchools, Mia was the Founding Partner of Schools and Talent at The Opportunity Trust, where she led the organization’s strategy for the design, development, and launch of innovative schools and support of educators and existing schools throughout the St. Louis region. Before that, Mia was Founder and CEO of Intrepid College Prep Schools, a growing network of public charter schools in Nashville, Tennessee. She began her career in education at Building Excellent Schools, where she spent two years in deep study of successful school models around the country. Mia has a Juris Doctor with a concentration in Business Economics and Public Policy from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the Wharton School and her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Vanderbilt University. Mia is an alum of the Posse Foundation, a non-profit rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented individuals –a Posse– can serve as a catalyst for increased individual and community empowerment on college campuses, in the workforce, and in the world. Mia is currently on the boards of NAMI St. Louis and City Garden Montessori School. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she currently resides in St. Louis with her dog, Fizzy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, discussing pop culture, and exploring new restaurants.

Kimberly Neal-Brannum is the founder of BELIEVE Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before founding BELIEVE Schools, she has served as a managing director of Secondary Education for KIPP DC, principal, and school social worker. Under her leadership, she successfully turned around KIPP DC’s largest middle school, and founded Muchin College Prep, which remains one of the highest performing high schools in the city of Chicago, IL. She holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University, St. Louis, a Master of Education from Teachers College-Columbia University, and completed several fellowships including the Relay Graduate School of Education’s National Principal Supervisors Academy Fellowship, Teach For America/Cambiar School System Leadership Fellowship, and Camelback Fellowship. Kimberly’s passion for education and social justice has been evident throughout her career. She holds high expectations for staff and students and pushes everyone to become their best selves.

Dr. Jerome Reyes is the President and Co-Founder of Butler Academy, in Hartsville, SC. By creating Butler Academy, Dr. Reyes has stamped his commitment to closing the achievement gap between white and black students in Darlington County, as well as with students living in poverty, facing disabilities, and coping with adverse childhood experiences. Located in Hartsville, South Carolina, a rural community of 8,000 residents, Butler Academy is dynamic learning environment where every child is embraced and uplifted, while being diligently positioned for social, emotional, and academic success. Prior to founding Butler Academy, Dr. Reyes served as an Associate Professor in the Math Department at Norfolk State University and as Academic Outreach Program (PULSE) Director at South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. Dr. Reyes holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Morehouse College and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.