Nora brings over 15 years of experience in public education and talent strategy to her current role as an Account Manager at HUB International, where she supports school systems in navigating employee benefits and compensation strategies. Prior to joining HUB, Nora served for nearly six years in progressive leadership roles at DSST Public Schools, culminating in her position as Director of Talent Operations. There, she led key initiatives in compensation modeling, benefits design, and operational efficiency to better support educators across the network. Earlier in her career, Nora was a driving force at YES Prep Public Schools, where she led selection and talent acquisition strategies, and at Uplift Education, managing statewide student data systems. Her foundation in equitable talent practices is strengthened by her time with TNTP and her on-the-ground work in multiple urban districts. Nora holds an MBA from Rice University and a Master’s in Secondary Education with a focus on English Language Acquisition from Colorado State University. Her deep expertise in both educational operations and strategic HR makes her a valuable voice on how compensation and benefits can support teacher retention and organizational health.

SarahGennie Colazio- charter founder and advocate since 2004. Founder of New Vision Charter School in Loveland, startup supporter of Fort Collins Montessori, and Mountain Sage in Fort Collins. She worked as a contract CFO for several northern Colorado charter schools from 2009 to 2015, and took a full time position at Windsor Charter Academy, as the Director of Finance and HR. She is so blessed to work with the most amazing team of administrators and staff who inspire and challenge her to be the best leader and person possible. She is the proud mother of three daughters, who are all charter school graduates and successful in their life paths. She is an avid pickleball player, as well as a small hobby rancher. Her focus for business goals are crafting and supporting decisions that keep students/staff at the forefront of the mission and vision, and always exploring creative solutions to complex issues that arise in public education.

Christine Rafanelli is the co-founder and CEO of BuyQ, a mission-driven group purchasing organization and consulting firm for charter schools. Beginning her career as a broadcast journalist at ABC News, Christine later channeled her passion for community engagement into roles with various non-profit organizations. She developed global thought leadership events for clients such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. Additionally, she served as the communications director for the Colorado Children’s Campaign, the state’s leading children’s advocacy organization. Christine discovered her passion for startups while leading public relations efforts for an early-stage, VC-backed hospitality company in Denver, where she contributed to its growth from under 100 to 300 employees. At BuyQ, Christine is dedicated to advancing the company’s mission of supporting charter schools nationwide in becoming more efficient and effective operators. She is a graduate of Georgetown University.