Our Inspiration
Racial injustice, inequity, and the systems designed to perpetuate them have defined our nation’s history.
In the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, the Supreme Court stated “…it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity…is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.”
We believe the spirit of this decision was a promise to decouple race from access and, more broadly, to break the predictive links between identity and outcomes overall.
However, we have yet to deliver on that promise. Nearly seven decades later, institutionalized oppression, micro-aggressions, discrimination, inequity, and violence still obstruct the path to self-determination and a life trajectory full of choices for people from involuntarily marginalized communities. Race, in particular, remains the strongest single determinant of life outcomes in the US.
This can’t continue. Promise54 was formed to enable organizations to deliver on the promise of equity.
Our Vision for Equity
Our Core Values
Champion Justice
We acknowledge the impact of systematic oppression and are committed to pursuing justice. We help to create the conditions to interrogate and shift mindsets, behaviors, and structures, while examining ourselves in the process. We act boldly in our pursuit of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and antiracist workplaces by challenging the status quo, spotting and dismantling inequities, sharing power, and elevating and centering historically silenced voices.
Be Well
Pursue Impact
Embrace Possibility
Practice Curiosity
Meet the Team
Our Supporters
ALAN GONZALEZ BISNES
Operations Coordinator, Office of the CEO
He/Him/His
Alan is: a first-generation Mexican-American, the firstborn son of immigrant parents, an older brother to three younger siblings, a native Texan (yee-haw), a gay and cisgender man, a caring friend and a shoulder to lean on for anyone who needs it. He has a deep love of musical theater and horror movies, is (unofficially) the world’s greatest Dutch Blitz player, has cracked 6 unsolved murder case boxes (and counting), and is working on showing up authentically in every facet of his life. Alan has 5 years of professional experience as a theater education administrator in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. His work with Imagination Stage and Arena Stage has revolved around providing access to the arts to communities of all backgrounds and needs. Alan holds a BA in Theater/TV/Film from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley.
Contact Alan: alan@promise54.org
ANDREW GREENIA
Senior Associate
He/Him/His
Contact Andrew: andrew.greenia@promise54.org
ANNE EIDELMAN
Board Member
She/Her/Hers
ATYANI HOWARD
President
She/Her/Hers
Atyani is: the proud Black daughter of teenage parents, a born and raised Chicagoan living in California, and a twin boy mom. Atyani is passionate about all things Toni Morrison, documentary films, flowers, food, music of all kinds, and the restorative energy of natural beauty. In the words of Morrison, Atyani believes in "harnessing our gifts to illuminate the world with kindness, one act at a time."
Atyani brings nearly three decades of transformative leadership experience in education and nonprofits, advocating for educational equity and social justice. From her early days as an elementary school teacher to executive roles like Chief Academic Officer and Chief Program Officer, she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives at organizations such as TNTP and New Teacher Center, resulting in tangible outcomes and fostering inspiring, inclusive communities. Holding a Master of Arts in English Literature from Northwestern University, Atyani also serves on the Board of Directors for Educators for Excellence.
Contact Atyani: atyani@promise54.org
COURTNEY BROUN
Operations Director
She/Her/Hers
Contact Courtney: courtney@promise54.org
EMILY MOLLOY
Operations Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Emily is: a white cisgender Irish American woman; a faithful friend who believes in the power of deep, authentic friendship; doting dog mom; athlete and lover of nature who is passionate about the connection between movement, the great outdoors, and mental health; avid music fan and concert-goer; lover of board games, cooking, ube ice cream, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, and any kind of cocktail with gin or tequila; and has been on a years-long search to find Chicago’s best cup of coffee. She is continually seeking to find balance between thinking deeply and enjoying life’s silliest moments and hopes to never stop learning and growing.
Emily has 11+ years of experience working with nonprofits where she has held roles as Associate Director of Scheduling and City Director at City, Service, Mission in Chicago; Executive Assistant at New Moms; Community Engagement Leader at First Ascent Climbing & Fitness; and Board Member of Ultimate Chicago where she currently serves as secretary. Emily holds a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling & Clinical Research, as well as a 2nd major in Human Services.
Contact Emily: emily@promise54.org
ERIN SINNOTT
Associate Partner
She/Her/Hers
Erin is: a mother, partner, sister, daughter, and granddaughter, whose intergenerational family grounds her in the astonishing capacity humans have to learn, grow and change at every stage of life. A white woman, inquisitive traveler, and outdoor educator at heart, Erin strives to listen deeply, learn continuously, and love inclusively. She can often be found hiking, in her vegetable garden, or at a local live music event, is always working to improve her Spanish, and is a mediocre but enthusiastic teammate on her rec softball team. Equal parts analytical and relational, Erin loves data, loves people, and is passionate about co-creating systems and structures that honor and amplify the brilliance of people with historically marginalized identities.
Erin's experience in education and talent includes roles at Mile High Youth Corps, TNTP, and Denver Public Schools, where she led initiatives to strengthen and diversify teacher pathways and supports, to foster inclusive instructional cultures, and to develop, scale, and continuously improve an innovative district-wide distributive leadership model. Erin received a BA in Geography and Religion from Colgate University.
Contact Erin: erin@promise54.org
JAIME GRIMSLEY
Associate Partner
She/Her/Hers
Contact Jaime: jaime@promise54.org
JENN JEFFERS
Senior Associate
She/Her/Hers
Jenn is: a Southern black woman, native of Little Rock, Arkansas, the proud daughter and granddaughter of educators, loyal friend and family member, folk musician, doting dog mom, travel enthusiast, former teacher, Harry Potter fan, and a glass-half-full optimist. Jenn has a deep love for the banjo, hiking, the music of Natalia Lafourcade, and for understanding how our internal emotional landscapes drive our decision making. As a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, the legacy of 1954 has touched every area of her life. She feels most at home when actively engaged in racial justice work, is passionate about coaching and developing adults, and envisions a country where everyone has equal access and opportunity to reach their full potential. Jenn’s decade of experience in education and adult development includes roles as: Assistant Principal, Dean of Instruction, Race and Equity Facilitator, High School Spanish teacher, AP Environmental Science Teacher (KIPP New Orleans), Graduate Instructional Assistant and Facilitator (Columbia University), and Professional Development Facilitator and Coach (Louisiana Resource Center for Educators). Jenn holds a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a MA in Educational Leadership from Columbia University.
Contact Jenn: jenn@promise54.org
JODI HARRIS
Associate Partner
She/Her/Hers
Jodi is: a native Californian, former New Yorker and current resident of Atlanta, GA; an avid traveler, trail walker and passionate beach lover; a devoted daughter, sister, dog mom and friend; a passionate social justice advocate; a plant collector and lover of the outdoors; and a Black, cisgender, heterosexual woman fighting to uplift the voices and ignite the power of those most often excluded. Jodi brings over 10 years’ experience in the education sector, including at Acelero Learning as a Grants Manager, Director of Systems & Strategic Initiatives, and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging. Jodi’s commitment to relationship building and human-centered work opens the door to the realignment of old paradigms and design of new approaches to advance towards a more equitable and just world where we all belong. Jodi holds a BA in Political Science from Stanford University, as well as certifications in Change Management from Prosci® and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Georgetown University.
Contact Jodi: jodi@promise54.org
JUSTIN TANDINGAN
Associate Partner
He/Him/His
Justin is: gay and Asian American and Filipinx American; an ethnic studies scholar and policy/political wonk; a son of immigrants; a Portland native and current Angeleno; fervent podcast listener; and a relationship builder and forever learner. Justin’s almost 15-year career in education began as a 4th grade teacher and then he joined Teach For America’s national staff where he held multiple roles including leading the AAPI Alliances, managing recruiters, and growing TFA’s national organizational partnerships. He has served on the board of API Equality – Los Angeles as the Education Chair and currently sits on their Sustaining Our Future Advisory Board. In his time outside of work, Justin enjoys teaching group fitness classes, gardening, cooking, and finding new places to eat. Justin holds a BA in Planning, Public Policy, and Development and a BS in Ethnic Studies from the University of Oregon and an MPP from the University of Southern California.
Contact Justin: justin@promise54.org
LAURA SCHAAF
She/Her/Hers
Contact Laura: laura@promise54.org
LESLIE NAIR
Partner
She/Her/Hers
Contact Leslie: leslie@promise54.org
LOUIS GORTON
Operations Director
He/Him/His
Contact Louis: louis@promise54.org
LUCERITO ORTIZ
Partner
She/Her/Hers
Contact Lucerito: lucerito@promise54.org
Operations Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Contact Marilin: marilin@promise54.org
SAMMI WONG
She/Her/Hers
Sammi is: a Chinese-American immigrant based in Chicago; a first-generation college graduate; a bilingual speaker; a dog mom of two; an avid learner by way of podcasts and books; a semi-professional ultimate frisbee player; and an aspiring storyteller who seeks to challenge the way our society has historically perceived the value and worth of individuals and marginalized communities. Sammi's years of experience in education include roles as a classroom teacher, a policy advisor, and most recently as the Director of Insights and Operations on Teach For America's Professional Recruitment Team. Sammi holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a MA in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University.
Contact Sammi: sammi@promise54.org
SHERESE WOOLARD
Senior Associate
She/Her/Hers
Sherese is: a fat, Black, queer woman; devoted sister, daughter and friend; inquisitive listener; mental health advocate; personality typology nerd; self-development aficionado; and on a mission to create a more inclusive world by empowering herself and others to live into their most authentic selves. Hailing from the suburbs of Detroit, MI, she is a natural bridge-builder and is passionate about leveraging intersectionality to spur both empathy and accountability in individuals and communities.
Sherese began her career as a Teach for America corps member in Memphis, TN. Over her 10+ years in education she has served within organizations such as KIPP, YES Prep Schools & EMERGE with a focus on student achievement, adult development, DEI values integration and talent system enhancement. In her spare time, she loves to travel to new places, re-watch movies she has already seen many times, and try all the best restaurants in her current city of Houston, TX. Sherese holds a BS in Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.
Contact Sherese: sherese@promise54.org
TESS VIGIL
Associate Partner
She/Her/Hers
Tess is: a critically conscious Chicana, appreciative daughter, big sister, wife and mother; cisgendered and able-bodied, dedicated to the pursuit of equity and justice. A social critic and constant learner, Tess designs, thrifts, and sews clothes, hoping to curb environmental and human costs of the fashion industry. Tess’ 15+ year career includes teaching various K-12 grades and subjects across public, charter and independent schools, coaching teachers and leaders, and establishing and growing a Culturally Responsive Education team for Denver’s 90,000+ student district. Tess holds a BA from Columbia University and an M.Ed. from Loyola Marymount University.
Contact Tess: tess@promise54.org
UNSUK ZUCKER
Partner
She/Her/Hers
Contact UnSuk: unsuk@promise54.org
XIOMARA PADAMSEE
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
She/Her/Hers
Contact Xiomara: xiomara@promise54.org