Accelerate helped me develop a recognition of how my identity and my leadership style uniquely impact environments around me.

Josh is a senior fellow at FutureEd, an independent, solution-oriented think tank at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy.

Heather Anichini is the winner of the 2018 Peter Jennings award. As President and CEO of the Chicago Education Fund, she's led the organization's efforts on helping school leaders do better in jobs that are more sustainable. Since 2013, The Fund has raised about $40 million for professional development programs for school leaders.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, Nibette was fully aware of the challenges her second-grade students faced. She remains committed to ending educational inequity.

Bill Bissett was the president of the Kentucky Coal Association until recently becoming the president of the Huntington, WV Chamber of Commerce.

“As someone with intersectional marginalized identities (Afro-Latina, first generation, and disable) who has navigated a non-traditional pathway into the computer science field, I know firsthand the importance of centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in efforts to expand computer science pathways”

Naomi Arroyo

Co Founder and Managing Partner, Floreo Labs

Greater Philadelphia 2010

Naomi is a trailblazer in the field of computer science education and innovation, dedicated to empowering individuals through technology. Her journey began in Greater Philadelphia, eventually leading her to become a co-founder and Managing Partner at Floreo Labs.

Naomi's passion for computer science education ignited when she established a STEAM program in a New York City elementary school. Witnessing the transformative impact of teaching computer science to her students, she saw a remarkable positive shift in their confidence and academic excellence. Her classroom evolved into an innovation hub where students not only acquired technical skills but also embraced diverse talents and creative problem-solving.

With more than a decade of experience in K-12 education, Naomi has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology industry. Her leadership in STEAM labs and as a school educator has enabled thousands of students to engage deeply with subjects like engineering, robotics, and media, nurturing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

"As someone with intersectional marginalized identities (Afro-Latina, first generation and disabled) who has navigated a non-traditional pathway into the computer science field, I know firsthand the importance of centering diversity, equity and inclusion in efforts to expand computer science pathways."

Transitioning from the classroom to co-leading Floreo Labs, Naomi has been instrumental in steering the innovation lab toward community-centered solutions for the future of work. Through Floreo Labs, she has consulted with national nonprofits and initiatives, advocating for increased funding for computer science education, and supporting workforce development. Her work has directly impacted over 16,000 aspiring technologists, particularly women, gender-non-conforming individuals, and those impacted by systemic barriers.

"Winning this award is an affirmation at the end of a challenging year of tech layoffs and cuts to early talent programming across the tech sector. It affirms that the work I have dedicated the past decade to, both as an educational leader and more recently as a managing partner of Floreo Labs, is both needed and valued. Winning this award further motivates me to continue to push for computer science education to be accessible for youth and adult learners across the nation."

Karla Arroyo is a community manager at Group SJR and a journalist who leads the Deeper Than Hair newsletter as part of the CROWN Campaign. She earned her master's degree in social journalism from the Craig Newmark School of Journalism at the City University of New York and her bachelor's degree in media and communications from the State University of New York at Old Westbury. Karla is Dominican, raised and based in New York City, and loves all things fitness.

Lauren joined Teach For America in 2010 and taught English Language Arts at Urban Community Leadership Academy. Today, Lauren is currently serving her first term as a State Senator for District 17. As a state legislator, Lauren advocates for a number of policy issues, including funding for early literacy programs.

Samantha Pratt is a 2015 Miami-Dade alum and president of the LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program, where she helps develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Tony Ashton has worked in education for over 14 years as a teacher, administrator, and policy specialist.