# data[].attributes.body
Hello AST Cohort!
My name is Jeanine.  I work with access entrepreneurs in Auckland and Toronto, as well as software engineers at some of the largest software companies. After two decades design complex software systems, I couldn't shake the realization that how we work was causing bias and exclusion in our results and without examining our design practices we will continue to fall short.

My mission is to challenge and innovate how we design and engage research to lead us to more inclusive products and services where everyone can flourish.   I look forward to finding ways to bring this work to a broader audience, find more places to build collaborative practices, apply to NGOs and more.

I live near Seattle but still consider Alaska as home and am very exciting to learn from everyone.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, my name is Günter Krejci and I live in Vienna, Austria. I am married to an Ecuadorian, 2 kids (twins, boy and girl) and enjoy travelling and sharing time with friends.

I work for Avanade since November 2016 as the CRM lead in Austria. 2 years ago i joind the social citizenship program and I really enjoy giving back to society.

# data[].attributes.body
Ciao AST people!
I'm Amy Sabuzi, based in Italy and I joined the Avanade Corporate Citizenship team with responsibility of volunteering projects and activities.
What I enjoy most is cooking and travelling but also have a passion for rhythmic gymnastics which I used to do years ago now.
Looking forward to meet everyone and learn!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello 2021 AST,
It is with great pleasure to amongst you all. I look forward to this great learning journey on how to create impactful social change. I am a CSR manager in an Egyptian Company with a mission to contribute to the betterment of the community where we operate.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello AST Colleagues,

I'm thrilled to be joining you for the next few weeks!

I work at the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a DC-based research, policy, and advocacy organization where I lead large scale applied research projects focused on creating equitable solutions for pressing issues in postsecondary education. I firmly believe that all people should have equitable access to opportunity in order to reach their potential, and that education can be a key driver of social and economic mobility.

I currently live in NW Seattle with my husband and two sons. We moved last May after living in the DC area for over 10 years and are enjoying every moment of being back in the PNW.

Looking forward to meeting and learning from all of you!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello,

Excited to join you all for the next few weeks.

I am the Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Study.com and also the Program Director and Co-Founder of their non-profit, The Working Scholars Fund. This program provides working adults from traditionally underserved communities with a no-cost, no-debt bachelor's degree, in a way that fits their lives. I also have a ton of passion around creating a more representative teacher workforce.

I am a first generation college graduate and believe that access to a high quality education is a (the) key driver of mobility in our society.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and still live there with my wife and 2 young kids. I had a 15 year career in Finance and Operations before concentrating on Social Impact work for the last 5 years or so.

Talk soon!

# data[].attributes.body
I am Phillimon "Phil" Mlambo, passionate about "growing people". The opportunities present themselves through preparing and inspiring young people to succeed  in a global economy. JA Africa is my platform to live my passion and I serve as COO. My first degree is in Psychology and my second one is in Public and Development Management.

Excited to learn and to grow so that I will be more equipped to serve and grow people in Zimbabwe and throughout  Africa.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi AST Cohort!

I'm Nick Ruiz (he/him). I'm a natural language processing scientist by day at Interactions and Co-founder/Board Member of Miles4Migrants by night. In 2016, I launched the concept of using donated frequent flyer miles to reunite refugee families and fly asylum seekers to safe homes. In the process I've learned a lot about the challenges of transitioning from a volunteer run organization to building and developing a team of professionals. Our small team of 6 paid staff have purchased tickets to fly over 6,000 refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers in 5 years. Currently we're currently working alongside other organizations and airlines to fly Afghan evacuees from U.S. Military Bases to places in the U.S.

While the numbers are great, my greatest joys are the relationships I've developed with displaced people -- especially the conversations at the dinner table or playground with families whose stories fostered a desire to welcome others on their journey to safety.

I look forward to learning alongside you and leaning into your experiences as we work collectively to promote social justice and dignity in our communities.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi All!  My name is Sarah and I am so excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to learning from and with you all.  I currently work at LinkedIn supporting our social impact efforts with a focus on the military community to include veterans, spouses, and caregivers.  I am also working on our broader partnerships to create economic opportunity for jobseekers facing barriers.  I believe in the power of data and how meaningful insights can be used to understand the barriers members face in accessing opportunities and that technology can be a catalyst for good.

I served in the military and have lived all over the world, but I currently live in Redmond, WA and am a mom to three busy children (7, 3, & baby) with a dog.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Love to promote social innovation and empower young entrepreneurs!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Colleagues from around the world!

I am Mexican, but my desire to continue learning brought me to Spain where I currently live.

I am very passionate about working with young entrepreneurs, expanding their vision of life, awakening their interests and enhancing their full potential to be changemakers in their communities. I work as a consultant for Junior Achievement Americas, The European Innovation Council and the association of BIGBAN private investors in Spain.

It´s a true honor to be part of this cohort 2021 and it will be a pleasure to meet you soon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
On Ruth Glacier, Denali National Park, Alaska, USA.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello, all–

I'm a Senior Writer/Editor with JA Worldwide. Trying to find a photo of me in my favorite place was tough (because I have a few favorite places), but my home state of Alaska, USA, won out. I have had a diverse career: I started in publishing with St. Martin's Press, then tried my hand at reality television (not for me) before finding that I loved working in the nonprofit space. I loved working for Girl Scouts of the USA but ultimately left to move home to Alaska for a few years. I now live in Richmond, Virginia, USA, and I'm so fortunate to be able to work from home remotely full time (JA Worldwide is based in Boston), do what I love full time (write, edit, and create), and do it for an organization I love.

I love reading, travel, and animals. I published my first novel in 2014, and am working on my second. In my free time, I practice yoga and barre, work in my garden, and hang out with my husband, our dog, and my very old cat.

I can't wait to start AST and get to know you all!

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Richard, but you can call me Rich. I am the Director of Communications at the CROP Organization and the host of The Prison Post Podcast. I enjoy public speaking and was once the President of Toastmaster's I am certified transformational/career coach and have trained over 60 transformational coaching seminars and workshops.

I am the co-author of the book, "Men Built for Others" and an Associate Trainer of John Maxwell’s EQUIP Leadership. I'm 3 classes away from my MBA. I was incarcerated for 20 years of my life, but it was there where I discovered the person I want to be today, a  transformational leader and generous servant leader who lives and loves with passion and commitment. Most importantly, I'll be married on October 16th to my best friend and twin flame. The picture I shared is of our God Spot in Pacifica the very place where I asked her to marry me.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello, AST Colleagues!  It’s a pleasure to meet each one of you.

I am based in Atlanta, Georgia, where I live with my husband, 3 yo and large hound.

My heart lies in empowering and equipping ALL students (regardless of background) to successfully navigate the world around them and lead fulfilled lives.  Towards that end, I’ve dedicated most of my career to developing/piloting new educational models that more effectively prepare our students for their futures.

In non-COVID times, I enjoy travel and teaching the performing arts (music, dance).  I also love reading and spending time outdoors with my family.

# data[].attributes.body
AST Cohort 2021 Colleagues,
It is my pleasure to be amongst you all! I am seeking to lead purposefully with impact.  I enjoy a full life while always seeking spiritual, physical, and emotional alignment.   I am committed to positively influencing the social justice ecosystem in all that I do.  I launched Ellephant Parade LLC, https://www.ellephantparade.org/, to uplift women leaders.  I have many lived experiences that inform my intention and desire to build this organization - plus I have a story to tell.  I believe that engaging with you on your journey will help me to grow, show up authentically, and to embrace my leadership path moving forward.  I'm inspired by you already.  See you all soon!

# data[].attributes.body
Hey Y'all I'm super excited for AST!

I'm a software developer at Avanade Canada, and I'm also the Canadian Community Champ.  I focus on growing the engagement and commitment of Avanade Canada to Corporate Citizenship.

I live in Markham Ontario, I love all things aviation and I also make a lot of things in my garage wood working shop.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
With my own personal Disruptor - now 19!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello Team AST!

I'm Amy Guatelli. My mission is to ensure that ALL students develop robust future plans and the skills and agency required to realize those plans regardless of disability or background.  As a special educator and special parent, I initially worked the problem through the lens of disability.  But the effective best practices and research-based interventions come from a range of fields -  including learning and memory, executive function, mindset, motivation and competency and mental health – and can impact a wide-range of students.  I am currently investigating how to scope out beyond disability to more broadly impact diversity and inclusion.

In terms of background, I started my career at Microsoft in 1996 working on the first coordinated global online strategy.  With the emergence of  ASP and .NET, that segued into program managing global interactive content and search apps on generations of emerging online technologies.   That focus was turned on its head when my disruptor – in the most wonderful way – was born.  Long story short, I went back to school for my MA in Special Education and re-focused my program management on developing programs for students with special needs in the local Lake Washington School District (Redmond, WA).  A few years ago, I started my own consulting and coaching practice, Special Minds Education, working with families, schools and students.  I am currently revisiting my goals, scope and implementation plans – in short, reflecting on progress and my next 5-year plan.

Through AST, I hope to discover programs, concepts, strategies and people who will disrupt my thinking.  I want to get out of my box, collaborate and rethink how I extend my impact on student futures.    I look forward to learning from and working with you all!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello, I am excited to join you in AST 2021!

My name is Aya, I am from Egypt. I am working in an NGO aiming to reduce inequalities for marginalized communities (PWDS, Women, and children )  through utilizing different technologies to leverage their lives and achieve social and economic inclusion for them.
my role in the foundation is the communication manager I am responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with different stakeholders on a strategic level.  main responsibilities are to ensure the completion of the foundation project objectives, conduct stakeholder analysis, and maintain stakeholder engagement. in the meantime, I am leading a new initiative called Graphene aiming to power marginalized women and enhancing their Interpersonal, technical, and leadership skills and utilizing these skills to work on reducing waste generation by producing new products from waste upcycling.

Can`t wait to met you all! :)

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone, my name is Foluso Gbadamosi and I am from Lagos, Nigeria. I am the Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria and I am extremely passionate about Nation-Building + seeing individuals walk in their purpose. I have degrees in Computer Science & Management Information Systems and I believe technology is a catalyst for social development and change in Africa.

I am super excited to join this course and engage with you guys. e-See you all next week :)

# data[].attributes.body
Hi AST 2021 Cohort!

My name is Anne and I'm excited to be on this journey with you. Currently, I oversee an initiative that builds cross sector partnerships to improve outcomes from students of color and low income children in Seattle and South King County.

Looking forward to participating and learning from all of you.

# data[].attributes.body
I am so excited and honored to be able to collaborate with all of you in the 2021 AST Cohort!

I currently work as a Cloud Data Services specialist for NetApp and I am a Microsoft Alumni. I am the Exec Dir for our NetApp WIT where we are building a focused global mentoring program to increase diverse leadership. I am also the skilling lead for our EmpowerHer family project for India, as well as and advisor for the Women In Cloud start up accelerator. I believe we are stronger together, and as we connect together, we can bring about greater change and social impact.

I currently reside in the Seattle area closer to the mountains where I love to hike.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello AST cohort!

I am an ed-consultant, disability advocate and higher-ed researcher. I work with students and professionals (with/without disabilties) to share authentic lived experiences - to empower them to realize their true potential and tackle socio-cultural barriers.

I reside in Lahore, Pakistan after having lived and worked in Boston for 2 years (Fulbrighter). I went on a solo cultural trip from East to West Coast in the US, and marveled at the Pacific, sea gulls in San Diego, diversity of lived experiences and disability movements. On a mission to empower my community groups and consultancy through the lens of inclusion and social justice - the 2 pillars which keep me grounded for a more meaningful social impact.

I am beyond excited to join AST at Evans. Looking forward to an amazing cohort experience next week.

In the picture, I am touring the stunning University of Washington campus (Seattle) in 2016 summers. 5 years now coming full circle- feels very surreal.

# data[].attributes.body
Social Change Agent passionate about building bridges, collaborating in community, and setting fires that inspire transformation.

I am both humbled and honored to be invited into this community of leaders as we seek to elevate ourselves and those we serve.

I currenlty reside in Oakland, California and  live for the day when  can travel the world and experience all the richness of people, culture, and humanity.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone!
I'm excited to meet, learn and collaborate with you all!
I live in Nebraska with my husband and our two dogs. When I'm not spending time with family and friends or enjoying the outdoors, you can find me with my Kindle! I love to read and always looking for suggestions! My passion lies within preparing young people for their future, which connects directly to the mission of JA Worldwide where I currently work.
Can't wait to get started!

# data[].attributes.body
Direct involvement in Corporate Citizenship, promoting positive social impact activities for the community.

I`m also the founder of the NGO Resgatando Amor in Brazil.

Winner of Avanade's CEO's Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award, I`m also a youth mentor, Sabrina`s mother, a terrible cook and an excellent company for a glass of wine.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone!

My name is Charlotte (she/they) and I'm excited to be a member of the AST 2021 cohort! I'm an agent for social change, driven by a passion to amplify collaboration in similar spaces/movements.

I'm currently working throughout Washington state to reduce commercial sexual exploitation by supporting the creation of coalitions in various counties.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, taking and teaching yoga, and spending time with my furbaby Watson.

Looking forward to the journey we get to share together in the upcoming weeks!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone!  I'm Kel Dylla (she/her) and I love to connect people to their creativity.  I look forward to meeting everyone and learning more about you!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi!

I am really excited to get to meet and collaborate with you all in the 2021 AST cohort!

I currently work on JPMorgan Chase's Tech for Social Good team, leading up our global social good hackathons portfolio, Code for Good and Data for Good, where we inspire individuals to use their skills and innovating thinking to solve real-world challenges for nonprofits around the globe.

I also am the co-founder of the Tech for Good Symposium, a community of social impact leaders in the tech space dedicated to connecting and collaborating for change.

I currently live in NYC with my husband and enjoy cycling and exploring new cuisines. I will be moving to London at the end of the year - so looking forward to connecting with any fellow Londers!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone!

My name is Aaron (they/them), and I am the Founder of Community Collaboratory (CC). CC is a social impact startup here in Seattle, WA that aims to make it easier to offer/receive social support locally. Traditional volunteering is often not feasible for many people, so our goal is to be like Match.com for social support: easy, safe, flexible.

I also worked in mental health research for the past 6 years, and am passionate about behavioral health, disparities in mental health care, and care coordination.

I've lived in Seattle for about 7 years, and currently live in South Seattle with 3 housemates and two cats!

Excited to meet everyone and start!

# data[].attributes.body
I am a passionate, driven individual with a strong learning and growth mindset. I work in entrepreneurship education to ensure that young people are inspired and prepared to succeed in the global economy. I have developed excellent communication skills in international circumstances through time spent living and working in different countries; in the Netherlands, Portugal, Hungary and now in Belgium.

Besides work, I am doing improvisation theater for 4 years now. Combining my passions and professional path impro in the business world the ability to deal with the unexpected, listen actively, communicate effectively. In my free time I love reading and educating myself about behavioural science connection to AI. This is an entirely new world that needs to be discovered. :)

# data[].attributes.body
Hello 2021 ASTERS!

I am an artist, innovation catalyst and learning experience designer. I am part of the AST program team at Catalytic Innovators Group. You can find me at the intersection of innovative art/culture, science, education, tech initiatives. I founded ASKXXI, a US-Chile exchange program fostering US- Chile collaboration in arts, emerging technologies and the ecological sciences. This is a picture of my on my first visit to Río Petrohue, in the Region of Los Lagos in Chile.

Am so excited to meet and learn from you all!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello!

I am excited to be participating in this AST cohort! I currently work at JPMorgan Chase on the firm's Emerging Talent team. Emerging Talent at JPMC is suite of programs that create opportunity for those not always found in traditional talent pipelines. Emerging Talent includes apprenticeships, internships, workforce development programs, training bootcamps, and a few other models that create opportunity for individuals to come work at JPMC. I currently oversee the apprenticeship space and have been working on this type of programming since 2017.

I live in Wilmington, DE with my husband and our dog (who often can be heard and seen on Zoom calls). Outside of work I love to exercise, garden, and read.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Hello AST 2021! My name is Jason and I'm super excited about what is ahead with this cohort! As this picture with my son might show, I'm the EXPLORER!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi I am the founder and curator of AST and am thrilled to welcome you all to AST 2021 and looking forward to meeting all of you. We have designed an interactive and fun experience.
I have published my new book Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World. I teach, consult and also create art. I enjoy travelling (not right now) and look forward to getting to know all of you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Before I chopped the year-long growth of my hair off

# data[].attributes.body
Hello AST 2021 cohort!

My name is Ben and I am a member of the AST Team. A recent graduate of the University of Washington's MPA at the Evans School, I help coordinate information and build content for this year's program.

Spending time outside in the Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite physical spaces to be in. This rain jacket comes along with me every backpacking trip through the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie Wilderness here in Washington.

Cannot wait to get started with you all this month!

# data[].attributes.body
Hola AST 2021 Cohort🌻

My name is Laura and I am part of AST's Team. I am passionate about social justice movements, ancestral healing practices, and rest. I am originally from Colombia, lived in South Florida, and currently reside in Seattle. In the picture above, I'm in the North Cascades doing one of my favorite activities, Yoga, and enjoying nature. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!