ASU+GSV Summit Sessions

Amar Kumar, CEO of KaiPod Learning, discusses the shift toward personalized education and the rise of school choice. MacKenzie Price, Co-Founder of 2 Hour Learning, highlights the necessity of student motivation. Joshua Dahn, Co-founder of Synthesis, emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving in online platforms. Julie Young of Julie Young Education shares insights on the evolution and potential pitfalls of online learning. Together, they explore innovative educational models that prioritize flexibility and adaptability, reshaping the future of K-12 education.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this forward-looking conversation features Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of Achievement Network; Jing Liu, Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Educational Data Science and Innovation at the University of Maryland, College Park; and Yusuf Ahmad, CEO of Playlab. Moderated by Sandra Liu Huang, Head of Education and VP of Product at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.As AI transforms the educational landscape, how can EdTech developers keep pace with innovation while ensuring their tools deliver real, research-backed impact? This panel explores how to build AI-powered solutions that uphold academic rigor, align with state standards, and drive equitable learning outcomes. Learn how these leaders are working to develop frameworks, resources, and best practices that help the EdTech sector build responsibly and catalyze success for both students and educators.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this panel features Nathalie Henderson, EVP at Teach For America; Ethan Mitnick, President of SchoolKit; David Steiner, Executive Director at Johns Hopkins University; Drew Coleman, Associate Chief of Schools at Denver Public Schools; and Jamie Poskin, Founder & CEO of TeachFX. Moderated by Sari Factor, Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning.The conversation dives into the critical intersection of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and High-Quality Professional Learning (HQPL). Discover how to maximize the impact of HQIM with thoughtful, strategic implementation and robust teacher support, including job-embedded coaching and AI-driven tools. Panelists will share actionable insights and bold strategies for creating equitable and transformative learning experiences in every classroom, ensuring that students and educators alike benefit from the full potential of high-quality instructional resources.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this powerful conversation features Curtis Lewis, Founder & CEO of the Black Male Educators Alliance; Chimere Stephens, Senior Director of Recruitment at NYC Men Teach/NYC Public Schools; and Marvin Lynn, Dean & Professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Moderated by Carlos Moreno, Co-Executive Director of Big Picture Learning.The panel explores one of the most pressing challenges in education today: the urgent need to increase the representation of men—especially men of color—in the teaching profession. From addressing longstanding systemic barriers to highlighting community-based solutions and policy innovations, these leaders share proven strategies for recruitment, development, and retention. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this session offers bold ideas and practical pathways for building a more diverse and inclusive teaching workforce.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this conversation features powerful insights from leaders shaping the future of inclusive education: Coretta Martin, Founder & CSO of IEP&ME; Simone Wright, Chief of Academics at Denver Public Schools; Sandy Lacey, Executive Director of Innovation at Perkins School for the Blind; Jack Lynch, CEO of HMH; and Craig Powell, CEO of Everway. Moderated by Meredith Rosenberg, Partner & Co-founder at NU Advisory Partners.This compelling discussion centers on a vital question: How can we design learning systems that empower students with disabilities—and, in doing so, improve better outcomes for all? From AI-driven personalized tools and accessible technology to district-wide strategies and workforce-readiness programs, panelists share real-world approaches that are breaking down barriers.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this conversation brings together leading voices at the intersection of private equity and K–12 education: Ashley Andersen Zantop, Chairman and CEO of Cambium Learning Group; Gavin Cooney, Founder & CEO of Learnosity; Alice Li, Principal at Veritas Capital; and Jamie Candee, President and CEO of Edmentum. Moderated by Adam Newman, Founder & Managing Director at Tyton Partners.This revealing session explores a significant and often overlooked trend: the growing role of private equity in shaping the future of K–12 education. With an increasing number of education companies now owned by PE firms, the panel examines what’s driving this surge in investment and consolidation, how it’s impacting schools and educators, and what it means for the next wave of innovation in EdTech. Whether you’re a founder, educator, or investor, this discussion offers an unfiltered look at the forces reshaping the business of learning.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Thaibinh Cao, CEO of Mindgrasp; Michael Giardino, CEO & Co-Founder of Quizard AI; and Melissa Yeung, Social Media Strategy Manager at Duolingo. The panel was moderated by Larissa May, Founder and Executive Director of #HalfTheStory.This dynamic conversation tackled how EdTech startups can capture—and keep—the attention of GenZ and GenAlpha in an era defined by infinite scroll and fleeting focus. Panelists shared how they’re building viral brands through authenticity, storytelling, and rapid-response content strategies. From leveraging social platforms in unconventional ways to using data to guide emotional resonance, this session unpacked what it means to market at the speed of culture. If you're building in the digital learning space, these are the playbook updates you need.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Matthew Pittinsky, CEO of Instructure; Adrián Ridner, CEO & Founder of Study.com; and Jessica Ewing, CEO of Literati. The conversation was moderated by Adam Freed, Partner at GSV Ventures.The session explored the intense personal journey of entrepreneurship—what it really takes to build, lead, and sustain a company in the face of constant demands and uncertainty. Panelists offered raw insights into the highs and lows of startup life, sharing how they navigate stress, stay grounded, and lead with purpose. From setting boundaries to cultivating mental resilience, this candid discussion provided founders and aspiring entrepreneurs with actionable strategies and encouragement for staying strong through the rollercoaster of growth.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Robert Waldron, Chairman at Curriculum Associates; Maggie Ruvoldt, CHRO at LEARN Behavioral; and Kemi Akinsanya-Rose, Chief Operating Officer at Cambium Learning Group. The conversation was moderated by Darienne Hudson, Ed.D., President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.The session explored how forward-thinking organizations are navigating the uncertainty of an AI-driven future by cultivating strong, resilient workplace cultures. Panelists shared strategies for maintaining employee trust, morale, and engagement in the face of rapid technological change. From transparent communication to continuous learning and leadership grounded in empathy, the conversation unpacked what it takes to build organizations that not only weather disruption—but empower their people to thrive within it.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Deena Bahri, Chief Marketing Officer at Chegg; Stephen Green, Chief Partnerships Officer at Noodle Partners; and Katie Fang, CEO of SchooLinks. The conversation was moderated by Margery Mayer, CEO of Audacity Education.The session explored how a powerful mission does more than inspire: it attracts aligned talent, guides product strategy, and drives long-term impact. Panelists shared candid insights on what it takes to keep a company anchored in its purpose through market shifts, growth pressures, and evolving customer needs. From defining core values to making tough trade-offs, the session unpacked the real-world challenges and rewards of building a mission-first organization that lasts.