Meet the 2025-2026 cohort
We’re excited to announce the 2025-2026 Project Unicorn Emerging Leaders Cohort members! We believe their work will significantly impact the future of edtech, and we're looking forward to supporting them on their data interoperability journeys!
Aysha Khan, Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School
Charles Randolph, Arlington Career Center
Charlsie Wigley, Jefferson County Schools
Chris Lindroth, Decatur County Community Schools
Devan Heiber, Rooted School Indy
Erin Copp, Cedarburg School District
Jennifer Hanni, Greenbush - Southeast Kansas Education Service Center
Jessica Paulson, Equal Opportunity Schools
Lauren Goldfish, Scottsdale Unified School District
Micah Miner, Beach Park District 3
Nolan Chenevert, Duluth Edison Charter Schools
Sabreen Mutawally, Thomasville City Schools
Steven Priest, Wyoming Department of Eductaion
About the cohort
Designed for education sector leaders and data professionals from the field, the 2025 Emerging Leaders Cohort is a learning and leadership opportunity that brings together early career leaders who build a modernized digital ecosystem in their district or state.
We aim to build a supportive talent network for early-career data professionals within education. This initiative will strengthen the understanding of foundational interoperability issues and expose them to a network of engaged professionals. We plan to build capacity in the field through meaningful connections with implementers.
Who Should Apply?
Early career district and charter leaders are eligible to apply, especially those who feel siloed or are just starting their interoperability journey. This also applies to those seeking support and interested in cohort-based learning. Personnel from educational service agencies, support agencies, and state agencies are also welcome to apply!
Meet the 2025-2026 Mentors
Project Unicorn is excited to celebrate the mentors supporting the 2025 - 2026 Emerging Leaders Cohort!
Mentors are at the heart of this initiative. Our experienced edtech leaders and data professionals serve as guides, thought partners, and champions for the next generation of early-career leaders. Their expertise helps participants navigate foundational interoperability issues, explore emerging trends, and connect the dots between theory and practice.
By sharing their real-world experiences and insights, mentors provide invaluable support that helps build a modernized digital ecosystem across districts, states, and organizations. They not only strengthen the skills of cohort participants but also expand the field’s collective capacity through meaningful connections and applied learning.
Through this mentorship, early-career professionals gain access to a national network of engaged experts, receive personalized guidance, and build relationships that will shape their careers and contributions to the edtech field.
Maggie Bunten, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Tim Clark, 1EdTech
Rosh Dhanawade, EdAnalytics
Rachel Johnson, Loudoun County Public Schools
Chantell Manahan, MSD of Steuben County
Gregory Nadeau, PCGUS
Josh Shepard, Simpldiscipline
Monica Watts, 1EdTech
Matt Yeager, Garland ISD
Are you a K-12 district administrator interested in being part of the cohort or learning more? Email projectunicorn@innovateedunyc.org.
