As United to Learn continues to grow in size and reach, the organization is expanding its 2026–2027 Board of Directors and Advisory Council to bring even more perspectives and trusted advisors into its work alongside Dallas ISD schools.
For the 2026–2027 school year, United to Learn welcomes five members to its Board of Directors and 10 new members to its Advisory Council. Together, these leaders bring experience spanning education, business, philanthropy, and community leadership, along with perspectives from those working closest to Dallas schools.
Joining the United to Learn Board of Directors are:
- Margaret J. Hirsch, President, The Hirsch Family Foundation, returning to Board service
- Angelica Leveroni Gomez, Senior Program Officer, Education, Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
- Paige Pettit Richey, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
- Jarrad Toussant, Senior Vice President, Education & Workforce, Dallas Regional Chamber
- Maurice West, External Affairs Manager & Dean of Men, Paul Quinn College
Angelica Leveroni Gomez, Jarrad Toussant, and Maurice West transition to the Board after serving on United to Learn’s Advisory Council, extending their leadership and experience with the organization.
The Board will continue under the leadership of Ben Leal, President of The Addy Foundation, as Chair. Whitney Fogle Lewis, Chief Legal Officer, U.S., AlTi Global, will serve as Vice Chair; Alex Sharma, Principal, Red Fort LLC, as Treasurer; and Laura Whitley, Partner, Haynes Boone, as Secretary.
United to Learn extends its gratitude to Liz Martin, Anne Wicks, and Founder Abigail Williams for their dedicated Board service and commitment to Dallas students and educators.
United to Learn is also expanding its Advisory Council with experienced district, community, and emerging leaders who offer perspectives from across the education ecosystem.
New Advisory Council members are:
- Dr. Nancy Bernardino, Regional Superintendent, Dallas ISD
- Kelsey Dudney, Senior Manager, EY
- Dr. Laura Garza, Regional Superintendent, Dallas ISD
- Salem Hussain, Regional Superintendent, Dallas ISD
- Anna Laura Maturino, Global Banking & Markets Program Manager, Goldman Sachs
- Chara Pace, Principal, Clinton P. Russell Elementary, Dallas ISD
- Joni Palmer, Director of Special Projects, Independent Schools Association of the Southwest
- Noriangelis Romero, Student Leader, Thomas Jefferson High School, Dallas ISD
- Dr. Lorena Tule-Romain, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, ImmSchools
- Ryan Zysk, Regional Superintendent, Dallas ISD
The expanded Council intentionally brings a range of voices to the table, including district and campus leaders, community and business professionals, nonprofit leaders, and a current Dallas ISD student.
United to Learn also thanks Hannah Buchanan, Joan Buchanan Hill, Rev. Robin Hinkle, Regen Horchow, and Mark Ramirez for their service on the Advisory Council.
“United to Learn was built on the belief that lasting progress happens when schools and community work alongside one another,” said Tim Hise, CEO of United to Learn. “As our organization grows, it is important that we continue bringing more perspectives and trusted advisors into our work. Our expanded Board and Advisory Council connect people with deep experience across education, business, philanthropy, and community leadership, including voices directly from our schools. Their insight will help us listen closely, strengthen partnerships, and continue building the community support that helps Dallas students and educators thrive.”
United to Learn works alongside 127 Dallas ISD elementary schools, connecting community investment with campus priorities to strengthen literacy, school culture and well-being, learning environments, and community activation. As the organization enters its second decade, its expanded governance reflects the same approach at the heart of its work: bringing people together around schools so educators and students can thrive.
See the full 2026–2027 United to Learn Board of Directors and Advisory Council.