Laura Day, The Hockaday School

Laura Day is the dedicated Director of the Institute for Social Impact at The Hockaday School, focusing on community engagement and problem-solving in North Dallas. She mentors students, encouraging empathy, leadership, and advocacy, guiding them to create real-world solutions. Recognized for her contributions, Laura has received prestigious awards such as the Good Works Under 40 People’s Choice Award and the United to Learn Award for Outstanding Accelerator: Advocacy and Awareness.

Laura's commitment to community empowerment began in the Bronx, leading her to advocate for marginalized groups. At The Hockaday School, Laura emphasizes community involvement for girls of all ages, fostering student-led initiatives through partnerships. Through various roles and initiatives, Laura continues to inspire positive change and educational equity.

Joan Buchanan Hill, The Lamplighter School | Event Host

Joan Buchanan Hill is currently in her 13th year as Head of School at The Lamplighter School in Dallas, Texas, showcasing a strong dedication to providing top-notch education for young learners. Her leadership at Lamplighter emphasizes advocacy for students and promoting independent school education. With a background that includes serving as Lower School Head at Columbus School for Girls and teaching at other esteemed institutions, Dr. Hill brings a wealth of experience to her role.

She holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Educational Leadership from John Carroll University, and a Bachelor's in Organizational Communications from Ohio University. Dr. Hill's commitment to innovative and inclusive learning shines through in Lamplighter's acclaimed childhood education programs.

Chaundra Macklin, Dallas Independent School District

Chaundra Macklin believes in developing leaders in students and staff while driving purpose in their lives, working side-by-side with families, and fostering a collaborative environment with community members and partners. Ms. Macklin’s 27-year educational career has afforded her several opportunities to connect with leaders in private, public, non-profit, and faith-based organizations. These opportunities have been spaces to further enhance the symbiotic relationships of education, business, and community outreach in the interest and successful progress of our greatest asset and gateway to the future – our children.

Chaundra Macklin currently serves as the principal leader of two premier prekindergarten campuses in the Dallas Independent School District. She also serves as a board member and the Children’s and Finance Pastor at Kingdom Ambassador Christian Center (KACC) in Carrollton.

Rich Perry, Jesuit Dallas

Rich Perry, a Boston College graduate in theological studies with a social justice focus, also holds a Masters in Education from Southern Methodist University. Currently, he directs Community Service and Social Justice at Jesuit Dallas, fostering programs where students support marginalized groups, break barriers, and cultivate cross-cultural friendships.

Rich's expertise in special education and nurturing gifted learners equips students to embrace lifelong commitments to service, justice, and community building. His advocacy spans diverse areas like animal rescue, HIV/AIDS outreach, immigrant support, elder care, and homelessness initiatives, all grounded in relationship-driven activism. Passionate about upholding human dignity, Rich's work exemplifies a dedication to empowering others through compassion and solidarity.

Abigail Williams, United to Learn

Abigail Williams has directed the vision and trajectory of United to Learn, from its beginnings in 2012 to a sustainable and thriving model today. An unwavering education advocate, Abby has dedicated herself to eliminating inequities in the educational system for the past two decades.

Leaning on her proud Hispanic roots, her mother’s invaluable resilience and personal lived experiences, Abby believes that a strong public education is the key to lifting up today’s children and tomorrow’s communities. She works to live out the mission of transforming relationships between school and community and her vision of ensuring every child can read.

Among her community activities, Abby serves on the Board of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, National Network of Schools in Partnership, Dallas CASA, and Texas Women’s Foundation.