Michelle King is an educator, game designer, and justice-driven learning instigator. A proud Army Brat and daughter of an Ethiopian immigrant, she taught for over 22 years in public schools across Southwestern PA. Her work centers wonder, equity, teacher empowerment, and co-creating dynamic, joyful learning experiences. Michelle explores big questions: What do humans need to learn now? How can we design empathetic institutions? How might we build connections that reawaken our shared humanity? How might we belong without believing? Through partnerships and play, she seeks to nurture the Beloved Community—where justice, joy, and curiosity guide how we learn and live together.

Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation since 2006, is a father and children’s advocate. During the past 20 years, Grable has awarded a quarter-billion dollars to support the learning landscape and thriving youth futures across southwestern Pennsylvania. During these two decades, Gregg has also led Remake Learning—a dynamic network of more than 800 schools, museums, libraries, and other sites of learning —to international renown. Among the foremost examples of learning ecosystems, Remake Learning has turned heads everywhere from The White House to the World Economic Forum for its efforts to ignite children's curiosity; encourage creativity; and foster joy and belonging among youth, families, and educators. In 2023, the Helsinki-based HundrED named Mr. Behr as its Global Champion of the Year for inspiring learning innovation across continents. He’s chairperson for PBS KIDS and the Fred Rogers Institute; a member the National Commission for Learning Ecosystems, convened by New America; and has served previously in leadership roles for AASA—The National Superintendents Association, the Brookings Institution, and Grantmakers for Education. Honored by President Obama, the Disruptor Foundation, ISTE, and AASA with national awards as an innovator and thought leader in education, Gregg holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Duke University School of Law, as well as honorary degrees from Saint Vincent College and Carlow University. He is the co-author of the best-selling book, When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.

Ryan Rydzewski, communications officer for the Pittsburgh-based Grable Foundation, is a father and former teacher. An award-winning writer and speaker, he’s the co-author of the nationally bestselling book, When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.

Vanessa Boyd, affectionately known as Principal Boyd by her team, families, and scholars, serves as the heart and driving force of Broad Street Elementary School. A dedicated public servant with years of committed service to education, Vanessa has redefined the role of school leadership through a lens of creativity, support, and radical collaboration. Under her guidance, Broad Street has transformed into a "Collaborative Community School"—a vibrant ecosystem where staff, scholars, parents, and community partners unite to holistically develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Tracy Vitale is Superintendent of the Seneca Valley School District in Western Pennsylvania, bringing more than three decades of experience in public education as a teacher, principal and superintendent. Her leadership focuses on innovation, organizational systems and designing future-ready learning environments to accelerate student learning.

Dr. Vitale earned her undergraduate degree from Duquesne University, her Gifted Education Certificate and Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Carlow College and her Doctorate of Education in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

A significant focus of her leadership has been reimagining educational environments. She led the development of Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, a project recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2022. She is currently leading a five-year, $150 million Intermediate High School project featuring a performing arts center and future-driven academic spaces.

Dr. Vitale has authored articles for national education publications and participated in international studies of educational systems across Europe. She serves on the AASA and Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators Boards of Governors and is Founder and Executive Director of the Seneca Valley Foundation, which has raised more than $5 million to support educational initiatives. Her honors include the University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Alumni Award and a Pittsburgh ATHENA Award Finalist.