Nancy B. Gutiérrez is president and CEO of The Leadership Academy, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and developing school and school system leaders to dismantle inequities in schools and create the conditions necessary for all students to thrive.

Nancy is an instructor at NYU and frequently teaches at the Harvard Principals' Center institutes for School Turnaround Leaders, Urban School Leaders, and Race, Equity, Access, and Leadership. Nancy is a member of the board of directors at the Hunt Institute, brightbeam, and Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC) and serves on the Latinos for Education teaching team.

Roberto Padilla is the superintendent of Community School District 7 in the Bronx. From humble beginnings as a child, Roberto learned early on in his life the true meaning of resiliency and grit. He is a lifelong educator, having been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive coach, and leadership consultant.

Prior to becoming a superintendent, Roberto was a teacher and principal in New York City. He is widely recognized for his leadership in turning around failing schools and supporting school district leaders on change leadership. He considers himself to be an equity warrior whose purpose is to give all children a fighting chance at having a productive life. He is committed to placing effective teachers and school leaders in every school.