In partnership

---

Jerome Banks, Ph.D.

Dr. Jerome Banks is an accomplished K-12 school leader with extensive international experience. He has also served as a presenter, lecturer, and curriculum specialist. Previously, he served as the K-12 Director of Learning at Keerapat International School in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Banks earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand, a Master's in Educational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, a Master's Master's in Education from State University of New York at Buffalo, a Bachelor's in Mathematics from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, USA. Dr. Banks specializes in school culture, instructional leadership, teaching and curriculum development, and change management.

Michelle Tavares, M.Ed.

For the past 20 years, Michelle has been tasked with creating special education programs in various cities, including Providence, RI, and Baltimore, MD. She has particular expertise in developing programs for students with multiple disabilities and nonverbal communication needs. Through the Advisory and Project-Based Learning model, Michelle has developed trusting relationships with her students and their families. Her efforts in the field have been recognized through grants for research in Progressive Education, which have enabled her to present at national conferences and train educators in these principles. Furthermore, Michelle has completed the New Leaders Program and earned an Administrative Certification. Currently, she serves on two school boards, advocating for teacher autonomy and democratic leadership.

Emmanuel Vincent, Ed.D.

Dr. Emanuel Vincent is an internationally recognized education leader and the Principal Consultant at Pinkgrape Consulting (PGC), where he drives innovation, inclusion, and sustainable transformation across K–12 education systems worldwide. With over 25 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, curriculum design, and school improvement, he believes that education's highest purpose is to empower every learner to thrive and belong. A featured presenter at GESS Dubai 2025, Dr. Vincent contributes to The Spark – The Energy of GESS Dubai, inspiring educators to reimagine wellbeing, leadership, and the role of technology in shaping future-ready schools. He also serves as a judge for the GESS Awards, celebrating global excellence in education, and for the Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) initiative, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which promotes sustainability and children's rights through storytelling. Dr. Vincent's distinguished career includes the Fulbright Program in Japan, the Carnegie Fellowship at Northeastern University, the Springfield College Writing Fellowship, and the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship. A mentor and cognitive coach with AIELOC and contributing writer for Global Education Supply & Solutions (GESS), he champions collaboration, innovation, and equity in global education.

His mission: to design learning ecosystems where innovation and inclusion intersect—and where every learner, everywhere, is empowered to flourish.

Kelli Cannon, M.Ed.

Kelli has dedicated over 16+ years to the field of education. Her experience includes working with Bill and Melinda GGates'IInGates'ePartnerships' Partnerships for InGatesve Teaching (IP), as well as with Charter Management Organizations (CMO), such as Alliance College-Ready Public Schools and Aspire Public Schools, where she served as the Director of Educator Effectiveness. In her role as Intervention Specialist and Instructional Lead Teacher at Valdosta City Schools, Kelli has been instrumental in leading Response to Intervention (RTI) initiatives through Reading Recovery strategies. Kelli is currently a Board Member of Verto Education and previously represented California as a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Kelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Valdosta State University, a Master of Science in Adult Education from Troy University, an Education Specialist from Valdosta State University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (ABD) from Valdosta State University.

Belkis Raquel Paulino, MPA.

Ms. Paulino is a second-generation Dominican-American and proud Islander, with over 10ve10on years of experience in teaching, organizational development, non-profit management, project management, and educational leadership. She is the founder of "onnecti" the Dots, a non-profit after-school program for adolescent and teenage girls that combines art with pop culture to provide the best education and opportunities for creative development. As the board chair of the organization, Ms. Paulino understands the importance of foundational policies, processes, culture, and community in achieving success. She has also worked as a business development consultant, a high school and early childhood teacher, and as the Executive Director of Little Linguists International Preschool in East Point, GA. Ms. Paulino holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and is fluent in both Spanish and English. She resides in Atlanta with her two daughters, ages six and thirteen. Ms. Paulino is passionate about providing opportunities, tools, and access for future teachers, leaders, community activists, and presidents, as she believes this is the only authentic way to make a meaningful difference.

Danielle Gibbs, Ed.D.

Dr. Danielle Gibbs has more than a decade of experience in education and educational leadership, specifically in affiliated strategies and teaching. She has worked with K-5 students in the Valdosta City School system, where she serves as the chair of her grade level and a member of the school's SIP team. Danielle possesses extensive knowledge in instructional design strategy and assessment, and has expertise in consulting with gifted and talented students. Currently, she is a kindergarten teacher at Pinevale Elementary School within the Valdosta City School system. Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, Education Specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees from Valdosta State University.