April 24—25, 2025
EVENT PROGRAM
WHY THIS, WHY NOW?
As MKA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we reflect on our rich history of preparing students for the future. Today, that future is more complex and rapidly changing than ever before. Our students will pursue careers that don’t yet exist, use technologies that haven’t been invented, and solve problems that are still unknown.
Navigating this complex world requires a "STEM+ mindset"—one that integrates essential interpersonal and creative skills with STEM expertise. Students need to be problem-solvers, critical thinkers, creative innovators, and effective communicators.
To advance this mission for the next 50 years, MKA is making significant investments to strengthen our academic program from Pre-K through Grade 12, investing in cutting-edge facilities, innovative programs, and exceptional personnel to ensure our students are prepared for a world that demands interdisciplinary thinking and hands-on experience.
The Alumni Innovation Summit is a crucial next step, connecting students with accomplished alumni to inspire and guide them as they explore the limitless potential of STEM+ and its intersection with fields like history, the arts, health and wellness, and world languages. Now is the time to leverage our alumni expertise and create a dynamic learning ecosystem that fosters inquiry-driven learning and empowers students to develop innovative solutions.
By investing in this summit, MKA invests in the future of our students and empowers them to shape the world to come.
The origins of our diversity mural trace back to a May Term project led by Sanaa Williams ‘21, who designed, planned, and began painting a vibrant mural celebrating MKA’s diverse community. The mural features portraits of MKA students, set against backgrounds that represent different classrooms and environments across our campuses. The following year, students in our Drawing & Painting 2 class collaborated to bring Sanaa’s vision to life, adding their own artistic touches as they painted her designs directly onto our hallway walls. Today, the mural stands as a lasting tribute to student creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of inclusion at MKA.
ALUMNI INNOVATION SUMMIT
DAY ONE: THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
8:00 — 9:00 A.M.
The Ethical Landscape of Technology at the Upper School *
10:30 — 11:15 A.M.
Capstone Blueprint Observation and Process Share at the Primary School
9:00 — 9:45 A.M.
Healthcare Innovation: Bridging Technology and Compassion *
Navigating New Media: Ethics, Strategy, and Innovation *
Starting Your Own Business for Impact: Doing Well By Doing Good at the Upper School *
9:30 — 10:30 A.M.
Cool Jobs Panel at the Primary School
* Panel open to all MKA community members
DAY TWO: FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
8:00 — 9:00 A.M.
Innovating for Tomorrow: How Creativity, Technology, and Collaboration Shape the Future at the Upper School *
9:00 — 10:00 A.M.
She Roars Panel at the Middle School
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
9:45 — 10:30 A.M.
Beyond the Scalpel: Trailblazers
Redefining Medicine and Patient Care *
STEM+: Intersections in Art, Science, Society, and Creativity *
The Future of Mental Health *
The Future of Money *
10:00 — 10:50 A.M.
Cool Jobs Panel at the Middle School
11:00 A.M. — 1:00 P.M.
Faculty Think Tanks at the Upper School
2:00 — 2:50 P.M.
Start-Up 101: A 10-Year Journey Panel at the Upper School
9:00 — 9:50 A.M.
Interest Groups at the Upper School
10:00 — 11:00 A.M.
Interest Groups at the Middle School
11:50 A.M. — 12:45 P.M.
Faculty Think Tanks at the Middle School
— Steve Valentine, Associate Head of School “
When students graduate from MKA, new stars are born. In turn, they light the way to our future.”
Welcome to a significant moment in MKA’s history, where we will unite some of the brightest minds in technology, media, finance, medicine, and the creative arts.
Leaders in their fields, each participant shares the common foundation of an MKA education.
This Summit will be a dynamic celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the enduring legacy that defines MKA.
ALUMNI INNOVATION SUMMIT
Thursday, April 24 — Friday, April 25, 2025
INTERACTIVE ENGAGEMENTS
Alumni will engage with students, faculty, and fellow alumni through classroom visits, guest lectures, and think tanks.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Alumni will lead and participate in discussions on critical issues such as ethics in STEM, the intersection of humanities and STEM, and the evolving challenges in science, medicine, and technology.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
In celebration of MKA's 50th anniversary, alumni, students, faculty, and community members will connect and build community through a variety of events and activities, honoring our past, celebrating our present, and building connections for the future.
Upper School (US) panel discussions are open to all members of the MKA Community.
ALL-CAMPUS PANELS
The Ethical Landscape of Technology (US)
Cool Jobs: Step into the World of Exciting Careers! (PS & MS)
Thursday, April 24, at 8:00 — 9:00 a.m., MKA Upper School — Weiss and Dining Hall
How does technology impact the world we live in?
This panel dives into the big questions around Artificial Intelligence and other new tech—like how AI might affect jobs, whether our data is really private, and what happens when technology isn’t fair.
Hear from experts about how we can innovate responsibly and make tech work for everyone, now and in the future.
Panelists: Antony Brydon ’90, Robert Cerfolio ’80, M.D., MBA, Nick Graziano ’90, Alden Jones ’90, Jeff Kindler ’73, Jody Underwood ’83, M.D.
Moderator: Vejay Lalla ’93, P’25
Panelists: Michael Ehrenberg ’75, Pam Holding ’82, Karestan Koenen ’86, Ph.D., Ronny Krishana ’91, Evan Wittenberg ’87
Moderator: Russ Zack P '31 ,'35
Primary School: Thursday, April 24, at 9:30 — 10:30 a.m., Auditorium
Middle School: Thursday, April 24, at 10:00 — 10:50 a.m., Logan Auditorium
Accomplished alumni share their unique professional journeys with our Primary and Middle School students.
These alumni will showcase a variety of inspiring careers in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The panel aims to spark curiosity, encourage big dreams, and demonstrate the many possibilities that lie ahead. Students will have the chance to ask questions, hear fascinating stories, and imagine the future of their own “cool jobs.”
Panelists:
PS: Declan Halbert ’15, Nikita Israni ’15, Jillian Jones ’15
MS: Ibrahim Abukwaik ’15, Madeleine Fleming ’15
Moderators:
PS: Helen Noble, P ’15, ’20
MS: Shanie Israel P ’26, ’27 and Bill Stites P ’21
Start-Up 101: A 10-Year Journey (US)
ALL-CAMPUS PANELS
Thursday, April 24, at 2:00 — 2:50 p.m., MKA Upper School — Weiss Auditorium
Reunite with the trailblazing students from MKA’s Class of 2015 who launched their entrepreneurial journey through their Start-Up 101 May Term project.
This special panel offers a 10-year retrospective, showcasing how this formative experience sparked innovation and inspired the creation of a real business. Hear where these alumni are today, how their entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, beginning at MKA!
This session celebrates the roots of their success and the enduring impact of MKA’s commitment to hands-on, real-world learning.
Panelists: Ibrahim Abukwaik ’15, Madeleine Fleming ’15, Declan Halbert ’15, Nikita Israni ’15, Jillian Jones ’15
Moderator: Dr. Reshan Richards
Innovating for Tomorrow: How Creativity, Technology, and Collaboration Shape the Future (US)
Friday, April 25, at 8:00 — 9:00 a.m., MKA Upper School — Weiss Auditorium and Dining Hall
This panel will explore how breakthroughs in media, STEM, finance, and medicine intersect and impact society. The panelists will discuss:
Real-world applications of their work and how it’s changing the way we live.
Skills for the future: problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability.
Inspiration and advice: sharing their personal journeys, lessons learned, and how students can prepare for careers in innovation.
Panelists: Rick Diamond ’91, Wiemi Douoguih ’88, M.D., Pam Holding ’82, Robert Livesey ’65, Doug Rosen ’91, Jody Underwood ’83, M.D., Alan Wilzig ’83
Moderator: Dan Cesareo P ’25,’28
Panelists: Antony Brydon ’90, James Johnson ’79, Karestan Koenen ’86, Ph.D., Steve Manning ’90, Seth Traum ’91, Raghuveer Vallabhaneni ’93, M.D., Evan Wittenberg ’87
Moderator: Sean Mills P ’30, ’33
CHOOSE YOUR INNOVATION JOURNEY PANELS
Healthcare Innovation: Bridging Technology and Compassion (US)
Thursday, April 24, at 9:00 — 9:45 a.m., MKA Upper School — Academic Center
What happens when cutting-edge tech meets the world of healthcare?
This panel explores groundbreaking advancements, from robotic surgeries to holistic treatments.
Join us to discover how technology is revolutionizing patient care and shaping the future—all while ensuring compassion remains at its core.
Panelists: Robert Cerfolio ’80, M.D., MBA, Wiemi Douoguih ’88, M.D., Jeff Kindler ’73, Karestan Koenen ’86, Ph.D., Ronny Krishana ’91, Jody Underwood ’83, M.D., Raghuveer Vallabhaneni ’93, M.D., Evan Wittenberg ’87
Moderator: Deepti Purohit P’33, M.D.
Navigating New Media: Ethics, Strategy, and Innovation (US)
Thursday, April 24, at 9:00 — 9:45 a.m., MKA Upper School — Weiss
What’s next for digital content, gaming, technology and media?
This panel explores how new media is evolving and how we can engage with it responsibly.
Dive into topics like the future of gaming, creating ethical content in an ad-driven world, and strategies for connecting with audiences in a way that makes a positive impact.
Panelists: Rick Diamond ’91, Michael Ehrenberg ’75, Doug Rosen ’91, Adam Sussman ’89
Moderator: Rebecca Kelly P’32, ’37
Starting Your Own Business for Impact: Doing Well by Doing Good (US)
Thursday, April 24, at 9:00 — 9:45 a.m., MKA Upper School — Dining Hall
Can businesses make a difference while being successful?
This panel explores how companies can balance making money with making the world a better place.
Learn how businesses in areas like technology, real estate, and finance can build social and environmental responsibility into their strategies—and how you can apply these ideas to your own future goals.
Panelists: Antony Brydon ’90, Nick Graziano ’90, Pam Holding ’82, James Johnson ’79, Alden Jones ’90, Robert Livesey ’65, Steve Manning ’90, Seth Traum ’91, Alan Wilzig ’83
Moderator: Craig Dubitsky P’20, ’22
CHOOSE YOUR INNOVATION JOURNEY PANELS
The Future of Money (US)
Thursday, April 24, at 9:45 — 10:30 a.m., MKA Upper School — Weiss
What will money look like in the future?
This session dives into the dynamic ways technology is changing how we save, spend, and invest. Learn about things like cryptocurrency, digital wallets, and how finance can be more ethical and inclusive.
Explore how these changes could shape the economy and your own money habits in the years to come!
Panelists: Antony Brydon ’90, Rick Diamond ’91, Michael Ehrenberg ’75, Nick Graziano ’90, Pam Holding ’82, Alan Wilzig ’83
Moderator: Luke Sarsfield III ’91, Vice President, Board of Trustees
CHOOSE YOUR INNOVATION JOURNEY PANELS
STEM+: Intersections in Art, Science, Society, and Creativity (US)
The Future of Mental Health (US)
Thursday, April 24, at 9:45 — 10:30 a.m., MKA Upper School — Dining Hall
This unique panel delves into the dynamic intersection of STEM and the arts, highlighting how creativity drives innovation and influences ethical considerations in society.
Panelists will explore the transformative power of blending art, science, and media, discussing how their work expands cultural perspectives and addresses pressing societal challenges.
From architecture and literature to technology and global leadership, each panelist brings a wealth of experience and insights that illuminate the profound connections between these disciplines.
Panelists: James Johnson ’79, Alden Jones ’90, Robert Livesey ’65, Steve Manning ’90, Doug Rosen ’91, Seth Traum ’91
Moderator: Kate Zernike P’26, ’27
Thursday, April 24, at 9:45 — 10:30 a.m., MKA Upper School — Academic Center
Mental health is essential to every aspect of life, from personal well-being to future success.
This panel explores how mental health challenges like anxiety and depression impact individuals and their work, with a focus on generational differences and why younger generations are particularly affected.
Discover how compassionate leadership, emotional intelligence, and mental health advocacy can create supportive environments that foster resilience and wellness.
Learn actionable strategies for leaders and individuals to prioritize mental health, cultivate balance, and empower a healthier future for all.
Panelists: Jeff Kindler ’73, Karestan Koenen ’86, Ph.D., Jody Underwood ’83, M.D., Evan Wittenberg ’87
Moderator: Limor Regular P’26, ’28
Beyond the Scalpel: Trailblazers
Redefining Medicine and Patient Care (US)
Thursday, April 24, at 9:45 — 10:30 a.m., MKA Upper School — Band Room
Join us for an inspiring and thoughtprovoking panel featuring three of MKA’s distinguished alumni who are leaders and innovators in their surgical fields.
From thoracic surgery to vascular and sports medicine, these medical trailblazers have revolutionized patient care, introduced groundbreaking techniques, and guided the next generation of medical professionals.
This dynamic conversation will delve into their journeys, groundbreaking achievements, and insights into the future of medicine.
Whether you’re a student aspiring to a medical career or simply fascinated by the intersection of science, leadership, and humanity, this panel is not to be missed.
Panelists: Robert Cerfolio ’80, M.D., MBA, Wiemi Douoguih ’88, M.D., Raghuveer Vallabhaneni ’93, M.D.
Moderator: Naveen Ballem '90, M.D., F.A.C.S., President, MKA Board of Trustees
CHOOSE YOUR INNOVATION JOURNEY PANELS
She Roars: Celebrating Women in STEM (MS)
Friday, April 25, at 9:00 — 10:00 a.m., MKA Middle School — Logan Auditorium
Join this inspiring panel featuring trailblazing women leading the way in STEM fields like medicine, finance, and mental health.
Discover their stories of breaking barriers, driving innovation, and making a difference in the world.
This session celebrates the power of women, offering advice and inspiration for students passionate about pursuing their own paths in STEM.
Learn how resilience, creativity, and collaboration are shaping the future— and how you can be part of it!
Panelists: Madeleine Fleming ’15, Pam Holding ’82, Nikita Israni ’15, Alden Jones ’90, Jillian Jones ’15, Karestan Koenen ’86, PhD., Jody Underwood ’83, M.D.
Moderator: Bernadette Aulestia P’19, ’21, ’27
OUR ALUMNI PANELISTS
MKA is proud to welcome this extraordinary group of alumni innovators, each of whom has made a significant impact in their respective fields. From pioneering advancements in STEM and medicine to shaping the future of finance and media, these distinguished panelists embody the spirit of curiosity, leadership, and excellence that defines our community. We are deeply grateful for their time, insights, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of MKA changemakers.
Antony Brydon is a Venture Advisor at AI Fund and a partner at Social Ventures, an LLC he owns with his technical co-founder Jeff Patterson. Social Ventures focuses on developing new technologies and helping other companies scale or spin out new ventures.
Previously, he was the co-founder and board member at Directly, from inception through acquisition by Movate in 2022. He also served as the company’s CEO for its first decade, directly helping companies deliver better customer service while creating economic opportunities for people in the AI era. Companies like AT&T, Microsoft, and Samsung use the platform to put their expert users at the core of their AI, resolving more questions with greater satisfaction.
Prior to Directly, he co-founded and/or led three startups: ShopWell (backed by IDEO, acquired by YottaMark); Visible Path (backed by Kleiner Perkins, acquired by Dun & Bradstreet); IUMA (angel backed, acquired by eMusic). Antony started his stretch in Silicon Valley as an Analyst at R. B. Webber & Company from 1995 to 1998, after bicycling out from Washington, D.C. during the Netscape IPO that launched the Internet era.
At Yale University, he founded and was the Executive Director of the Habitat Bicycle Challenge, a cross-country cycling non-profit that raised money for low-income housing and ran from 1994-2006. He graduated with a B.A. in philosophy, with a concentration in psychology and coursework in statistics.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
Dr. Robert Cerfolio is Chief of Clinical Thoracic Surgery at NYU Langone and one of the world’s most accomplished and innovative thoracic surgeons. A pioneer in robotic chest surgery, he has performed over 19,200 operations — more than any other robotic thoracic surgeon globally — and has introduced these groundbreaking techniques in over 11 countries. Dr. Cerfolio is recognized as the world’s leading living thoracic robotic surgeon, his innovations have dramatically improved survival rates and reduced complications for patients with lung and esophageal cancers.
He emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and leveraging digital tools like the NYU Langone Health app to streamline care before and after surgery for patients worldwide. Dr. Cerfolio has published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles and 90 book chapters and has delivered over 600 lectures in more than 30 countries.
He is a former Executive Vice President and COO of NYU Langone’s Manhattan campus and now oversees quality metrics system-wide. A Mayo Clinic–trained surgeon and former Academic All-American athlete, he brings a unique mindset of excellence, leadership, and compassion to everything he does. His three published books reflect his passions for performance, purpose, and transforming healthcare.
ANTONY BRYDON ’90
ROBERT CERFOLIO ’80, M.D., MBA
ALUMNI PANELISTS
RICHARD DIAMOND ’91
Rick Diamond heads the Global Financial Technology Investment Banking practice at Citi.
Rick joined Citi in 2017 after 21 years at JPMorgan where he was a Managing Director in the Technology, Media and Telecom Investment Banking Group heading the Global Technology Services effort.
Rick’s experience includes mergers and acquisitions and capital markets advisory for public and private companies across the financial technology sector.
Rick received a B.A. in history from Wake Forest University and an M.B.A. from the Columbia Business School. He lives in Ridgewood, NJ with his wife Jennie and their two children Millie and Richard.
WIEMI DOUOGUIH ’88, M.D.
Dr. Douoguih serves as Regional Medical Director of MedStar Sports Medicine. He also previously served as the Senior Orthopaedic Consultant for the Washington Wizards (NBA) Washington Mystics (WNBA), and as Medical Director for the Washington Capitals (NHL). He served as Chairman of the NBA Physician Research Committee and currently remains a member. He is a consultant for the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and NFL Players Association. He previously served as Medical Director and Head Team Physician for the Washington Nationals (MLB) for seven years. He has successfully operated on numerous professional and elite athletes in a wide range of sports.
Dr. Douoguih is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and holds a subspecialty certification in sports medicine. He specializes in arthroscopic treatment of the shoulder, elbow and knee. He is an award-winning researcher who has published multiple articles in peer reviewed journals and has lectured internationally on various sports medicine topics. He was an All-American lacrosse player at Washington and Lee university where in 2017 he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He also won a national judo championship in 2001.
MICHAEL EHRENBERG ’75
Mike Ehrenberg is a Microsoft Technical Fellow, and he is the Chief Technology Officer for the business applications and low code platforms within Microsoft’s Business and Industry Copilots group.
Ehrenberg joined Microsoft in 2003, after 25 years of business application development across banking and brokerage transaction systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) for process manufacturing, and supplier relationship management (SRM) solutions.
At Olivetti, he led the development of one of the first commercial banking systems for Windows. As CTO at Marcam, Ehrenberg drove the development of the first ERP product for Windows NT, deeply architected for the Microsoft platform. At Frictionless Commerce, he led development of one of the first complete SRM solutions deployable by design either on-premises or in the cloud.
Mike started at the Brookside School as a fourth grader, graduated from Montclair Kimberley Academy in 1975, and studied Economics and Computer Science at Yale University. Mike lives in Seattle with his wife Donna and their golden retriever, Sunny.
This summer, Mike rode in his 34th Pan Mass Challenge, cycling 192 miles to benefit Boston’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Mike and Donna love spending time with their children, Henry and Madee, cycling, skiing, traveling, visiting Martha’s Vineyard and cheering on the Boston Red Sox.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
NICK GRAZIANO ’90
Nick Graziano is a Partner at 2717 Partners, a technology-focused investment fund launched in March 2024. With over 25 years of finance and investment experience, he specializes in partnering with management teams to drive operational and financial performance, particularly in the technology sector.
Previously, Nick was the Managing Partner of Venetus Capital Partners LP and served as Portfolio Manager at Icahn Capital, the primary investment vehicle of Carl C. Icahn. He was also
a founding partner of Venetus Partners LP and a day-one Partner and Senior Managing Director at Corvex Management LP, where he led investment management, analysis, and risk management.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Omega Advisors, Inc. and Sandell Asset Management and began his investment career at Icahn Capital.
Nick has served on the boards of nine public companies, including Cloudera (as Chairman), Xerox, Conduent, Fair Isaac, and InfoSpace, bringing extensive experience in enterprise software, technology services, and financial oversight.
A Duke University graduate, Nick holds a B.A. in economics and an MBA from The Fuqua School of Business. In 2024, he will host Inside the Corporate Boardroom: Performance in the Age of Disruptors on Sling TV.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
PAM HOLDING ’82
Pam Holding is Co-Head of Fidelity Investments’ Equity Division, overseeing Fidelity’s Equity portfolio managers, research analysts, and trading teams alongside Tim Cohen. She also leads Fidelity’s Sustainable Investing platform within Asset Management. Fidelity is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, brokerage, and financial services for individuals, institutions, and financial intermediaries.
Before her current role, Pam served as Chief Investment Officer at Fidelity Institutional Asset Management (FIAM), where she was responsible for equity portfolio management, investment research, and risk management for institutional clients, including retirement plans, endowments, and financial advisors.
Prior to joining Fidelity in 2013, Pam was Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager for the Global Value Equities team at Putnam Investments, where she also led European and International Equity Research in London. Earlier in her career, she held fixed-income research and management roles at Kemper Financial Services and Franklin Templeton, including serving as a senior high-yield bond analyst.
With nearly 40 years in the financial services industry, Pam brings deep expertise in equity and fixedincome markets. She holds a BA from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
LAUREN HYMAN-KAPLAN ’93, P’25, ’28
Lauren Hyman Kaplan is a school consultant, certified emotional intelligence coach and counselor in the field of social-emotional learning, emotional intelligence and bullying prevention.
She is a former teacher and school counselor with over 25 years of experience training and providing consulting to schools around the United States and the world. She conducts presentations, workshops and provides on-going consulting to schools and parent organizations.
She teaches the New York State mandated Dignity for All Students and SAVE violence prevention workshops for educators. She is also an instructor for the Certificate in Social-Emotional Learning and Character Development at the Academy for SEL in Schools at Rutgers University, a Star Factor Emotional Intelligence coach and a consultant for The Center for the Promotion of Social and Emotional Learning. She is an instructor at Bank Street College of Education and Rutgers University.
Lauren is an MKA parent (’25 and ’28) and a member of MKA's Board of Trustees.
JAMES JOHNSON ’79
Jim Johnson serves as Chief Operating Officer of Trinity Church NYC, bringing over 36 years of leadership experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Before joining Trinity, he served as the 79th Corporation Counsel for New York City, addressing critical issues such as housing, homelessness, inequality, and development. Both Trinity Church and the NYC Law Department have played integral roles in the city’s history for over 325 years.
Johnson’s public service spans both sides of the Hudson River. He served as special counsel to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, overseeing social and economic development in Atlantic City, and as federal monitor in a fair housing settlement in Westchester County. He is Vice Chair of the Regional Plan Association (RPA) for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Previously, Johnson was a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP for 12 years and held senior roles in the Clinton Administration, including Under Secretary of the Treasury. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he has served on boards including the Brennan Center for Justice (Chair) and the Citizens Campaign (Vice Chair). Passionate about the arts, he has also supported organizations such as the Montclair Art Museum and the Academy of American Poets. He is married to Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
ALDEN JONES ’90
Alden Jones is a memoirist, fiction writer, and editor whose work has appeared in The Boston Globe, New York Magazine, The Cut, Prairie Schooner, The Rumpus, AGNI, and Best American Travel Writing Her latest book, The Wanting Was a Wilderness, was praised by The Millions as “a master class in memoir writing.” She is also the author of Unaccompanied Minors and The Blind Masseuse. Her books have won the New American Fiction Prize, Foreword Review Book of the Year in Travel Essays, and the Lascaux Book Prize, and were finalists for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award, Lambda Literary Awards, and Edmund White Award.
Alden is an Assistant Professor at Emerson College, where she has received the Alan Stanzler Award for Excellence in Teaching. She credits her MKA teachers for nurturing her creativity and modeling exemplary teaching methods. A passionate traveler, she has led programs in Cuba, France, and Costa Rica and co-directs the Cuba Writers Program. Her anthology Edge of the World: LGBTQ+ Travel Stories is forthcoming in May 2025.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
JEFF KINDLER ’73
Jeff Kindler is the Chief Executive Officer of Centrexion Therapeutics, dedicated to developing safe, non-addictive treatments for chronic pain. He is also a Senior Advisor to Blackstone and serves on the boards of leading companies, including Perrigo, Precigen, Terns Pharmaceuticals, and Lupin Limited. Additionally, he is the Founding Partner and Co-Chair of the Pioneer Collective, a leadership accelerator for healthcare executives, and advises several private healthcare firms.
Previously, Kindler served as Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, the world’s largest research-based biopharmaceutical company. He led Pfizer’s $68 billion acquisition of Wyeth, diversified its portfolio, strengthened its R&D pipeline, and implemented organizational reforms that spurred growth and cultural transformation. Earlier at Pfizer, he held roles as General Counsel and Vice Chairman, overseeing legal, regulatory, and public affairs functions.
Before Pfizer, Kindler was Executive Vice President at McDonald’s Corporation, where he managed legal affairs and later led the Partner Brands division, including Chipotle and Boston Market. Earlier roles included Vice President of Litigation at General Electric and partner at Williams & Connolly.
Kindler holds a B.A. from Tufts University, summa cum laude, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Karestan C. Koenen, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, epidemiologist, and author.
She is Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health where she aims to reduce the population burden of mental disorders.
She is passionate about using science to overcome violence and trauma, which are major preventable causes of health problems globally.
She has written for the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, and Psychology Today. Her most recent book is Treating Survivors of Childhood Abuse and Interpersonal Trauma, Second Edition: STAIR Narrative Therapy with Drs. Marylene Cloitre, Kile Ortigo, Lisa Cohen and Christie Jackson.
KARESTAN KOENEN ’86, Ph.D.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
RONNY KRISHANA ’91
Ronny Krishana is a Partner at Baker Brothers Investments, which focuses on life sciences companies and helps fund the development of drugs and diagnostics to address unmet needs in several disease areas.
Prior to joining Baker Brothers in 2011, Ronny held a series of commercial, strategy, and business development leadership roles for Pfizer. Ronny began his career as a strategy consultant at Accenture. Ronny currently serves on the boards of BeiGene (Lead Independent Director), Immunocore, ArtBio and Sironax. He is also the Chair of the Board of the Billion Oyster Project, a non-profit restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities.
Ronny holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Brown University, and a Masters of Public Policy from Harvard University. Ronny lives in NYC with his wife and two daughters.
ROBERT LIVESEY ’65
Robert S. Livesey is a Professor and Director Emeritus in the Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University. He has been recognized with university, state and national teaching awards.
As the principal of Robert Livesey, Architect, he has won numerous design awards and been published in national and international journals.
He holds an A.B. in Architecture from Princeton University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University. In addition to other recognitions, he is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the American Academy in Rome.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
STEVE MANNING ’90
Steve Manning is a seasoned technology leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in product development and innovation across multiple enterprise SAAS industries.
Steve took an indirect route into product management, studying literature and philosophy in college, teaching English at a university in Indonesia, and then doing a brief stint in management consulting. Once he did find product management he took to it with a passion and moved to Silicon Valley where he has been working for the past 25 years. Steve is a three-time founder, currently on his third company where he is building an AI-first platform to manage the product development lifecycle. His previous start-ups included gaming and app distribution, mobile advertising, and construction management. He has lived through two internet bust cycles (the Dotcom Bubble and the Great Recession) and multiple acquisitions (as both a buyer and a seller).
He has held key leadership roles at both public and private organizations including Autodesk, PlanGrid, Opera Software, and Wheel. Steve has a track record of building and scaling successful products, driving revenue growth, and mentoring startups and professionals as an angel investor and board advisor.
DOUG ROSEN ’91
Doug Rosen is Senior Vice President and Head of Global Games & Emerging Media at Paramount, where he leads the company’s global games business and commercialization of emerging technologies such as AR, VR, and virtual worlds. He oversees business development, creative strategy, marketing, and production of games across platforms including mobile, console, PC, UEFN, and Roblox.
Previously, Rosen was Senior Vice President of Business Development and Digital Products at Nickelodeon, driving growth through new revenue streams and partnerships. Before that, he served as Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships at NBCUniversal, managing digital initiatives and relationships for TV Everywhere and digital video platforms.
Earlier in his career, Rosen was Director of Digital Products at HBO, where he led strategy, product management, and marketing for HBO’s digital platforms, including HBO On Demand and interactive initiatives. He also worked in the film industry as Director of Development for the Chesterfield Writer’s Film Project and in Business Development at the Walt Disney Company.
Rosen holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA from Dartmouth College. A member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, he continues to innovate at the intersection of media, technology, and entertainment.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
ADAM SUSSMAN ’89
Adam has been a leader in consumer digital with over 25 years of experience at some of the most recognized and loved global brands. He has held senior leadership roles in gaming, entertainment, sports, and e-commerce.
Throughout his career, Adam has been a general manager, operator, strategist and creator. He has a proven track record for building great teams and driving enterprise growth and transformation. Currently, Adam is President of Epic Games. Prior to that he was the Chief Digital Officer at Nike, responsible for the digital experiences, services and platforms transforming retail for the world’s leading sports brand. Prior to Nike, Adam was Senior Vice President of Global Publishing at Zynga responsible for marketing, sales, growth and digital products. Adam also served as Senior Vice President of Publishing at Disney building the global team that managed gaming properties across all media platforms around the world. At Electronic Arts, Adam was Vice President of Worldwide Publishing, leading the team that established EA Mobile as the #1 publisher. Adam started his career as a creative executive at Hearst Entertainment, a division of the Hearst Corporation.
Adam holds a BA from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.
SETH TRAUM ’91
Seth is a Partner at Ipsos Strategy3 with over 25 years of experience in marketing, consulting, and brand strategy. He specializes in developing growth strategies across a wide range of branding opportunities, including brand development and launch, portfolio management, brand positioning, innovation, customer segmentation, messaging, and customer journey design. His clients include leading companies such as Google, Uber, ExxonMobil, Best Buy, Foot Locker, and Wells Fargo.
Recent projects include creating a $400 million investment roadmap for a ski resort, launching a bilingual K-8 school in the Bay Area, guiding an automotive company’s electric vehicle strategy, helping a ride-hailing app increase global market penetration, and developing acquisition and retention strategies for a retailer expanding in the secondary market.
Before Ipsos Strategy3, Seth held leadership roles at Vivaldi Partners Group and BAV Consulting and spent a decade in financial services at Citi, Citi Smith Barney, and DLJdirect (now Morgan Stanley). He began his career as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and as an Associate in GE Capital’s Structured Finance Group.
Seth holds an MBA in marketing and finance from NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in civil and environmental engineering from Cornell University.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
JODY UNDERWOOD ’83, M.D.
Dr. Jody Underwood serves as Chief of Psychiatry at Brown University Health, a leading academic medical center affiliated with Brown University. A board-certified psychiatrist with over 28 years of experience, she specializes in psychiatric oncology, transplant psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and the integration of mental and physical health.
Dr. Underwood earned her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed dual residency training in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Brown University. She has held leadership roles at Butler Hospital, Lifespan, and Brown University Health, advancing innovations in psychiatric care and education.
As Chief of Psychiatry, Dr. Underwood integrates cutting-edge clinical care with evidence-based practices, expanding mental health services and championing awareness at local and national levels. An Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown, she is a dedicated mentor, earning multiple teaching awards and recognition as a “Top Doc” by Rhode Island Monthly
A Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Fellow of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Dr. Underwood advocates for destigmatizing mental illness and equitable care. She volunteers at the Rhode Island Free Clinic, reflecting her deep commitment to improving mental health access and outcomes.
RAGHUVEER VALLABHANENI ’93, M.D.
Raghuveer Vallabhaneni, M.D., FACS FSVS, is the Director of Vascular Surgery for the Baltimore Region for MedStar Health, the largest healthcare provider in the Maryland/ Washington D.C. Region.
He received his B.A. in economics magna cum laude from Boston College and graduated with honors from UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School. He did his general surgery training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where he also completed a research fellowship. He completed his vascular surgery training at Washington University of St. Louis- Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. Vallabhaneni previously served as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Vallabhaneni has specific expertise in treating complex diseases of the aorta and venous system and has developed a national reputation in these fields.
He has been the principal investigator on numerous clinical trials and also serves on the scientific advisory board for various medtech companies. Dr. Vallabhaneni is published widely, including book chapters and peer-reviewed articles, and has been an invited speaker at both regional and national vascular surgery conferences.
Alan Wilzig, born and raised in New Jersey, is the son of Siggi Wilzig, a German Holocaust survivor, and Naomi Wilzig, a New Jersey native. Alan’s father purchased the Trust Company of New Jersey (TCNJ) in 1968, growing it into a 45-branch franchise. After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1987, Alan joined TCNJ. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1997, became Senior Executive Vice President and COO in 1999, and was named President and CEO in 2002.
Following his father’s passing in 2003, Alan became Chairman of the Board, continuing as President and CEO. Under his leadership, TCNJ expanded to 75 branches and nearly doubled in market value. The bank was acquired by North Fork Bank in 2004, after which Alan served as a director at North Fork. To honor his father, Alan and his family endowed Wilzig Hospital at Jersey City Medical Center.
In 2005, Alan purchased a 275-acre property in Taghkanic, New York, and completed Wilzig Racing Manor, a $7.5 million private racetrack, in 2011. It is the largest U.S. racetrack zoned for private recreational use and houses his collection of over 100 cars, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles.
Alan was named in the 2024 Marquis Who’s Who in America for his professional and philanthropic accomplishments. He has two children, a son, Siggi, named after his father, and a daughter, Winni.
ALUMNI PANELISTS
Evan Wittenberg is the Chief People Officer at Vumedi, the largest platform for clinician education. He leads efforts to attract, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring Vumedi sustains its high-performing culture during rapid growth.
Previously, Evan served as EVP and Chief People Officer at Pivot Bio, a biotech company revolutionizing agriculture with microbial nitrogen solutions. He led a 20-person team through a period of hyper-growth and transformation. Before that, he spent four years as EVP and Chief People Officer at Ancestry, the global leader in genealogy and consumer genomics, where he guided the company through significant expansion and change.
Evan also served as SVP of People at Box, scaling the company from $50M to $500M in revenue and overseeing its IPO in 2015. Earlier, he was Chief Talent Officer at Hewlett-Packard, leading global talent management, diversity, and leadership development. At Google, he established and led the Global Leadership Development function, creating programs that supported the company’s rapid innovation and growth.
Evan began his career at the Wharton School, where he taught leadership and managed experiential learning programs. He holds a B.A. from Swarthmore College and an MBA from Wharton. An adventurer and father, Evan has traveled to all seven continents and climbed several high-altitude peaks.
ALAN WILZIG ’83
EVAN WITTENBERG ’87
START-UP 101: 10 YEARS OF INNOVATION
A decade ago, MKA’s Start-Up 101 program challenged students to think like entrepreneurs, turning ideas into action during May Term. Now, in celebration of its 10th anniversary, we welcome back alumni who took that experience beyond the classroom—launching ventures, driving innovation, and carving their own paths in the business world. Their journeys since graduation are a testament to the power of bold thinking and perseverance. We are grateful to them for returning to share their insights and inspire the next generation of MKA entrepreneurs.
START-UP 101: PANELISTS
IBRAHIM ABUKWAIK ’15
Abe Abukwaik is the founder of Advanced Medical Services, a company that helps patients access innovative, minimally invasive treatments for pain relief by connecting them with local specialists. Over the years, he has built and sold four businesses, gaining valuable experience in identifying needs and creating meaningful solutions.
Now focused on growing Advanced Medical Services, Abe is passionate about making cutting-edge care more accessible. Grateful for the opportunities he’s had, he looks forward to sharing insights and learning from others at MKA's Innovation Summit.
MADELEINE FLEMING ’15
Madeleine (Madi) is an accomplished business and revenue operations professional with a passion for problem-solving, system optimization, and startup ecosystems. After graduating from MKA a decade ago, she relocated to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue an engineering degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC). During her studies, she discovered her true passion lay beyond technical engineering— in learning, process improvement, and strategy.
Since graduating in 2020, Madi has rapidly built a dynamic career across various business functions, including project management, customer success, and business operations. She has led teams, introduced new systems, and established data governance standards for startups in industries such as education, finance, cybersecurity, and AI technology. Her work has consistently focused on creating scalable processes and aligning strategies with organizational goals.
Currently, Madi serves as Revenue Operations Manager at Klue, a leading competitive intelligence and enablement platform based in Vancouver. In this role, she drives optimization of go-to-market strategies, uncovers revenue opportunities, and ensures alignment with key financial metrics. She also supports forecasting processes, leveraging data to guide decision-making and drive growth. Committed to continuous learning, Madi uses innovative technologies to refine processes and contribute to Klue’s scalability and success in the competitive intelligence space.
START-UP 101: PANELISTS
DECLAN HALBERT ’15
Declan was a founding member and CTO of Startup101, a program launched during his senior year at MKA.
Following graduation, he pursued a degree in computer science at Boston University. Over the years, Declan has gained valuable industry experience at leading companies, including Cisco Systems and Mastercard.
Currently, he works at the National Hockey League (NHL), where he plays a key role in developing the new architecture for their website and mobile app.
NIKITA ISRANI ’15
Nikita Israni is currently a fourth-year medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and will begin a residency in Internal Medicine this July.
She attended Columbia University in the City of New York and graduated with a BA in Evolutionary Biology.
Prior to starting medical school, she spent two years working on clinical trials at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
She attended MKA from grades 4-12 and is excited to visit again.
JILLIAN JONES ’15
Jillian Jones is an MBA Candidate at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where she is a Joseph Wharton Scholar and Toigo Foundation Fellow. She is studying Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for technology innovation and investing.
Before her MBA, Jillian was an Associate at AlpInvest Partners, a division of The Carlyle Group, where she evaluated and executed secondary transactions across various industries. She began her career at Morgan Stanley, working on the Securitization desk in Capital Markets before transitioning to the Media and Communications group in Investment Banking. In this role, she advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and other capital market transactions.
Beyond her career, Jillian is dedicated to community building and mentorship. She co-founded and served as president of ACE Women’s Collective, a nonprofit empowering junior women in finance, and was a member of the SEO Junior Leadership Board, supporting alumni initiatives and fundraising efforts.
Jillian holds a Bachelor of science in economics with concentrations in finance and marketing & operations management from The Wharton School. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
MEET OUR MODERATORS
Behind every great conversation is a skilled moderator who brings insight, curiosity, and thoughtfulness to the discussion. We are incredibly grateful to our esteemed moderators—comprised of MKA parents, alumni, and friends—who will help guide and shape the dynamic conversations throughout the summit. Their expertise, passion, and ability to ask the right questions will ensure that each panel sparks meaningful dialogue and inspires the next generation of innovators. Thank you for lending your talents and wisdom to this special event.
BERNADETTE AULESTIA P’19, ’21,’27
She Roars: Celebrating Women in STEM
Bernadette Aulestia is an independent public board director, global media operating executive and advisor to public and private companies specializing in scaled commercialization and content distribution. Ms. Aulestia was the former President of Global Distribution at HBO. She has served as a moderator and speaker at numerous domestic and international conferences related to the subscription digital economy, innovation in media and creating equitable and diverse business cultures.
She serves on the Board of Directors of the Denny’s Corporation, Nexstar Media Group and National Cinemedia. Ms. Aulestia has been honored as one of Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, and the National Diversity Council’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment. She earned a degree in Economics from Brown University and lives in South Orange, NJ. Bernadette and her husband Kristian are proud MKA parents to Naomi Lynch ’19, Zoe Lynch ’21 and Layla Lynch ’27.
NAVEEN BALLEM ’90, P’26, M.D., F.A.C.S., BOARD PRESIDENT
Beyond the Scalpel: Trailblazers Redefining Medicine and Patient Care
Naveen Ballem ’90 P’26, M.D., F.A.C.S, is an alumnus of Montclair Kimberley Academy and President of the Board of Trustees.
After earning his bachelor's from Boston College, he completed his general surgery residency at Harlem Hospital (Columbia University) and specialized in endocrine surgery as a Clinical Scholar at The Cleveland Clinic, where he also served as a Clinical Instructor. He further trained in minimally invasive surgery at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. An active member of the ASMBS, Dr. Ballem has contributed to national bariatric surgery guidelines and serves on the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee.
He established the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence at Clara Maass Medical Center, achieving ASMBS accreditation. He is also the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Hunterdon Medical Center and East Orange Medical Center. With over 3,000 bariatric surgeries performed, including complex revisions, he specializes in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Dr. Ballem has led both the Essex County Medical Society and the NJ Chapter of ASMBS. Dedicated to patient safety and healthcare quality, he completed a master’s in healthcare management at Harvard, applying the latest advancements while prioritizing compassionate care.
MODERATORS
DAN CESAREO P’25, ’28
Innovating for Tomorrow: How Creativity, Technology, and Collaboration Shape the Future
Dan Cesareo is the CEO of Whale Road Ventures, a holding company and consultancy through which Cesareo spearheads and manages a slate of content and media projects, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and investments.
Prior to Whale Road, Cesareo made waves in the entertainment industry as founder and president of Big Fish Entertainment, one of the industry’s boldest producers of unscripted content, which he sold to MGM/Amazon Studios in 2018. Under his visionary leadership, Big Fish redefined the unscripted genre by merging cutting-edge technology with compelling storytelling, delivering a diverse slate of groundbreaking projects. The company has produced more than 2000 hours of top-rated programming across unscripted documentary, reality, and lifestyle genres, producing shows and captivating audiences on platforms and networks including A&E, ESPN, History, Amazon, Hulu, Snapchat, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, Discovery, MTV, VH1, TLC, National Geographic, and more.
Cesareo’s work has earned him industry acclaim, including being named Broadcasting & Cable’s Producer of the Year in 2019 and recognition as one of Hollywood’s New Leaders by Variety in 2017. Cesareo and his wife Cara have two children Malia ’25, and Noah ’28.
’22
Starting Your Own Business for Impact: Doing Well By Doing Good
Craig is the founder and CEO of happy™, which he launched in early 2024 with co-founder Robert Downey, Jr. with a mission to elevate the everyday. In just five months, happy grew to over 13,000 retail doors and 50,000 distribution points. Focused on quality and community, happy sources premium green beans from thoughtful growers and slow roasts them for exceptional flavor. Committed to destigmatizing mental health, happy partnered with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, bringing them in as an equity stakeholder.
Previously, Craig founded hello®, the world’s first naturally friendly™ oral care brand, which became the fastest-growing oral care brand in North America and was acquired by Colgate in 2020. He has also co-founded eos, served as a founding board member of method, and advised Seventh Generation, Boots, and private equity firms.
Named to Ad Age’s Creativity 50 and one of The Internationalist’s 100 Most Inspirational Marketers, Craig is a Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization Hall of Fame inductee and an Entrepreneur in Residence at Babson. He serves on the Advisory Council for the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Rochester. Craig loves people, design, brand, packaging and people. Yes, he said people twice.
CRAIG DUBITSKY P’20,
SHANIE ISRAEL P’26, ’27
Cool Jobs: Step into the World of Exciting Careers
Born in Cleveland, OH, and currently a resident of Bloomfield, NJ, Shanie Israel has been an educator since 2003. A graduate of Ohio University with a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in middle childhood curriculum, Shanie has worked at MKA since 2011. She has served as a Middle School English and social studies teacher, a member of the Middle School Administrative Team as the Dean of Community Life, the Associate Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and Multicultural Innovations, and a proud parent of a student in the Class of 2027. Prior to joining the MKA family, Shanie worked as an educator in the New York City Public Schools.
Shanie has presented at state and national conferences focusing on social justice, diversity, equity, social and emotional learning, advisory programming, and inclusion within independent school structures. An avid reader and theater goer, Shanie likes to center storytelling and the arts in all of her personal and professional endeavors.
REBECCA KELLY P’32, ’37
Navigating New Media: Ethics, Strategy, and Innovation
A seasoned leader in the entertainment and media industry, Rebecca Kelly currently serves as Senior Lead, Celebrity Partnerships at Google, a role held since August 2020.
With over 20 years of experience, Rebecca has a proven track record of securing top-tier talent, developing impactful brand partnerships, and producing engaging content. Her career includes leadership positions at renowned publications such as SELF Magazine, Glamour, Interview Magazine, and Vanity Fair. Rebecca began her career at Creative Artists Agency, gaining valuable experience in talent representation and marketing.
She is known for her strategic vision, strong industry relationships, and ability to execute high-profile events and campaigns.
MODERATORS
VEJAY LALLA ’93, P’25
The Ethical Landscape of Technology
Vejay is a Partner in the Technology and Digital practice at Manatt Phelps specializing in helping high-growth, venture-backed businesses and their investors develop, protect, and commercialize innovative products and services. With over 25 years of experience, he advises founders, executives, athletes, and brands from Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and Madison Avenue, navigating the intersection of technology, entertainment, advertising, and media.
Vejay has extensive expertise in copyright, trademark, right of publicity, and privacy across traditional content and emerging AI platforms. He partners with companies in industries such as AI/machine learning, fintech, gaming, entertainment, health and wellness, fashion tech, and consumer brands, guiding them through complex commercial transactions. His work spans enterprise SaaS agreements, influencer partnerships, promotional campaigns, and strategic technology and data licensing deals.
Vejay has supported notable brands in highprofile transactions, including advising The New York Times on its acquisition of Wordle and related ad-tech partnerships.
Active in the startup ecosystem, Vejay mentors and supports portfolio companies through incubators and venture funds like Palm Tree Crew, Ember, and XRC Labs. He frequently speaks on advertising, intellectual property, and regulatory issues in AI and brand protection.
DEEPTI PUROHIT P’33, M.D.
Healthcare Innovation: Bridging Technology and Compassion
Deepti Purohit, M.D. is a Neonatologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Beth Israel Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her pediatric residency at the same hospital, followed by a neonatal fellowship at Westchester Medical Center in New York.
During her residency, Deepti was deeply moved by the needs of the underserved population in Newark, which inspired her to continue her career there as an attending physician. She works in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which receives critically ill newborns from many surrounding hospitals.
In addition to her clinical work, Deepti teaches and mentors pediatric residents and medical students. She also serves as the Quality Improvement (QI) liaison lead for her unit, collaborating with other hospitals within the network to advance care.
Outside of work, Deepti enjoys spending time with her family. Her older daughter, Mishika, is a fourth grader at MKA, and her younger daughter is nearly three years old.
SEAN MILLS P’30,
’33
Innovating for Tomorrow: How Creativity, Technology, and Collaboration Shape the Future
Sean Mills is a media and technology executive currently advising companies on innovation in the digital space.
He previously led content at Snapchat, expanding its Discover platform and original programming, and was President of NowThis, where he redefined digital news for social media audiences. Mills also served as President of The Onion, overseeing its growth into digital, video, and television, and has been an advisor to Coinbase on strategic initiatives.
Known for his passion for storytelling and leveraging new technology to engage audiences, Mills has built a career at the forefront of media innovation.
’20
Cool Jobs: Step into the World of Exciting Careers
Helen is a Primary School Administrator and the Educational Technology Coordinator for the campus. She is an educator with 20 years of experience sparking a love of inquiry and learning in young students. She promotes the purposeful integration of technology and works with colleagues across MKA campuses to support innovative STEM+ programming. Helen helped map the implementation of digital portfolios at the Primary School to scaffold self-reflection, assessment, and family engagement, as well as support the launch of the student 1:1 iPad framework on the campus. She is a strong proponent of project-based learning and design thinking, which helps develop collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills in students and adults.
Helen earned her B.A. from Seton Hall University and her M.A. in computing in education, teaching, and learning with technology from Columbia University. Prior to coming to MKA, Helen worked as an art director in publishing and launched a freelance graphic design firm. She is a firstgeneration Cuban-American, speaks fluent Spanish, and is the proud mom of two MKA alumni (classes of 2015 and 2020). She enjoys spending her free time traveling with family and friends, hiking, and playing Latin percussion instruments.
HELEN NOBLE P’15,
MODERATORS
LIMOR REGULAR P’26, ’28
The Future of Mental Health
Limor Regular is an entrepreneur, executive leader, and organizational psychology consultant with expertise in business transformation and building high-performing teams. She holds a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology from Adler University, combining psychological insights with strategic business leadership to enhance organizational success.
As founder of Human Potential Consultancy, Limor focuses on leadership development, team dynamics, and employee engagement, helping organizations foster cultures of innovation and collaboration. Previously, she co-founded Kitara Media (now Propel Media), where she guided operational and financial strategy, scaling the company and leading its successful IPO. She also served as Chief Operating Officer at Infolinks Media, driving strategic restructuring and growth.
Limor’s expertise spans business strategy, operations, mergers and acquisitions, financial oversight, and talent development. A passionate advocate for human-centered leadership, she believes unlocking human potential drives lasting business success.
Beyond her career, Limor serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, where she is now an executive board member. Community service is a family effort, with her husband Bob and daughters Maya, Tamara, and Emily joining her in creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Start-Up 101: A 10-Year Journey
Dr. Richards is a former MKA administrator and affiliate trustee. He served as Director of Educational Technology from 2011-2015 until stepping away from MKA when his initial side project received venture capital funding. After leaving MKA he served on the board as affiliate trustee from 2016-2022.
He joined Columbia University’s faculty in 2013 first as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Teachers College and now also as Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. He served as CEO of Explain Everything, a whiteboard software company which he co-founded in 2011, until its acquisition in 2022. Reshan has co-authored with MKA’s Steve Valentine several books for organizational leaders including Blending Leadership published by Wiley-Jossey-Bass in 2016 and Make Yourself Clear published by Wiley in 2019. He continues to co-author a monthly subscription newsletter with Steve called Making the Case.
Reshan has an Ed.D. in instructional technology and media from Teachers College, Columbia University, an Ed.M. in learning and teaching from Harvard University, and a B.A. in music from Columbia University.
RESHAN RICHARDS Ed.D.
LUKE SARSFIELD III ’91, VICE PRESIDENT, MKA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Future of Money
Luke Sarsfield is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer at P10.
Prior to joining P10, Luke worked at Goldman Sachs for over 23 years, where he held numerous senior leadership roles in asset management including Global Co-Head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Chief Commercial Officer of Asset and Wealth Management, and Global Co-Head of the Client Business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Previously, he was a senior leader in Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division, where he served as Global Head of the Financial Institutions Group, Global Chief Operating Officer of Investment Banking, and Co-Head of the Healthcare Group in the Americas. Additionally, he served as a member of the firm’s Management Committee and Partnership Committee.
Luke currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for Montclair Kimberley Academy and Treasurer of the Board for Safe Horizon, the largest victim services agency in the United States.
Luke earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard College.
Cool Jobs: Step into the World of Exciting Careers (MS)
William has been the Montclair Kimberley Academy Director of Technology since 1999. Before that, he taught third grade, was the Primary School Technology Coordinator, and the school's webmaster. He has also taught web design and was Co-Director of the Irish Studies program.
Additionally, William is a mentor as part of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools leadership program, a Senior Collaborator with Educational Collaborators, a member of the NJAIS Technology Steering Committee, has served as an advisor for the New Jersey Educational Computer Cooperative, and is Blogger-in-Chief for edSocialMedia. He is the parent of a member of the Class of 2021.
WILLIAM STITES P’21
MODERATORS
RUSS ZACK P’31, ’35
The Ethical Landscape of Technology
Russell Zack is the Head of Revenue at Second Nature AI, an AI-powered training platform that simulates real-world conversations, allowing professionals to practice and refine their skills, and is deployed at corporations around the globe.
He is an executive leader with deep experience driving B2B revenue and sales expansion for startups and emerging business units within global organizations. His career has run the gamut as a founder at three startups, as a general manager scaling sales in the corporate and European markets for Kaltura (NASDAQ: KLTR), as an SVP at HelloWorld in the marketing technology world (acquired by Merkle, Dentsu (DNTUF), in collaborative research as Chief Business Officer at Code Ocean and as a Cisco Entrepreneur in Residence in emerging technology.
Russell’s career is rooted in innovation and he has authored four patents. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he started his first company. Russell brings a global perspective to business leadership. Knowledgeable in the ups and downs of companies’ relationships with new technology, he has been part of seven M&A transactions, two IPOs, sat on two boards, had plenty of business failures, and is a limited partner in two venture funds.
KATE ZERNIKE P’26, ’27
STEM+: Intersections in Art, Science, Society, and Creativity
Kate Zernike is an author and journalist. She joined The New York Times in 2000 as an education reporter and has since worked on the investigations, national, styles, metro, and science desks. She has also worked as a reporter in the Washington Bureau and most recently, was the lead reporter covering abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade.
Her first book, Boiling Mad: Behind the Lines in Tea Party America, was published in 2010. Her latest, The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins and the Fight for Women in Science (2023), was named one of the 25 best books of the year by the American Library Association and was a finalist for the Royal Society Science Book Prize. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she began her journalism career at The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, MA, and was a reporter for The Boston Globe before joining The Times
To learn more about the Alumni Innovation Summit, visit: www.mka.org/AIS