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June 2023
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29 JunNews

Annual Gala Brings Together Students and Partners at Moakley Event

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Our 2023 Annual Gala, Amplifying Students’ Voices, brought more than 325 students and partners of the Discovering Justice community together to the Moakley Courthouse to celebrate and support a year of bringing the organization’s unique civic education work to schools across Massachusetts.

  • We amplified the voices of students from Third Grade to college who spoke about their roles as advocates for causes they believe in. You can listen here to Zeke and Kailyn, two of the students who spoke at the event.
  • We heard from former Governor and Discovering Justice 2023 Champion of Justice, Charlie Baker who was honored for his commitment to civic education. You can listen to his speech here.
  • We highlighted the judges, lawyers, and teachers who help make our programs accessible to students all across the Commonwealth.

At the event, we also recognized two people who have been deeply committed to the work of Discovering Justice for many years – more than 30 between them!

  • Josh Levy, the new Acting U.S. Attorney in Massachusetts, devoted more than 20 years to Discovering Justice as a legal mentor volunteer and Discovering Justice Trustee.
  • Chief Operating Officer Ann Gogol for her ten years of work at Discovering Justice.

Josh and Ann’s passion for the organization’s mission and commitment has been an essential driver of Discovering Justice’s continued success over the years.

The event raised nearly $400,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, an online auction, and pledges made at the Gala. We raised these funds thanks to the generosity of the many members of the Discovering Justice community. Thank you for your continued commitment to the organization and for your unwavering belief in the importance of civic education.

You can watch the full video of the event here.

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Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.