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12 MayNews

25th Anniversary Gala Raising Over Half a Million

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Tuesday, May 5th, Discovering Justice celebrated its 25th Anniversary Gala, bringing together supporters, partners, and community leaders for an evening celebrating the organization’s impact and future. The event presented founding board member Jack Regan with the Champion of Justice Award, and presented the Torchbearer Award to Chelsea Public Schools in recognition of its implementation of the Children Discovering Justice curriculum.

discovering justice gala

Attendees heard powerful stories illustrating how Discovering Justice programs foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and a deeper understanding of the rule of law. The event brought together over 300 supporters and raised over $500,000 to support Discovering Justice’s mission to provide high-quality, hands-on civics education for students across Massachusetts. 

A special thank you to our Guardian of Justice sponsors Wilmerhale, Goodwin, and Ropes & Gray.

“The energy in the room was extraordinary,” said Rana Suh Kannan, Executive Director of Discovering Justice. “This community’s generosity ensures that students across the Commonwealth have access to meaningful civics education at a time when it is more important than ever.”

The evening’s highlight was the commemorative 25th Anniversary video unveiled that evening. For those who could not join us the video is below.

Thank you to everyone who made the 25th Anniversary Gala one to remember. 

 

Juris Education Features Discovering Justice

February 10, 2026
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.