DONATE NOW
DONATE NOW

About Discovering Justice

  • About Discovering Justice
OUR PROGRAMS

Stewarding Our Democracy

For over two decades, Discovering Justice has been bringing students and communities together to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and prepare to engage as active citizens. We believe in the power of the next generation to sustain our democracy, and we value the belief that the justice system can and should work for everyone.

Our Strategic Plan
Our Annual Report
Our Story

Since 1998, Discovering Justice has worked in partnership with school systems, judges, nonprofits, community volunteers, and the legal community to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and help young people prepare to engage in our democracy. This approach is rooted in the founding vision of Boston’s John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, designed as a vibrant center for civic education and community activity. Over the past two decades, Discovering Justice has reached tens of thousands of students and community members through in-school civics curricula, courthouse events, and an after-school Mock Trial Program. 

What We Do

Discovering Justice programs focus on the judicial branch, examining the workings of the court system and how it metes out justice. Discovering Justice programs work with Grades K-12 and the broader community, providing young people with age-appropriate frameworks to understand complex concepts like democracy and governance. This work helps ensure that by the time students reach high school and college, they have foundational civic skills and the ability to engage as active democratic participants. To read Discovering Justice’s statement in response to the movement for racial justice across America, click here.

Our Programs

Volunteer

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.