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21 MayNews

Reflections from Executive Director Rana Kannan After First Year

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It has been a full year since I joined Discovering Justice as Executive Director, and with May also being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I can’t help but feel reflective. 

I’ve always considered it a blessing to be able to relate to the students I serve; I feel that in this role, just like I did when I was a teacher and school administrator. DJ is doing incredibly important work that supports students and teachers, provides deep mentoring and learning opportunities, and helps show students what is possible. We expand the minds of our students and possibilities for their families.

As a woman leader, as a daughter of immigrants, and as an Asian American, it’s been amazing to meet and work with people from such diverse backgrounds, and to experience the shared sentiment that diversity really strengthens our community, rather than fracturing it. One thing that has been very clear in my first year at DJ is how supportive the legal community in Massachusetts is of historically marginalized groups. 

I believe that meaningful public engagement with our judicial system is necessary for a healthy democracy, and I also deeply relate to the experience of navigating complex legal systems without fully understanding your rights or how to advocate for yourself and your family, especially when language or knowledge barriers exist. English was not the primary language spoken in my house growing up, and I vividly remember my father going through his naturalization process when I was a young adult. As the first person in my family to attend college, those experiences shaped my understanding of how intimidating and inaccessible these systems can feel for many families. 

I feel so lucky that I get to work alongside our incredible staff, board, donors, and volunteers to ensure that students across the state have opportunities to learn critical skills in the classroom or at the courthouse that will serve them, their families, and communities for years to come.  

I am excited for year two. Discovering Justice is ready, and so am I. 

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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.