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Guest Speaker

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  • Children Discovering Justice Guest Speaker
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Children Discovering Justice

Guest Speaker

Share your story of advocacy and civic action in Massachusetts with young students

Children Discovering Justice (CDJ) is a free civics-based curriculum for elementary classrooms across Massachusetts. The curriculum culminates in a civic action project where students apply their learning to advocate for a justice issue within their community. We are seeking guest speakers to feature within the lessons so students can learn from real examples of people in their community involved in local advocacy and change making (movements, campaigns, organizations, protests, school or local government, etc.). See details below and reach out to vsuri@discoveringjustice.org if you are interested in participating.

Guest Speaker Information

Who:

People in Massachusetts involved in local activism and advocacy. We are specifically looking to diversify our speaker library to include more young people.

What: 

A recorded Zoom interview for elementary students across Massachusetts to watch and learn from as they prepare for their own class advocacy project.

When & Where:

The time commitment is 30-40 mins which includes a prep call/zoom and the 20 min virtual recorded interview over Zoom. 

Why:

Telling your story of advocacy will inspire young students to take action on issues that matter to them. Students will see that young people do make a difference in the community. You will be credited in the curriculum and all videos will be shared for approval before use.

Become a Guest Speaker

Contributors

CDJ Curriculum

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.