About the Speakers

GEOFFREY CANADA founded the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Project in 1997 with the mission to end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities to do the same. From early childhood, education, and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ’s on-the-ground, wrap-around programming opens pathways to mobility and prosperity. The work of Canada and HCZ has been featured on 60 Minutes, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Nightline, National Public Radio and in the documentary Waiting for “Superman.” For his work advocating for low-income children and families of color, he received the first Heinz Award, the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, The Jefferson Award for Public Service, and the Common Good Award from Bowdoin College. Drawing on his own childhood experiences growing up in the South Bronx, Canada wrote Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence. Canada holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MA from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Ted Lempert, JD ’86 is president of Children Now, a research and policy organization focused on transforming children’s advocacy.  Lempert previously served four terms in the California State Assembly.

 Kitty Lopez, is Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County: Board President, First 5 State Association. Kitty previously served as leading nonprofit executive supporting children and families in San Mateo County.

Jelena Obradović, PhD ‘07, MA ’05- Institute of Child Development, Associate Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education