Meet the team behind Catalyze.
Michelle Cheang, Ed.D.
Director of Catalyze
Dr. Michelle Cheang, Catalyze's inaugural Director, spearheads collaborative initiatives in career-connected learning through grantmaking, learning, and storytelling. With over a decade in community-based organizations, she champions education equity and social justice for K-12, youth, and adults. Michelle's nonprofit leadership includes launching youth education and workforce departments, fostering successful partnerships with K-12 schools and industry leaders, and strategically aligning investments with organizational priorities. As a former community college dean, she expanded career technical education pathways, implemented dual enrollment partnerships, and engaged employers. Michelle holds a Doctor of Education, a Master of Public Administration, and a bachelor's degree in anthropology.
Advisory Board
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Brennan Brown
Director of Educational Partnerships
Charles Koch Foundation -
Jamie Jutila
Senior Program Officer
The Walton Family Foundation -
Julie Lammers
President & CEO
American Student Assistance -
George Vinton
CEO
Common Group
Supporters
A collaborative funding initiative, Catalyze receives financial support from leading philanthropies and investors committed to providing students with opportunities to build agency throughout their learning and career journeys.
Catalyze is a project of New Venture Fund.
Strategic Delivery Partners
Catalyze engages trusted partners with expertise in evaluation, community building, and more to strengthen the program and broaden access to career-connected learning opportunities.