Meet the 2025 Innovator of Color Honorees!

We’re proud to introduce the 2025 Innovator of Color Award honorees — leaders of color whose indelible impact on “PreK to Gray” education innovation is reshaping the landscape, spurring collective momentum, and creating equal access to the future for ALL people.

We’ll celebrate these remarkable innovators and their extraordinary impact throughout the ASU+GSV Summit, including live on StageX and during a dedicated reception, presented by Russell Reynolds Associates and supported by World Education Services.

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Transforming the promise of higher education‍

President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD, is dedicated to expanding access for adult learners and underserved populations. Since becoming UMGC’s president in 2021, he has led a comprehensive transformation, enhancing recruitment, support services, course design, partnerships, and institutional effectiveness.

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Empowering educators and their communities

‍A former teacher and principal, Dr. Nancy B. Gutiérrez helms The Leadership Academy, a nonprofit driving transformational leadership development for educators. She has led the organization to equip leaders across 41 states and 430 districts with skills to create sustainable, context-driven change.

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Expanding participation in the AI ecosystem

‍Dr. Taniya Mishra’s startup SureStart offers mentoring-centered AI learning programs for middle- and high-school students. In partnership with top tech universities, SureStart helps students from diverse backgrounds develop innovation competencies and standout portfolios that expand opportunity.

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Improving access and outcomes for all

‍As a serial entrepreneur and senior executive, Matthew Mugo Fields is making academic success attainable for ALL students. He leads the Supplemental & Intervention and the Heinemann divisions of HMH, and he’s the Founder & Board Chair of Innovation For Equity, a non-profit dedicated to improving outcomes for Black learners.

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