Don Harjo Daves-Rougeaux

Don Daves-Rougeaux is a systemic change agent with 30+ years of experience advancing equity and innovation across education, government, and philanthropy. In his current role, Don drives system-wide transformation by aligning workforce initiatives with Vision 2030, forging critical alliances and spearheading AI integration through the Chancellor's AI Council, the Digital Center for Innovation, Transformation and Equity, planning of the annual Futures Summit and managing the systems AI Fellows program. Don previously managed $28M to scale equity-driven career pathways as the Regional K14 TAP for the Bay Area Community College Consortium. His executive career includes serving as the Associate Director of Admissions at the UC Office of the President—where he founded the UC Curriculum Integration Institute, VP of Higher Ed and Employer Engagement at the Linked Learning Alliance, and National Executive Director for AP & SAT Policy at the College Board. Don serves as an Ambassador for Battery Powered, distributing $4.5M annually to social justice nonprofits, served six years on the Board of the Fund for Santa Barbara a social justice and climate action community foundation, and currently serves as an strategic advisor for the Whitefish. His steward-leadership approach is grounded in his foundational K-20 experiences: 12 years of high school teaching, including serving as department chair at the Dunn School. Don holds a BA from Fresno State and an MS from Capella University.