Panelist's Biographies
Margarita Azbel, J.D.
Executive Director, Orlando Math Circle
Margarita Azbel is the Executive Director of Orlando Math Circle, a community math enrichment nonprofit that has reached more than 25,000 people through math festivals, competitions, STEM nights, facilitator training, research mentorship, and other programs. She also leads the Florida Math Circles Network and serves as Florida State Director for Math Kangaroo. Through partnerships with universities, nonprofits, and state organizations, Margarita has helped expand access to engaging math experiences across Florida. Originally from Belarus, Margarita credits her grandfather with inspiring her lifelong love of math. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from SUNY Stony Brook and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Her work focuses on building welcoming math communities that spark curiosity, strengthen problem-solving skills, and help students see themselves as capable mathematicians.
Dr. Alice E. “Beth” Barfield
Superintendent, Glades County Schools
Dr. Alice E. Barfield has served as Superintendent of Glades County Schools since 2020, leading the district through significant academic and organizational transformation. Under her leadership, Glades County Schools has earned consecutive ‘A’ district ratings and risen among Florida’s top-performing districts. Previously, Dr. Barfield served as a Turnaround Principal in rural and underserved communities, shaping her commitment to ensuring students have access to strong educational opportunities regardless of ZIP code. Her leadership has focused on academic achievement, workforce development, improved facilities and transportation, and expanded college and career pathways, including a Collegiate Academy with Florida SouthWestern State College. Dr. Barfield holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is a graduate of the Harvard Superintendents Leadership Program.
Mark Brewer
President and CEO, Central Florida Foundation
Mark Brewer is President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation and is considered one of the nation’s most respected voices on philanthropy. He has spent nearly three decades leading the Central Florida Foundation and is the Consortium’s newest board member.
Dr. Sarah B. Bush
Professor of K-12 STEM Education and Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair, University of Central Florida
Dr. Sarah B. Bush is a Professor of K–12 STEM Education and the Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Central Florida (UCF). At UCF, she is the Director of the Lockheed Martin/UCF Mathematics and Science Academy which provides scholarships for teachers to earn a master’s degree. She is also the program coordinator of the Mathematics Education PhD track at UCF. Her expertise focuses on mathematics teacher education, transdisciplinary STE(A)M education, and mathematics and STE(A)M teacher professional learning and leadership. She has authored 13 books and more than 120 journal articles. She is an author of The Math Pact book series, Simplifying STEM book series, and Step into STEAM. She is also an author of McGraw Hill Florida Math for K-12. She is a former member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Board of Directors. She currently serves as a member of the United States National Commission on Mathematics Instruction. She is a former middle school mathematics teacher and received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, specialized in Mathematics Education, from the University of Louisville.
Patty D’Alessandro
Government & Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy
Patty D’Alessandro is Duke Energy’s Government and Community Relations Manager for Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, and Flagler counties, where she manages government, business, and community relationships and coordinates local philanthropy. She has more than 40 years of experience in the electric utility industry, including 15 years managing relationships with major customers such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and school districts. Patty holds degrees from Seminole State College, the University of Central Florida, and Webster University. She is deeply engaged in her community, serving on several nonprofit and civic boards and mentoring students through Seminole County Schools’ Take Stock in Children program since 1998.
Dr. Christopher Danielson
Educator, Author, Creator of Math-On-A-Stick; Chief Academic Officer, CPM Educational Program
Dr. Christopher Danielson has worked with math learners of all ages: twelve-year-olds in his former middle school classroom, Calculus students, teachers, and children of all ages together with their parents and caregivers at Math On-A-Stick at the Minnesota State Fair. He writes award-winning books for Stenhouse, and is Chief Academic Officer at CPM Educational Program. In his spare time, he maths with Public Math, and blogs at Talking Math with Your Kids. His favorite vehicle is his trusty cargo bike.
Dr. Zandra de Araujo
Director of Mathematics, Lastinger Center for Learning, University of Florida
Director of Mathematics at the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida, where she leads statewide initiatives to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning. Through her work, she partners with educators and leaders in all 67 Florida school districts to support high-quality mathematics instruction and improve outcomes for students. A former tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Missouri and former Florida mathematics teacher, Dr. de Araujo has led numerous large-scale research and implementation initiatives and has served on the boards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, TODOS: Mathematics for All, and the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. She is passionate about translating research into practical solutions that help teachers and students succeed.
Ashley Dietz
President and CEO, Florida Philanthropic Network
Ashley has served as president and CEO of the Florida Philanthropic Network since September 2020 and overall has 15 years of experience in philanthropy. She previously served as Senior Director, Community Partnerships and Operations for United Way Suncoast and worked for the City of Sydney Council in Sydney, Australia for five years, managing complex funding streams and processes at the local government level. She was recently accepted as part of Leadership Florida – Cornerstone 44. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tampa, part of LT Class 2022, named 40 under 40 by the Sarasota Business Observer in 2023, and Top 10 Under 40 by Tampa Bay Magazine in 2022. Ashley currently serves as a Commissioner for Volunteer Florida, Board of Directors for the Florida Chamber Foundation, Board member for Tampa Bay Thrives, and on the Advisory Board of the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and serves on The Berkeley Fund Committee at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. Ashley has a Master’s in Policy Studies with a focus in International Relations from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She has a B.A. in Media Communications with a Minor in Political Science from Webster University in St. Louis.
Danny Erb
Math Curriculum Specialist, Flagler County Schools
Danny Erb is an educator, mentor, and former mechanical engineer whose career has been shaped by a passion for teaching and connecting with students. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State and began his career at Con Edison before transitioning to education after volunteering as a math tutor. Danny taught math for 14 years before moving to Florida, where he was named St. Johns County Teacher of the Year in 2019. Known as ‘ERB!,’ he has served as a basketball coach, senior class sponsor, math coach, and STEM Club sponsor. He now mentors and coaches teachers while continuing to support students through Erb’s Class, his YouTube channel focused on making math accessible and engaging.
Rachael Tutwiler Fortune
President, Jacksonville Public Education Fund; Consortium Board Chair
President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, where she leads efforts to strengthen education through community partnerships and effective strategies for student success. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Leadership at the University of North Florida. Her career includes leadership roles with America’s Promise Alliance, the U.S. Department of Education, Oakland Unified School District, Teach For America, and JPEF’s ONE by ONE campaign. Rachael serves as Chair of the Consortium’s Board of Directors and holds several additional civic and advisory roles. She earned a master’s degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of North Florida. She is also a 2026 Pahara Fellow.
Dr. Murthy Ganapathy
Dean, College of Engineering & Science, Florida Institute of Technology
Murthy Ganapathy, Ph.D., serves as Dean of the College of Engineering and Science and L3Harris Professor at Florida Tech. A National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient, he has more than 20 years of research experience in novel materials, nanoscale science, and quantum physics. Dr. Ganapathy previously held leadership roles at the University at Buffalo, including Department Chair, Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Dean for Research, and Interim Director of the Quantum Institute. His work has also focused on student success, curriculum development, and strengthening foundational math and science preparation for students entering rigorous STEM fields. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the Indian Institute of Science and has held research positions at the Weizmann Institute, Princeton University, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Cameron Hance
Senior Administrator for Secondary Mathematics, Orange County Public Schools
Cameron serves as the senior administrator for secondary mathematics, where he leads districtwide efforts to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning across middle and high schools. His work focuses on curriculum and instructional design, professional learning, strategic school support, and building the capacity of teachers and school leaders. He has continued creating meaningful mathematics experiences that foster student thinking, discourse, and success while supporting educators in translating a shared vision for mathematics into classroom practice.
Representative Jennifer Kincart Jonsson
Florida House District 49
Representative Jennifer Kincart Jonsson represents Florida House District 49 in Polk County. A business executive, business owner, and longtime community leader, she brings private-sector and civic experience to the Florida Legislature. She serves on committees focused on health care, workforce, insurance, and banking, with legislative work spanning education and workforce development, health care, public safety, and Florida families and businesses.
Outside the Legislature, Kincart Jonsson is an executive with A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, her family’s nearly 40-year-old company. She has also held leadership roles with United Way of Central Florida. A native Floridian, she earned a bachelor’s degree in health science and a Master of Public Health from the University of Florida. She and her husband, Eric, live in Lakeland and have three children.
Nicholas Longo
Chief Engineer Director, Strategic Products and Initiatives, Lockheed Martin
Nicholas ‘Nick’ Longo is Chief Engineer Director for Lockheed Martin’s Strategic Products and Initiatives team within its Training, Logistics and Simulation business. He leads internal research and development and special projects focused on emerging technologies and future product capabilities. Throughout his career, Nick has held senior leadership roles including Program Director for Lockheed Martin’s 1LMX transformation initiative, F-35 Training Program Director and Chief Engineer, and DevOps Director. His experience spans technical, programmatic, and operational leadership across areas including training systems, logistics, radar, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and maritime security. Nick holds degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and technical leadership from SUNY Oswego, Syracuse University, and Stevens Institute of Technology.
Corrie Melton
Vice President of Talent Development for Future of Work, Florida Chamber Foundation
Corrie Melton serves as Vice President of Talent Development for Future of Work at the Florida Chamber Foundation, where she leads Future of Work Florida and the Business Alliance for Early Learning. Her work advances the talent goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, from kindergarten readiness and grade-level reading and math to high school graduation, postsecondary attainment, and essential employability skills. A former elementary school teacher, Corrie brings experience spanning education, business, nonprofit leadership, and the chamber of commerce. She co-founded and led ASPIRE Capital Region, established the Tallahassee Talent Development Council, brought North Florida Worlds of Work to Tallahassee, and led employer-driven Talent Pipeline Management initiatives addressing regional workforce needs.
Dr. Glyndell Presley
Adjunct Instructor, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Dr. Glyndell Presley is an educator, university administrator, and media professional with more than 30 years of leadership experience. She serves as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University and Florida A&M University, where she has also worked as Director of Publications and Editor. Her career includes serving as an English department chairperson, mentoring future educators, and teaching in FAMU’s AIM Higher Program. Dr. Presley holds certifications in English and journalism and endorsements in reading and gifted education. She began her career in journalism as a newspaper and television reporter. She also serves on the boards of the Jefferson County Educational Foundation and Reaching Beyond Inc. and remains active in several professional, civic, and educational organizations.
Teresa Rizzo
Executive Director, Flagler County Education Foundation
Teresa Rizzo serves as Executive Director of the Flagler County Education Foundation, where she works to create opportunities for students and educators through strong partnerships, innovative programs, and community engagement. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Teresa’s background includes 15 years as a classroom teacher, work with the Florida Department of Education, and leadership roles supporting students, families, and educators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Teresa is committed to strengthening connections between Flagler Schools and the community, bringing together businesses, organizations, donors, and education leaders to expand resources and opportunities. Her leadership is also inspired by the legacy of her late husband, Joe, and his commitment to the Flagler County community.
Richard “Rick” Shadyac Jr.
Former President & CEO, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
A business leader, attorney, and philanthropist who served as President & CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, for nearly 16 years. Under his leadership, ALSAC grew into the largest healthcare charity in the world, with annual revenue increasing from the mid-$600M range to approximately $2.7 billion and 60 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth. A recognized thought leader on brand, strategy, and purpose-driven leadership, Rick has been featured in TIME, Forbes, and the Masters of Scale podcast, among others. He currently serves on the board of Sesame Workshop, along with a legacy of board leadership including St. Jude’s Board of Governors and the ALSAC Board of Directors. Rich is also an attorney with 27 years of litigation experience.
Lauren Siegel
Executive Director, MathHappens Foundation
Lauren Siegel is co-founder and Executive Director of the MathHappens Foundation, a 501c(3) founded in Austin in 2014. The foundation works with museums, schools, libraries and informal education institutions across the US to increase offerings in programming related to mathematics. MathHappens employs over 100 people in 22 staffed locations and provides resources to an additional 50+ partners.
Marlena Sinclair
K-5 Mathematics Specialist, Pinellas County Schools
Marlena Sinclair is a K-5 Mathematics Specialist in Pinellas County Schools. She works alongside elementary educators to strengthen mathematics instruction through coaching, professional learning, and research-based instructional practices that support student achievement and mathematical thinking. She has nineteen years’ experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and specialist.
Paul A. Sohl
Rear Admiral USN (Ret.), CEO, Florida High Tech Corridor
Paul Sohl is CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, an organization serving a 23-county region anchored by the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida. The Corridor works to connect high tech, innovation, and talent across the region to advance the communities it serves, and Sohl oversees its programs supporting research, marketing, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, including its Matching Grants Research Program, which has generated over $1 billion in verified downstream impacts since 1996. Sohl joined The Corridor in 2020 after more than three decades in the U.S. Navy, where he held several major commands, including the Navy’s Operational Test & Evaluation Force and the Naval Aviation Fleet Readiness Center enterprise, overseeing thousands of personnel and multibillion-dollar budgets. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from MIT and a master’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Stanford University.
Valentin Sotomayor
Elementary Mathematics Specialist, Seminole County Public Schools
Valentin Sotomayor has more than 30 years of experience in education and currently serves as Elementary Mathematics Specialist for Seminole County Public Schools. His career has included roles as a mathematics and science teacher, instructional support teacher, district mathematics coach, and mathematics instructor at Daytona State University. Valentin has also served as a mathematics content advisor for multiple Florida Department of Education committees focused on curriculum and assessment development. He is a past president of the Florida Association of Mathematics Supervisors and currently serves as its Immediate Past President, while also serving as president-elect of the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Valentin holds degrees in multilingual multicultural education and curriculum and instruction and is passionate about making mathematics meaningful, understandable, and accessible to every student.
Vincent Taylor, M.Ed.
Author, Educator, Creator of Cornbread the Math Detective
Vincent Taylor is an award-winning educator, author, and nationally recognized speaker with more than 30 years of classroom and leadership experience. He is the creator of the Cornbread book series and has shared his signature message, ‘If Instruction Isn’t Engaging, I QUIT,’ with more than 60,000 educators nationwide. Vincent is the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year and a 2025 Florida Department of Education Excellence in Service Award honoree. He also founded the Young Gentlemen’s Group, serves on the READ USA, Inc. board, and is a member of Leadership Florida’s Education Class 10. Vincent holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida.
Dr. Sarah Trench
Associate Professor, University of South Florida
Sarah Trench, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida, where her research focuses on equipping teachers to meet the mathematics learning needs of all students. Her work has addressed how teachers use research to inform their practice as well as how they can use consultations to meet the needs of students with learning differences. She has been PI and Co-PI of major federal grants from NSF, US DOE, and Gates Foundation totaling more than $5.8 million. She co-authored the book Teaching Mathematics Meaningfully: Solutions for Reaching Struggling Learners and has numerous top-tier research publications. She regularly presents to national and international audiences about how teachers can facilitate improved opportunities for students to find success in mathematics. Her national presence has included leadership roles in the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) and American Education Research Association (AERA). Her excellence in teaching was recognized by the 2019 USF Undergraduate Teaching award and the 2026 Outstanding Community Engaged Teaching Award.
Shane Wiggan
Assistant Director of Math Success, Impact Florida
Shane Wiggan is the Assistant Director of Math Success at Impact Florida, where he partners with district and school leaders to strengthen K–12 mathematics instruction and outcomes. A former secondary mathematics teacher and NSF Noyce Master Teaching Fellow, his work has focused on effective mathematics teaching, educator development, and recruiting and retaining Black male mathematics teachers. Shane holds an Ed.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Central Florida and was recently elected to the NCTM Board of Directors.
Jackie Wolfe
Education Foundation of St. Lucie County
Jackie Wolfe has been with the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County since 2018, supporting students and educators across more than 40 schools. A St. Lucie County native and former St. Lucie Public Schools student, Jackie brings the perspectives of a parent, volunteer, and education foundation professional to her work. Before joining the Foundation, she was actively involved in her children’s schools through PTO, supporting teachers, students, and families. Today, she focuses on listening to educators, connecting schools with resources and community partners, and helping turn ideas into meaningful opportunities for students. Jackie is passionate about strengthening the connection between schools and the community to better support students, educators, and families throughout St. Lucie County.