Richard Bojanowski truly believes in the mission of the Academy for Global Citizenship. He is honored to play a role and help the AGC instill long-lasting intellectual curiosity in young students and provide them with the complete education that they require to live a successful, healthy and socially-responsible life in a rapidly-changing and increasingly-global world.

Richard currently serves as the Director of Business Development for BBR Trading, a leading equity options trading firm that has been providing liquidity to the market place since 2002. He is helping BBR leverage their core competencies and develop new businesses and revenue streams. Previously, Richard served as the Head of Strategy, Senior Registered Options Principle and Compliance Registered Options Principle for OptionsHouse, LLC, a leading online broker-dealer focused on equity options that he helped found in 2005. Prior to OptionsHouse, Richard was the technical and lead in developing the internal clearing, accounting, and business intelligence systems for PEAK6 Investments, L.P., an industry leader whose businesses include market making, risk management, proprietary trading and hedge fund management.

Richard received his BA in Economics with Honors from the University of Chicago in 1999 and his MBA in Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management in 2008. He is grateful he can share the passion he has in his own education with the students at the AGC.


Education:

• BA, Economics, University of Chicago
• MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

Steven Collens heads public affairs for the international nutrition division of Abbott, the global health care company. He oversees all communications for the $3 billion division and works closely with Abbott's offices around the world on the development and implementation of global, regional and local marketing communications and public affairs programs. Steven has worked at Abbott in a number of marketing, public policy, speechwriting and public affairs positions since joining the company in 2001.

Before joining Abbott, Steven spent six years working on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to then-U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun. There, he focused primarily on education and transportation policy and was responsible for the development of the senator's signature initiative — a plan to rebuild and modernize America's crumbling school buildings.

In between the Senate and Abbott, Steven traveled around the world, worked with refugees in Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo, got an MBA, and spent a summer in New York working in the municipal finance department of Goldman Sachs.

Steven developed a passion for education policy and school improvement while working on Capitol Hill and is enthusiastic about helping AGC grow and establish itself. Steven grew up in a family that believed deeply in education. He attended excellent public schools in suburban Chicago and has vivid memories of creative, passionate teachers who influenced his education and development. He knows the children of AGC are growing up filled with such memories, and hopes the school will ultimately serve as a example for others around the country of just how much can be achieved in public education.

In addition to working with AGC, Steven is a member of the Outward Bound Chicago Council, a governor of the Auxiliary Council of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and a member of the marketing committee of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Education:

• BA, political science and French literature, Washington University in St. Louis
• MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

Michele is delighted to be a part of the Academy for Global Citizenship. The Academy rests on the same principles that have been foundational to Michele's own life: internationalism and environmental responsibility. She is particularly drawn to the Academy because of its similarity to her own early childhood education at a UN school in Geneva, Switzerland. That early exposure to a global mindset and individual inquiry has led her to pursue learning both in and out of academic settings and to travel at every opportunity. She has also lived in France, Japan, Scotland and England.

Michele Davies is the founder of Northstar Green, offering sustainability and energy efficiency services to corporate clients on a global basis. Previously, she developed clean energy projects in places like Peru, Romania, China, India and Iowa, through hydropower, hydrogen, biodiesel and wind technologies. She has also been a consultant in the conventional and alternative energy sectors, assisting clients with project development, strategy, market evaluation and project finance.

Michele received her BA from Dartmouth College studying Physics and Comparative Religion as she sought the answers to the Big Questions. She continued with an MS in Environmental Engineering from UCLA to help the earth, an MA from UCSB in Middle Eastern Studies to better understand the political world, and an MBA from Oxford to make her more effective in achieving her goals. Among her many civic activities, Michele is the Chair of the Oxford University Society of Illinois and an active member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. .

Education:

• BA, Dartmouth College
• MS, Environmental Engineering, UCLA
• MA, Middle Eastern Studies, UCSB
• MBA, University of Oxford

Brent is a Partner with the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery, LLP. In his legal practice, Brent assists clients in protecting their intellectual capital and managing their intellectual property portfolios. Brent is also an adjunct professor at both the University of Illinois, College of Law and the John Marshall Law School. He is often a guest lecturer or featured speaker for professional organizations, civic groups and corporate forums.

Brent spent most of his childhood on Chicago's South Side with a supportive family that emphasized educational vigor. He understands that supportive role models who encourage and enhance a youth's personal and educational experience can be essential contributors to a successful future. Also, having spent several years of his youth in Latin America attending an International Baccalaureate school, Brent understands the value of developing a global perspective at a very young age. As such, Brent is passionate about dedicating resources to develop a diverse and well-rounded educational foundation for Chicago's youth.

Brent's professional and civic experiences in managing complex strategic issues, as well as his personal life experiences, qualify him as to be an effective organizer, problem solver and leader in designing and growing a successful charter school. Brent perceives involvement in developing The Academy for Global Citizenship to be an ideal opportunity for him to combine his passion for education with his professional acumen. He intends to use his experience and resources to facilitate and encourage youth to forge opportunities, conquer obstacles and achieve dreams.

Education:

• BS Engineering, University of Michigan
• JD, University of Illinois College of Law

Sarah Elizabeth Ippel has dedicated her life to early childhood education. Prior to pursuing her vision for the Academy for Global Citizenship, she acted as Principal of Cambridge Educational Associates, an educational consulting company founded with a focus on developing customized and integrated auxiliary curriculum and parental guidance for children with academic related challenges.

Throughout her career, Sarah Elizabeth has traveled to 77 different countries across 6 continents, extensively examining educational philosophies and world languages as well as creating international alliances that have contributed to the design and culture of the Academy for Global Citizenship. In addition to studying the application of the International Baccalaureate approach in various cultural contexts across the globe, her most recent initiatives have been the development and implementation of globally cooperative literacy programs for orphan children in northern Tanzania.

As current Vice President of Education on the governing board of the United Nations Association, Sarah Elizabeth is committed to fostering implementation of The Growing Connection, a globally collaborative organic gardening initiative established to cross-culturally connect children and educators. She also serves on the United States Green Building Council Green Schools Advocacy Committee for the Chicago Chapter, Chicago Public Schools Environmental Action Plan Taskforce, and the Steering Committee for Climate Cycle. Sarah Elizabeth's additional leadership and civic contributions have included executive board memberships with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Recognizing Mayor Daley's revolutionary Renaissance 2010 initiative in a time of escalating global interdependence, Sarah Elizabeth feels passionately about creating a learning environment where children develop the insight, intellect and compassion necessary to actively impact their global communities. She fervently believes that a comprehensive integration of sustainability principles is a critical component to embracing our roles as world citizens and has been a leader in modeling school-wide environmental initiatives. As Founder and Executive Director of the Academy for Global Citizenship, Sarah Elizabeth deems that the future belongs to these empowered global citizens who understand the languages, histories, cultures and dreams of all humanity.

Education

As Partner and Family Manager with Coyle Asset Management Company, Ed counsels individuals and families to assist them in addressing complex financial issues. Prior to joining Coyle, Ed was a teacher and Program Coordinator for both the Chicago Public School system and the North Suburban Special Education Organization. Having taught every level from ages 6-12, Ed has an extensive educational background and wide range of expertise.

After spending five years at Disney Magnet School in a progressive open-classroom environment, Ed developed a sincere interest in working with the special education adolescent population. He spent the remainder of his educational career specializing in the adaptation of existing high school curriculum to meet the needs of special education students. Ed pursued his undergraduate coursework at John Carroll University and received a Master of Arts in Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities from Northeastern Illinois University. He also received state certification in learning disabilities, behavior disorders, special education administration and general education administration.

Ed is on the Board of Directors for the Chicago International Association of Near Death Studies. As an avid ultra-marathoner, he focuses on running 50- and 100-mile races around the country.

Since leaving education to pursue his current interests, Ed has been looking for a way to reconnect with his passion for education and found that the mission of the Academy for Global Citizenship was the perfect opportunity to do so. He is very excited and grateful to be a part of the Academy's founding team.

Education:

• BA, John Carroll University
• MA, Northeastern Illinois University
• Certified Financial Planner Designation
• Series 7, 24, 63 and 53 Securities Licenses, National Association of Securities Dealers

Mateen is an Information Technology professional with 13 years of experience as a technology consultant and an executive for internet startups.  As a consultant with Accenture, Mateen helped develop complex IT systems for Clients, such as Allstate, ComEd, SAP, & USAA.  Then as the Director of Technology for Visibillity, Inc., a company that he help build from the ground up, Mateen provided IT strategy and management services.  Most recently, Mateen has co-founded, SyncLight, Inc., which provides a web and cell phone based solution that merges social networks with 'to-do' lists.  It allows people to collaborate with their friends, family and co-workers to easily get things done while on the run.   Additionally, Mateen provides independent consulting services to companies that require assistance with web, mobile, and enterprise solutions.

Mateen grew up on three different continents, Asia, South America, and North America.  He experienced different school systems and diverse cultures while living in those countries, including an International Baccalaureate education.  Furthermore, Mateen has extensively traveled through out Europe in order to continue interacting with distinct cultures.  Mateen values the teaching practices that helped him succeed at the various schools he attended and is excited about applying his experiences to the development and implementation of the Academy for Global Citizenship.

Education:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
• MS in Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology

Matthew Kline is the founder and managing director of Kline Capital Group LLC, an investment management and investment banking firm since 1999. Matthew has nearly 20 years of experience in the areas of asset and investment management, alternative investments, capital markets, valuations, mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, mortgage brokerage & banking, trading and strategic consulting.

Prior to Kline Capital Group, Matthew held various positions with Merrill Lynch, Lillibridge & Company and Ameritech Corporation (now AT&T).

Matthew earned a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Business Law from Penn State University and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Business.

Matthew founded the Legacy Today Foundation which has raised funds for various institutions including the Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Foundation, The United Way, Big Brothers Little Sisters, The Lincoln Park Zoo and The Anti-Cruelty Society. He has served on the associate board of the Shedd Aquarium and has been a volunteer at The American Red Cross, The Anti-Cruelty Society, Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. Matthew currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Gift of Adoption Fund and the Academy for Global Citizenship.

Matthew has been involved in a number of professional organizations and associations, including groups that are specifically involved in the promotion, development, management, funding and investment in clean technology firms that operating in the alternative energy, recycling, renewable, and other functional areas that reduce the carbon footprint, and improve environmental quality as well as the responsible use of natural resources.

Matthew holds series 7, 24, 28, 63 and 65 securities licenses and is a candidate for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification.

Matthew is excited to be a part of this innovative and creative organization, assisting the Academy for Global Citizenship further its mission. He is committed to education and enthusiastically supports the Academy's global and environmental focus while addressing the development of the whole child.

Education:

• BS in Economics, Penn State University
• MBA, Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University

Tim is a children's book author, writing to encourage kids to engage in nature nearby. He believes that for healthy childhood development, children need time to connect and love the earth (before we ask them to save it.) For more effective and less abstract learning, Tim supports weaving the wonders of nature into the curriculum.

Tim is a product of a lot of years of Catholic schooling, but enjoyed spending more time outdoors than in.

"Believe an expert: you will find something far greater in the woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that what you can not learn from the masters." —St. Bernard of Clairvoux

Tim began tutoring children in high school and has worked with kids in various capacities for twenty years. He taught junior golf in North Carolina, youth skiing in Colorado and was a Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentor in Minnesota. Additionally, Tim served as a Chicago Public Schools Local School Council Board Member.

Because all kids deserve a great education and the world needs leadership, Tim is excited to be a part of the Academy for Global Citizenship journey.

Education:

• BS, Boston College, History
• Institute of European Studies, Vienna, Austria
• Licensed IL Real Estate Broker
  
  

John Nix is Vice President of Technology Development at InCharge Systems. John has over 15 years of experience with both telecommunications and Internet companies including serving as the founder and CEO of Go2Call, which provided hosted VoIP solutions to carriers in emerging markets and connected more than a billion minutes of international VoIP calls. In 2005, the "Deloitte Fast 50" ranked Go2Call the 22nd fastest growing technology company in North America over a five year period, where John grew the company from inception to $20 million a year in revenue with 35 employees. He also received the "Best Bosses" award from Fortune Small Business Magazine. At Go2Call, John was responsible for technology development and also managed partnerships with several of the world's largest telecommunications firms. John has led multiple financial transactions including venture financing, debt financing, and the sale of a business line to a public company. Before Go2Call, he also served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, where John planned and managed the installation of line-of-sight microwave networks. John is an inventor of four patents and approximately 12 pending U.S. and international patent applications.

John has a true passion for the global mission of The Academy for Global Citizenship. The majority of John's immediate and extended family have spent their careers within the education field, and their roles have been a very important part of John's life. John taught elementary school science classes as a volunteer teacher in rural Kenya after college. John has also served as a tutor in inner-city schools such as Lawndale Academy in Chicago and Campbell Elementary in Atlanta Georgia.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, Davidson College
• Master of Engineering Management, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University
• MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University