Board of Directors
Steven Carniol
Steven Carniol is currently the AVP of Instructional Support and Student Experience at Galen College of Nursing, where he joined in July 2010 to oversee the launch of Galen’s online and web-enhanced programs. His role involves providing leadership for instructional design services, course media development, instructional technology, and student support services, with a focus on delivering superior customer service to faculty and students alike. Steven is committed to creating a student-centered learning environment that emphasizes quality improvement and a technology-rich experience. Prior to his time at Galen, Steven held positions as the Academic Dean/Director of Online Education and National Director of Product Development at Lincoln Educational Services. He also has seven years of teaching experience in audio, video, and multimedia technology, as well as career development. Steven is the author of Preparing for a Career in Media Design, published by Pearson/Prentice Hall in 2008.
Paul Cheung
Paul Cheung is a mission-focused leader dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the media industry. With over 20 years of experience, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives focused on technology adoption, combating misinformation, ensuring business sustainability, and fostering organizational culture change. As the Strategic Advisor for Hacks/Hackers, Paul Cheung leads the development and execution of strategies that promote the adoption of emerging technologies. Previously, Cheung held key leadership roles at notable organizations including the Center for Public Integrity, Knight Foundation, NBC News Digital, The Associated Press, The Miami Herald, and The Wall Street Journal. His work has been crucial in developing innovations that have diversified news organizations and enhanced their sustainability. Cheung graduated from the Punch Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University and holds a degree from New York University.
Rhonda Henderson
Rhonda Henderson is a native Washingtonian. She began her career in education teaching high school history after an “aha!” moment as a college sophomore: public education was designed to reproduce class stratification. She is most proud of her work as a founding Operations Manager at DC Prep Anacostia, where she reduced barriers to regular school attendance for vulnerable students and ensured the school was a wonderful place for children to learn. Recently, through her work as Partnership Manager at the Achievement Network, she developed a national perspective on the challenges schools and districts face in delivering equitable, standards-based instruction. Her portfolio of clients included schools and districts in Ohio, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. Rhonda earned her BA from Columbia University, an Ed.M from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an MBA from the Darden School of Business.
Dr. Jess Ingrassellino
Jess Ingrassellino started her career as a music teacher at the age of 18, teaching music in public and private schools, following her time as a violin scholarship student at the University of Vermont (BS, Education). In 2012, Jess pivoted into technology, beginning her career in Quality Assurance, and moving on to become a Director of Quality Assurance and now, an engineering manager. Jess has since worked as an author (Python Projects for Kids, various articles), Python teacher, and Software Testing teacher. In addition to her career, Jess enjoys time as a professional violinist with regional orchestras, including the Greater Newburgh Symphony, Woodstock Symphony, and Greater Dutchess Symphony Orchestra. She is an avid reader and writer and continues to love learning.
Ashley Jenkins
Ashley Jenkins is the Human Resources Director of the Americas Sales Organization at Meta, currently living and working in the New York City metropolitan area. A native of Chicago, Ashley received her BA in Sociology from DePaul University and her Master of HR & Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has spent her career spanning a handful of companies and industries – prior to Meta, she was a senior HR leader at The Hershey Company and held various HR roles at Microsoft and Aon. Ashley’s life experiences have fueled an alignment with the values espoused by The Literacy Lab – she wholeheartedly believes that it is our inherent duty to unlock opportunities and combat the systems that perpetuate inequity. Ashley is inspired by her partner who serves as an Assistant Principal in a Bronx, NY middle school – witnessing his everyday work invigorates her excitement to further the Literacy Lab’s mission!
Quinci Moody (Treasurer)
Quinci Moody is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, “America’s Black think tank”. Prior to joining The Joint Center, Quinci served as Chief Operating Officer at The Fishing School, a nonprofit that provides year-round out-of-school-time academic, life skills, and parent engagement programming for youth and families from Washington, DC’s most under-resourced communities. During her ten-year tenure, Quinci served as a critical thought partner to the chief executive, facilitated significant organizational expansion, and oversaw the organization’s fundraising, programs, and operational functions such as human resources, accounting, facilities management, and information technology. Quinci is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, serves as a professional mentor at Mentors of Color, and is a founding board member of WAVE Scholarship Fund. She earned a BA in English from Florida A&M University and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from American University.
Rita Sadhavani
Rita Sadhvani is an optimistic humanist and passionate problem solver who is excited to serve on The Literacy Lab’s Board of Directors. With 30 years of experience in technology product innovation, Rita is eager to contribute her expertise to support The Literacy Lab’s mission of providing equitable literacy education to children in underserved communities. Having recently concluded her role at Amazon in May 2024, where she led a $535M global business, Rita brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and customer-centric product development. Her initiatives at Amazon resulted in significant operational efficiencies and revenue growth, showcasing her ability to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions. As a former Board of Education member, Rita led the creation of an experiential STEM learning program, demonstrating her commitment to educational equity and her ability to foster collaborative partnerships. She is particularly excited about the opportunity to champion The Literacy Lab’s vision of transforming literacy into a universal right.
Christian Shaboo (Interim Chair)
Christian Shaboo has been focusing on building great teams and cultivating purpose-driven leadership for close to two decades. For the last 12 years, Christian has served in a variety of roles with The Future Project: from a Dream Director collaborating with hundreds of students and dozens of educators in the transformation of a public high school in New Haven, CT into a project-based, purpose-driven, and student-centered school; to serving as the VP of Content and Program, overseeing all programming online and in-person across the US.
Christian is also the founder of Grinand Bare, a consultancy focused on culture-shifting content and experiences, and having worked with the likes of The Obama Foundation, Design for America, and Multiplying Good. He is the co-founder of Men Up, a project that redefines ideas of manhood and masculinity to be equitable, just, and joyful for all.
Keon Toyer
Keon brings over 25 years of experience in Technology, Operations, and Fiscal management. Previously, he served as the VP of Strategic and Business Operations at the United Negro College Fund and as the Senior Director of IT at KIPP DC. He also held roles as the Chief Operating Officer at Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools, overseeing business operations and managing a $65M budget. As a private consultant, Keon has advised national Charter Management Organization technology teams and initiatives on infrastructure architecture, contract negotiations, and strategic vision. Keon has also secured over $10M in grant funds for non-profit schools and libraries.Keon earned his bachelor’s degree in Management Science and Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA, and holds an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University. He is certified with a Master’s Certificate in IS/IT Project Management PMP from Villanova University and is a proud Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member.