Our team is made up of mission-driven, results-oriented professionals who are united by the belief that all children are capable of greatness.

Allyson Songe
Data Strategy Manager
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Allyson Songe
Data Strategy Manager
Allyson Songe is the Data Strategy Manager at Bold Charter School. Ms. Songe believes that data is an important tool in the learning process through its ability to inform, connect, and realize insights that drive student success. Her passion for using data to support educational achievement began in her roles as Data Manager and Director of Data and Research at a high performing charter network in Bronx, NY. Prior to working in data, Ms. Songe taught and created music curricula for K-8 instrumental and general music programs. Ms. Songe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Northwestern State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Hunter College.

Amanda Mari
Lead Teacher
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Amanda Mari
Lead Teacher
Amanda Mari is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Mari started her career in medical education research, but always knew her true passion was in K-12 education. Ms. Mari is passionate about ensuring every student receives a high-quality education that gives them the knowledge and confidence to pursue their future aspirations. She is excited to join a team of educators that encourages students to reach their full potential. Ms. Mari earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics from CUNY Hunter College.

Andrew Foglia
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Andrew Foglia
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Andrew Foglia is the Founder and Executive Director of Bold Charter School. Mr. Foglia’s commitment to educational equity began during his tenure with Teach For America, during which he taught middle school math and science in Newark, NJ. After Teach For America, Mr. Foglia joined a high-performing charter school in New York City, where he was both a teacher and school leader. Mr. Foglia is dedicated to increasing access to world-class schools for all children, and leads Bold in service of that mission. Mr. Foglia earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and a Masters in Education from Harvard University.

Azina Alexander
Lead Teacher
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Azina Alexander
Lead Teacher
Azina Alexander is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Alexander's love for education developed during her undergraduate years as an Anthropology and History major at Columbia University. During these years, she learned about the educational inequalities that different groups of people faced as a result of their socio-economic status, race, and ethnicity. Ms. Alexander's desire to serve the Bronx Community is driven by both her educational studies as well as her own experiences growing up and receiving education in the Bronx. Ms. Alexander is dedicated to giving back to her community by building strong relationships with families and community organizations to help students grow and develop as life-long, empowered learners. Ms. Alexander earned a Masters in Adolescent Social Studies Education from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Bryant Tapia
Sports Teacher
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Bryant Tapia
Sports Teacher
Bryant Tapia is a Sports Teacher at Bold Charter School. Mr. Tapia 's passion for working in sports was inspired by his high school wrestling coach and physical education teacher. Through the hard work in the vigorous sport of wrestling he developed a deep admiration for the field of physical education and its importance for youth development. He has been teaching youth sports for the past 10 years working with children ages 3 to 10 at Manhattan’s largest sports complex. He also worked in an after school program as a sports specialist, teaching elementary and middle school sports, fitness, and nutrition. Mr. Tapia earned a Bachelor of Science from CUNY York College and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from CUNY Queens College.

Cait Hagan
Lead Teacher
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Cait Hagan
Lead Teacher
Cait Hagan is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Hagan's passion for teaching is driven by her deep belief in the potential of all children. She is committed to supporting her students’ dreams and is thrilled to join a team of enthusiastic educators who have dedicated themselves to excellence and making a positive impact. Ms. Hagan earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Youth and Social Innovation from the University of Virginia, and is currently a Corps Member with Teach for America pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood at Relay Graduate School of Education.

Cara O'Neill
Teaching Fellow
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Cara O'Neill
Teaching Fellow
Cara O'Neill is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms. O'Neill's passion for education was solidified through experiences working in local elementary schools during her time as a student at Bucknell University. Ms. O'Neill believes in creating an inclusive classroom community that will best support students' socio-emotional learning, academic achievement, and provide them with tools that will allow them to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Ms. O'Neill graduated from Bucknell University with bachelor's degrees in Education and Sociology, and is currently a Corps Member with Teach For America, pursuing a masters in Early Childhood at Relay Graduate School of Education.

Caroline Chang
Director of Humanities
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Caroline Chang
Director of Humanities
Caroline Chang is the Director of Humanities at Bold Charter School. Ms. Chang's own love of reading and literature has developed into a commitment to supporting all students as they grow into lifelong readers and develop their own ideas and voices. Ms. Chang started her career teaching 6th grade ELA in Passaic, NJ with Teach For America. She then taught middle and high school English for nine years at an independent school in New York City, where she worked on developing and refining curriculum in addition to teaching multiple grade levels. Ms. Chang earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College.

Carson Rockefeller
Labsite Teacher
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Carson Rockefeller
Labsite Teacher
Carson Rockefeller is a Grade Team Lead and Labsite Teacher at Bold Charter School. Mr. Rockefeller believes that the strongest education is one that teaches the whole child, builds authentic relationships with students and families, and promotes critical thinking and problem-solving. Mr. Rockefeller completed his undergraduate degree in Elementary Science Education at SUNY Oneonta and received his Masters from Hunter College in Elementary Science and Mathematics Education.

Celai Busch
Teaching Fellow
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Celai Busch
Teaching Fellow
Celai Busch is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms. Busch has dreamt of being a teacher since Kindergarten due to her admiration for her teacher. This desire grew through various educational roles, such as math camp counselor and online instructor. Ms. Busch is excited to meet and build relationships with new students. Ms. Busch looks forward to helping students grow, fostering a love for learning, and supporting students’ needs. Ms. Busch earned a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Sociology from Amherst College.

Celine Peña
Teaching Fellow
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Celine Peña
Teaching Fellow
Celine Peña is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms. Peña's passion for teaching came from her drive to give back to her Bronx community. Often taking time to volunteer and work at local Bronx organizations, she learned to love working with her students and helping them reach their academic goals. Now working at Bold, she is excited to join a group of educators who have similar, aligned passions. Ms. Peña earned her Bachelor's degree at Hunter College and is now continuing her studies there, pursuing a Master's in Education.

Christina Oros
Director of Strive: Special Education
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Christina Oros
Director of Strive: Special Education
Christina Oros is the Director of Strive: Special Education at Bold Charter School. Ms. Oros began her career as a speech-language pathologist and believes that access to communication is essential to education. She has worked in a variety of roles at the middle school level, including speech therapist, reading intervention instructor, and IEP compliance coordinator. She is committed to ensuring that all learners receive appropriate support and have access to their curriculum. Ms. Oros earned a Bachelor of Arts from Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Brooklyn and a Masters of Science from CUNY Hunter College.

Connor Gilligan
Science Lead Teacher
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Connor Gilligan
Science Lead Teacher
Connor Gilligan is a Science Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Mr. Gilligan’s passion for education started at an early age, when he would stay after school to help his elementary school teachers set up the science experiments for the class. He continued to build upon this passion in college as a natural science instructor at a middle school summer camp. Mr. Gilligan believes in learning through hands-on experimentation and creative exploration of complex science concepts. Mr. Gilligan is determined to provide exceptional science education to every K-1 student at Bold this year. Mr. Gilligan graduated from John Jay College with a bachelors in Anthropology with a focus on health and culture.

Daphne Kass
Teaching Fellow
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Daphne Kass
Teaching Fellow
Daphne Kass is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms. Kass is determined to inspire a love of learning in all kids and to provide the foundation for them to pursue any goals they desire later in life. Ms. Kass earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ethics, History, and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and is currently a Teach for America Corps Member.

Eidry Estevez
Teaching Fellow
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Eidry Estevez
Teaching Fellow
Eidry Estevez is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms. Estevez always had an inkling that she wanted to work with children, but her passion was ignited after taking a college course in K-12 Education Policy. This course inspired her advocacy for equitable and high quality education in low income and disinvested neighborhoods. As a Bronx native herself, she is excited to join a team that is committed and proactive toward the same mission. She hopes to provide her students with the tools to be their best selves. Ms. Estevez earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies at Barnard College.

Jennifer Sciarrino
Science Lead Teacher
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Jennifer Sciarrino
Science Lead Teacher
Jenny Sciarrino is a Science Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Sciarrino's passion for equity in education began when she joined Teach for America in Washington, DC. Ms. Sciarrino taught science for four years in DC Public Schools before moving to New York. Ms. Sciarrino is thrilled to spark curiosity in her students through science. Ms. Sciarrino earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Education degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Jessica Highland
Teaching Fellow
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Jessica Highland
Teaching Fellow
Jessica Highland is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms. Highland’s passion for teaching began with her experiences tutoring elementary and middle school-aged students in Washington, D.C. throughout college. Raised by her educator parents, Ms. Highland developed a love and appreciation for learning early on. She is delighted by the opportunity to support students in recognizing the curiosity, power, and potential within themselves, inside and out of the classroom. Ms. Highland earned a Bachelors of Science from Georgetown University.

Jessie Cordray
Soccer Lead
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Jessie Cordray
Soccer Lead
Jessie Cordray is the Soccer Lead at Bold Charter School. Coach Jessie has been coaching youth soccer for the past 13 years. He got his start with San Francisco Youth Soccer in the NorCal Premier League before joining a high-performing charter school in New York City, where he was both a network soccer coach and the program's logistics lead. Coach Jessie is dedicated to reforming youth soccer in the United States and increasing access and equity to all youth sports in urban areas. Coach Jessie earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Utah and his Master's Degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco. He also holds a USSF C License.

Jewel Watson
Sports Teacher
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Jewel Watson
Sports Teacher
Jewel Watson is a Sports Teacher and Basketball Coach at Bold Charter School. With a deep love for athletics and a commitment to nurturing students' physical abilities, Coach Watson brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our sports programs. She has honed her skills through years of practical experience and continuous professional development. She is well-versed in a wide range of sports, field games, physical fitness and nutrition. Her expertise extends to both individual and team-based sports, allowing her to offer comprehensive training and support to our students.
Coach Watson’s coaching philosophy centers around promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. She firmly believes that sports not only develop physical fitness but also instill valuable life skills such as discipline, resilience, and leadership. By creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, Coach Watson empowers students of all skill levels to strive for excellence, set and achieve their goals, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. She is actively involved in our school's physical education curriculum development and collaborates with other faculty members to create engaging and dynamic lessons that cater to diverse student interests and abilities.
Outside of school, Coach Watson continues to pursue her own athletic endeavors. She runs a summer basketball tournament in New York City. She is a Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Basketball Trainer who stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in sports training techniques. This dedication and ongoing learning allows her to provide our students with the best possible guidance and support.

Karen Guerrero
Lead Teacher
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Karen Guerrero
Lead Teacher
Karen Guerrero is a Lead Teacher and Grade Team Lead at Bold Charter School. Ms. Guerrero’s love for education began when she studied abroad in Cusco, Peru and worked as a teaching assistant for students with disabilities. She also spent time working with high school students as a counselor. Ms. Guerrero believes that relationship-building, individualized support, a positive classroom environment, and high expectations ensure that all children are successful. Ms. Guerrero is excited to be part of a team of educators who are committed to excellence, and believe that all children are capable of academic success. Ms. Guerrero earned a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oneonta.

Kate Watkins
Director of People Operations
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Kate Watkins
Director of People Operations
Kate Watkins is the Director of People Operations at Bold Charter School. Ms. Watkins has worked in education management throughout her career, both in charter schools and international education, with a focus on increasing access to education and opportunity. She is passionate about building and developing strong teams and what’s possible when people come together around a shared mission and vision. She is inspired by the team at Bold and looks forward to supporting Bold’s growth and impact. Ms. Watkins earned her Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College in New York City.

Katelyn Alfonso
Lead Teacher
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Katelyn Alfonso
Lead Teacher
Katelyn Alfonso is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Alfonso is committed to collaborating with her students, their families, and community to foster curious, confident, self-determined, socially conscious citizens and advocates. She began her work in Miami as a school academic and behavior interventionist before coming to the Bronx. Ms. Alfonso is overjoyed to work at Bold where excellence is redefined and driven by our shared belief in the whole child. Ms. Alfonso earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware and a Master of Arts Dual Degree in General Education and Special Education from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Keyron Jarvis
Chess Lead
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Keyron Jarvis
Chess Lead
Keyron Jarvis is the Chess Lead at Bold Charter School. Coach Jarvis has been teaching chess for the past 7 years. He got his start with Chess-In-Schools as a Tournament Director and Coach before joining a high-performing charter school in New York City, where he taught chess. Coach Jarvis is dedicated to using his passion for chess to help students become critical and analytical thinkers. Coach Jarvis is pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Medgar Evers College.

Kofi Osafo
Lead Teacher
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Kofi Osafo
Lead Teacher
Kofi Osafo is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Mr. Osafo’s passion for kids and teaching began right here in the Bronx in 2011 when he volunteered as a teaching assistant at the Salvation Army Daycare, and since then he’s been eager to find his way back into the classroom. Mr. Osafo believes that his role is more than just educating students and focusing on academics, he puts a huge emphasis on caring for all his students and building meaningful relationships with them all. Mr. Osafo is grateful to be a part of a team that is trying to put the students of underserved communities at the forefront for once. Mr. Osafo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Albany and a Masters degree at Relay Graduate School of Education.

Leslie Santana
Lead Teacher
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Leslie Santana
Lead Teacher
Leslie Santana is a Lead Teacher and Grade Team Lead at Bold Charter School. Ms. Santana’s passion for teaching began at Bold and was driven by her belief that every child should receive an exceptional education. Ms. Santana is determined to help students achieve academic success and social-emotional growth by upholding high academic expectations, building character, and fostering creativity. Ms. Santana is thrilled to be part of a team of educators who are committed to excellence and believe all children are capable of greatness. Ms. Santana earned a Bachelor of Science degree at SUNY Oneonta.

Lola Sanchez-Carrion
Lead Teacher
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Lola Sanchez-Carrion
Lead Teacher
Lola Sanchez-Carrion is a Lead Teacher and Grade Team Lead at Bold Charter School. Lola’s love for teaching began when she worked as a 6th and 7th Grade ELA teacher in Miami, Florida. She believes that all students deserve a school that invites them to be their true, authentic selves, while holding them to the highest standards. She has also worked as a 6th Grade English Teacher in Manhattan and taught high school students from across the world through The American School of Lima in Peru. Lola earned a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Childhood Education at Hunter College.

Lucia Zerbino
Lead Teacher
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Lucia Zerbino
Lead Teacher
Lucia Zerbino is a Lead Teacher and Grade Team Lead at Bold Charter School. Ms. Zerbino’s love for education and teaching started when she was a tutor during high school in Montevideo, Uruguay. Ms. Zerbino believes every child deserves a world class education filled with joy for learning and the tools necessary to pursue their dreams. She is very excited and grateful to work with a team of inspiring educators. Ms. Zerbino earned a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Childhood Special Education at Hunter College.

Margaret Vorhaben
Lead Teacher
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Margaret Vorhaben
Lead Teacher
Margaret Vorhaben is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Vorhaben’s passion for working with children began in college, where she was a camp counselor and youth supervisor for elementary-aged students. She previously worked as a First Grade integrated co-teacher at a high-performing charter school in New York City. Ms. Vorhaben believes that all children are capable of success and is committed to helping them achieve their full potential. She enjoys fostering relationships with students beyond the classroom by getting to know their individual goals and interests. She is thrilled to work alongside a team that cultivates a welcoming and inclusive school community. Ms. Vorhaben earned a Bachelors of Arts from Barnard College in Manhattan.

Mario Rodriguez
Senior Operations Manager
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Mario Rodriguez
Senior Operations Manager
Mario Rodriguez is the Senior Operations Manager at Bold Charter School. Mr. Rodriguez's commitment to operational excellence began at a high-performing charter school in Queens, where he worked as the Community Relations Coordinator. Mr. Rodriguez is extremely excited to be a part of the Bold team and to support the instructional team in providing a world-class public education by delivering operational excellence. Mr. Rodriguez attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY where he earned a Bachelors Degree.

Martina Dwomoh
School Psychologist
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Martina Dwomoh
School Psychologist
Martina Dwomoh is a certified School Psychologist at Bold Charter School. Mrs. Dwomoh aims to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. She is committed to identifying barriers impacting students' emotional wellbeing, improving the educational experiences of children and adolescents, and providing a supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home, school, and the community for all students. Mrs. Dwomoh received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh and her Master of Education in School Psychology from Long Island University. She has experience working with not-for-profit agencies that provide services to individuals diagnosed with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Mrs. Dwomoh loves working as a team with students, families/faculty, and is available to provide support in person, via telephone, or by email.

Matt Gould
Chief Financial Officer
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Matt Gould
Chief Financial Officer
Matt Gould is the founding Chief Financial Officer at Bold Charter School. Mr. Gould began his career as a management consultant where he focused on operational efficiency before moving to the non-profit sector to pursue his passion of advocating for educational equity. Mr. Gould's commitment to education was deeply ingrained in him from an early age by his mom, who was a public school teacher for over 40 years. He has spent the past 17 years as an enterprise and operations leader at two education-reform organizations, Teach for America and Educators for Excellence, and is excited to bring those skills to Bold to support its efforts to educate our next generation of leaders. Mr. Gould earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University.

Mawa Ballo
Lead Teacher
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Mawa Ballo
Lead Teacher
Mawa Ballo is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Ballo's passion for teaching began at The Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts, where she developed strong relationships with students on and off the squash court. Ms. Ballo's journey then led her to a charter school in Brooklyn, New York, where she taught fourth grade humanities and writing for three years before joining Bold. She is driven by her belief that representation matters and that every student has the power to show their greatness through an exceptional education program. Ms. Ballo is determined to make sure that every scholar feels seen and heard in her classroom and realizes their potential for greatness by upholding high expectations, sparking creativity and curiosity and meeting scholars where they are. Ms. Ballo is thrilled to join a team of like minded individuals who want to strive for excellence by creating joyful, social-emotional, rigorous and engaging classrooms so that scholars have a meaningful educational experience. Ms. Ballo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Connecticut College and a Masters in the Arts of Teaching at Relay Graduate School of Education.

Soi’more Cherry
Art Lead Teacher
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Soi’more Cherry
Art Lead Teacher
Soi’more Cherry is the Art Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Cherry’s enthusiasm for teaching began as a preschool lead teacher, after which she became a substitute teacher for grades K-5. Ms. Cherry believes deeply that by building character strength and fostering creativity, along with providing a rigorous curriculum, all students can and will surpass expectations of success. Ms. Cherry is delighted to join a team of educators who are committed to excellence and believe all children are capable of greatness. Ms. Cherry earned a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Cortland.

Tatiana Johnson
Lead Teacher
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Tatiana Johnson
Lead Teacher
Tatiana Johnson is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Johnson's love for education began in college, where she taught poetry to middle schoolers. Ms. Johnson believes education is rooted in community - the relationships formed between teachers, students, and families. Ms. Johnson is excited and grateful to be a part of a team that prioritizes student opportunity and success, and fosters creativity and exploration. Ms. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Thomas Khadoo
Business Operations Associate
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Thomas Khadoo
Business Operations Associate
Thomas Khadoo is the Business Operations Associate at Bold Charter School. Mr. Khadoo's passion for utilizing business as a vehicle for social change began as a Marketing Assistant for a nonprofit specializing in nonpartisan news. Mr. Khadoo is especially excited to be a part of the Bold Team and support school-wide functions through operational excellence. Mr. Khadoo earned a Bachelor of Science from New York University.