Dr. Jason Singleton is an educator, school leader, and empathy researcher with more than 20 years of experience in independent schools. He serves as Middle Division Director at The School at Columbia University and as Co-Executive Director and Treasurer of People of Color in Independent Schools — New York. Jason is the founder of HEARTWIRED LLC, where he helps schools cultivate cultures of empathy, belonging, and relational leadership grounded in his doctoral research on empathy modeling and school culture. 

Zoe Shan has over 22 years of experience in global preschool to 12th-grade education. She started her career as a classroom teacher at International Schools in Shanghai, China. After moving to New York City in 2009, she continued teaching in independent schools and transitioned into leadership roles. In recent years, Zoe has focused on developing meaningful, innovative, and global programs that align with schools’ missions. She also has experience in permitting and licensing, admissions and enrollment, and marketing and communication.

Dondré Greenhouse is an educator, school leader, and Critical Friends Group-certified coach with over 25 years of experience in New York City independent schools. He currently serves as Director of Equity and Inclusion at The Speyer Legacy School and as a member of the leadership team of People of Color in Independent Schools - New York. Dondré's work focuses on building and engaging communities through thoughtful and often difficult conversations, aligning SEL standards in the curriculum with DEIB standards to build a curriculum that truly embraces students' human experiences, and on inquiry-based learning that centers belonging as a core Neuroscience component of learning.

Yordy Rosa is an operations leader, strategic thinker, and community builder with more than 10 years of experience transforming ambitious ideas into meaningful, well-executed programs. As the School Life Program Operations Manager at Riverdale Country School, Yordy leads and supports initiatives spanning belonging and inclusion, sustainability, community partnerships, and student life.

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Known for bringing structure, creativity, and positive energy to every project, Yordy thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and operations. His leadership approach combines big-picture thinking with thoughtful attention to detail, whether he is developing a new program, coordinating a major event, strengthening organizational systems, or creating experiences that help people feel connected and valued.

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Yordy holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from John Jay College and is pursuing a master’s degree in Business Management and Leadership at CUNY School of Professional Studies. A bilingual, first-generation professional and lifelong learner, he is passionate about building equitable, joyful, and sustainable communities where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

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Outside of work, Yordy can usually be found reading, hiking, discovering a great vegan restaurant or coffee shop, traveling, or spending time with his beloved cat, Wonton. He brings curiosity, warmth, humor, and an unmistakable spark to everything he does.

Arlene is an experienced educator and school leader with over 20 years in K-12 independent schools. Her work focuses on promoting authentic dialogue, inclusive classroom practices, and programs that enhance belonging, equity, and educational excellence. Committed to empowering both teachers and students, Arlene creates welcoming environments where every learner feels seen, valued, and confident in expressing their voice. She serves on the leadership team of People of Color in Independent Schools, New York, and is a member of the NYSAIS Equitable Practices & Inclusion Committee. 

Chiarna Morton is a progressive educator and equity practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in K—12 independent schools. She serves as Director of Equity and Engagement at Cathedral School of St. John the Divine and as Co-Executive Director and Programming & Communications Chair of People of Color in Independent Schools — New York. Chiarna's work focuses on cultivating inclusive school communities through anti-bias education, affinity spaces, and experiential learning grounded in social justice and belonging.

Alexandra brings 19 years of dedicated experience in independent schools to the PoCIS-NY Leadership Team and currently serves as the Experiential Education Program Coordinator at Riverdale Country School. She has held a wide range of pivotal support roles across the institution, with a multifaceted background across administration, operations, admissions, and experiential programming, offering a holistic, 360-degree understanding of independent school ecosystems. Alexandra leverages this deep operational insight and community-centered perspective to strengthen PoCIS-NY’s programming, foster meaningful connections, and support the organization's sustainable growth.

Linda Talton is the Founder and Co-President of School First Education Consulting, which specializes in placement from nursery school through college. Linda takes a student-first approach to recruitment and placement, with a firm conviction that a school must match a student’s learning style and interests. She believes there is a right fit for every child and family. Linda is passionate about supporting families as they navigate the admissions process for independent schools. Linda brings over thirty years of experience in admissions, diversity, and student development to School First Admission Consulting. She has served as director of admissions at Corlears School (New York), San Francisco Day School, and Live Oak School (San Francisco, CA), as well as high school placement director at The School at Columbia. Linda began her career in the classroom as a kindergarten teacher, after earning her M.Ed. in Administration and Policy and a BA in Human Development from Howard University in Washington, DC. Linda sincerely enjoys supporting families and students in their search for a great school fit. 

Minjung Pai has over 16 years of experience as a classroom teacher in public and independent schools. She served on the Board of Trustees and as a co-chair of the Committee on Institutional Equity at Westland School, where she was deeply involved in supporting the school's DEI initiatives. Minjung helped launch and facilitate affinity groups for parents, staff, and students, served on the Anti-bias Social Justice Curriculum Task Force, and co-facilitated current parent and prospective parent education events. Min was also a Heinemann Fellow, where she researched identity work for teachers. She presented multiple workshops at the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference and served on the local planning committee in 2017. Minjung also served first as a board member and then as an Advisor to the Southern California People of Color at Independent Schools (SoCal POCIS) Board of Directors. Minjung has also worked as a consultant supporting leaders and organizations across industries: designing and facilitating trainings, working with DEI Councils, and creating strategies and action plans for organizational change. She's also been invited to speak at schools for parent education and student events regarding topics around equity and inclusion. Currently, she is the Assistant Head of Middle School at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn. Ms. Pai’s passion for culturally responsive education is matched only by her commitment to developing edifying spaces for faculty and staff from historically marginalized groups, especially women of color.

Ayesha Long is a seasoned DEI practitioner and educator with more than 20 years of experience across charter, public, and independent schools. She serves as Chief Equity and Belonging Officer at St. Luke’s School and as a member of the Leadership Team of People of Color in Independent Schools — New York. Ayesha is the founder and owner of Ayesha Long Strategic Group, where she helps schools and nonprofits cultivate communities of care and address challenges related to retention and belonging. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ayesha leads with love and believes that equity begins with the heart, expands to the mind, and transforms into meaningful action.