Ismael joined Room to Grow as the Director of People & Culture in 2024. He brings a wealth of experience in human resources, educational operations, and DEI strategies to his role. With a strong foundation as both an educator and operations leader, Ismael is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplace cultures and empowering teams to reach their full potential. His career includes leadership roles at The Equity Project and Achievement First, where he was instrumental in team development, operations management, and strategic planning. Ismael received his Bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Economics from Emory University. He also holds two Master's degrees: one in Chemistry from Rice University and another in Special Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. His experience both in and out of the classroom has shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. Ismael is also a 2015 recipient of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans.