Michelson 20MM Foundation

Medical device inventor and orthopedic surgeon who sold patents to Medtronic and became a self-made billionaire. He created the Michelson 20MM Foundation to advance educational access and intellectual property education.

Venture capital and entrepreneurship background professional who has led Michelson Philanthropies' education practice since 2015 and overseen social impact investment platforms providing seed funding to over 40 mission-aligned technology startups.

First-generation college graduate and former middle school teacher from East Los Angeles who oversees the foundation's portfolio initiatives and strategic deployment of philanthropic capital to support marginalized communities.

International development and public sector professional with 20+ years of experience across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Currently co-chair of Southern California Latinx in Philanthropy and CEO of Hope Innovation Strategies.

Campaign director and student organizer focused on creating systems change in educational resource accessibility. She combines programmatic, organizing, and philanthropic strategies to shift textbook ecosystems toward open educational resources as the default.

Attorney and entrepreneur who operated her own law firm serving small business owners and continues as adjunct professor at USC Gould School of Law. She holds degrees in Economics and Philosophy and a J.D. from Loyola Law School.

Nonprofit practitioner focused on closing the digital divide through state and local advocacy and cross-sectoral convening. She holds a degree in Political Economy and Public Policy from UC Berkeley with a focus on labor studies and income inequality.

Social work professional with background in crisis intervention and direct service. She supported first-generation students at Cal State Fullerton and is committed to strengthening family support systems and community care.

Legislative professional who served as Legislative Director in the California Senate, advancing policy on public safety, energy, immigration, and education. She now leads the Smart Justice initiative's strategies for system-impacted communities.

First-generation college graduate with experience in K-12 education and mental health services for foster youth. They manage the Michelson 20MM Student Fellowship and advocate for student power and textbook affordability.

Education leadership doctoral graduate from USC Rossier School who has over 10 years of direct service experience with students of color, first-generation students, former foster youth, and undocumented students. She previously provided institutional coaching at the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice.

Educational equity professional who previously led the Open Educational Resources Initiative and developed the Michelson Spark Grant program. He has worked with historically underinvested student populations and served as Director of Operations at Best Buddies California.

Intellectual property education expert focused on demystifying IP, trade secrets, and copyright law for underrepresented communities. She leads the Los Angeles chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and organizes knowledge-sharing community events.

Sierra College student pursuing a bachelor's in political science who advocates for zero-textbook cost degree programs and openly licensed educational materials. As a Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and Ward of the State recipient, she understands firsthand cost barriers in education.

Cal Poly Humboldt social work student focused on decolonizing social work practices and supporting parenting students. She previously facilitated student-parent support groups and worked to address systemic barriers through Project SPARC.

UCLA senior majoring in Asian American Studies and Public Affairs who advocates for justice-impacted students. She has served as student trustee and community development commissioner focusing on education, housing, and civic participation equity.

UCLA second-year student pursuing a double major in political science and education and social transformation studies. As Chief of Senate at UCLA and a former foster youth, he is passionate about addressing educational policy and basic needs insecurity.

Second-year law student at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles with psychology and public health backgrounds. She advocates for underrepresented communities and deepens her intellectual property knowledge focused on HBCUs.

Occidental College junior studying diplomacy and world affairs with minors in politics and Latino/a and Latin American Studies. She previously interned with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights researching affordable internet access.

Operations professional with background in the tech industry who manages administrative tasks, scheduling, correspondence, and logistics for Michelson 20MM leadership.

Educational technology expert serving as Dean of Educational Technology and Distance Learning at College of the Canyons. He previously led the Community College Consortium for OER and the Open Education Consortium as board president.

Communications professional with experience in nonprofit and corporate sectors at organizations including Pasadena Magazine and Zócalo Public Square. She develops comprehensive communication strategies to advance the foundation's mission of education, equity, and access.

UCLA third-year public affairs student working to increase textbook affordability through the UC system and implementing course transparency at UCLA. She aspires to stop automatic textbook billing nationally and pursue a Master's in Public Policy.

California State University Santa Barbara student majoring in communication studies who was formerly incarcerated and advocates for justice-impacted individuals. He previously served in student government and as an ambassador for the Berkeley Underground Scholars.

UCLA Public Affairs major focused on education justice and textbook affordability as a structural barrier affecting low-income and first-generation students. She has authored and co-sponsored California State Legislature legislation supporting marginalized youth.

Coastline College student pursuing math and data analytics who previously earned a degree in Global Studies from UCLA. She has directly benefited from digital equity programs and advocates for expanding these programs nationwide while working in civic tech.

Investment banking and venture capital professional with experience at early-stage investment firms Unicom Capital and Chisos Capital. He holds a B.S. in finance from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in accounting from Regis University.