Conversation Starter: What will it take to engage a broader base of support for transforming public education? A fierce advocate for education and equality, Maryellen is a partner at Impact for Education, engaging funders and reform organizations collaboratively to achieve high-quality educational outcomes for children. Maryellen worked to transform the education system, first as an advocate for her own daughter, then as a high school administrator, executive director of RI-CAN, and now through her philanthropic advising. Last year, Maryellen and her family advocated for the passage of marriage equality in Rhode Island, a hard fought victory. A political junkie, she is actively involved in local and state politics in Rhode Island. A graduate of Providence College, with a PhD in social work from Smith College, Maryellen also completed a leadership program at the Harvard Kennedy School for State and Local Leaders.