*CANCELLED* Transforming Schools the Third Way: A Career Conversation

Brett co-founded Empower Schools in 2013 to develop novel solutions that have the potential to transform public education so that all children – especially those in underserved communities – have the opportunity to succeed. Empower is a nonprofit that works with policymakers, district and community leaders, and educators to fundamentally re-engineer traditional school systems into diverse education ecosystems centered on empowered and accountable schools. Empower has led successful efforts in Lawrence (MA), and is the design and launch partner for the ground breaking Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (MA) and Denver’s first Innovation Zone. Prior to launching Empower Schools, Brett ran the New Initiative group at Massachusetts 2020. Previously, he led the Greater Boston and New England region for Education Pioneers, a national nonprofit focused on developing leaders for the education sector. His work in the private sector includes designing and leading the corporate social responsibility efforts for Revolution Health, an early-stage venture backed by AOL co-founder Steve Case. Brett began his career as a classroom teacher before turning to youth civic engagement policy work in Washington DC. Brett graduated from Middlebury College and earned his master’s in education from Brown University.