Bright Mind’s team has wide-ranging experience, with lifelong commitments to community-oriented work. We attended and send our own children to public schools. Our team has always been led by people of color, and our organization works closely with the communities we serve.
Claudia Kang, Chairperson
Claudia Kang is a dedicated contributor to Bright Mind Enrichment (BME), where she has supported the organization’s mission for the past three years by helping to advance programs that promote mindfulness, wellness, and community engagement. Based in Chicago, she brings over 17 years of leadership experience in retail operations and workforce transformation, and currently serves as a Principal Director at Accenture. Known for her expertise in strategic innovation and human-centered design, Claudia applies a global perspective and a passion for inclusive growth to ensure BME’s initiatives remain impactful and accessible to diverse communities.
Craig Kaufman is the Director of Operations at Bright Mind Enrichment, where he leads organizational strategy and fosters collaboration across a diverse network of professionals focused on education, wellness, and community empowerment. With over 20 years of experience in non-profit leadership, his background includes impactful work in advocacy, education, and organizational development. His efforts have been recognized by prominent media outlets including The New York Times and NPR. A graduate of Cornell University and a fluent Spanish speaker, Craig is deeply committed to community-driven initiatives that advance Bright Mind’s mission to support individual growth through mindfulness and inclusive education.
Craig Kaufman, Executive Director
Jennifer Griffin, Vice Chairperson
Jennifer Griffin leads Bright Mind Enrichment’s educational and curriculum strategy, with a focus on inclusivity and strong representation of Latino/a communities. She brings over 15 years of leadership in special education, currently serving as Head of Special Education at a large high school in Montgomery County, Maryland, where she oversees programs impacting more than 200 students and staff. Jennifer has held administrative roles within Arlington Public Schools, including Summer School Assistant Principal and Interim Assistant Principal, and has contributed to leadership development and cultural competency initiatives. She holds advanced degrees from Syracuse University and George Mason University, along with multiple certifications in education and administration.
Terrence Calhoun manages Bright Mind Enrichment’s finances, fundraising campaigns, and grant submissions, while serving as a key representative to diverse communities, with a focus on African-American engagement. With over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit leadership, he currently serves as Conference and Events Manager for HealthHIV, overseeing the annual SYNChronicity conference. Previously, Terrence was Director of Conferences and Meeting Services at the National Minority AIDS Council, where he led conference logistics, marketing, and contract negotiations for national events, including the United States Conference on AIDS and the CDC’s HIV Prevention Leadership Summit. A recognized leader in HIV advocacy and diversity education, Terrence holds a degree from Cornell University and is deeply committed to community-building as a foster and adoptive father.
Terrence Calhoun, Vice-Chairperson & Treasurer
Martin Brooks, Board Secretary & Manager
Martin Brooks serves as a key leader at Bright Mind Enrichment, overseeing board relations, fundraising, and the strategic implementation of the organization’s goals. Drawing on over two decades of experience in education, community outreach, and leadership, including his tenure as Dean of Peer Education at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and his presentations at national conferences on effective management, Martin cultivates partnerships and resources that advance BME’s mission to empower underserved communities. An ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church and a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, his commitment to social justice and inclusion is reflected in his work connecting diverse faith and human service organizations to support vulnerable populations. Martin’s expertise and dedication significantly contribute to fostering holistic well-being and community engagement through Bright Mind’s initiatives.
Adjei Kwesi Boateng is the Literacy Director at Bright Mind Enrichment, where he leads initiatives to advance reading and education in underserved communities. He holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University, where he also contributed to academic publishing as a Graduate Assistant at Pace University Press, collaborating with scholars nationwide. A published novelist writing under the pen name J.K. Knowlife, Adjei is the founder of Reader Publishing and the nonprofit ReaderCares in Ghana, established in 2015. He is dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of stories to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning among young people.
Adjei Kwesi Boateng, Literacy Director
Dr. Jack R. Garrow, Curriculum Director
Dr. Jack R. Garrow is an accomplished educational leader with a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. With a distinguished career in teaching and administration, he has led major initiatives to improve instructional practices through data. As Director of Teacher Evaluation, he trained over 5,000 educators in using assessment data to enhance learning outcomes. In his role as Coordinator of Student Information Management for Pittsburgh Public Schools, he played a key part in developing the district’s strategic plans and assessment systems. Now a leading consultant in Data Literacy and Assessment, Dr. Garrow was honored with the Margaret McNamara Award for his unwavering dedication to children and literacy.
Sridhar Shanmugam serves as co-coordinator of Bright Mind Enrichment’s New York team, bringing extensive expertise in performance art as both an executive director and practicing artist. With a strong background in administration and finance, he effectively combines operational leadership with a commitment to cultivating inclusive environments for cultural expression. Sridhar’s lifelong dedication to the arts informs his strategic approach to community engagement, supporting the growth and global dissemination of creative practices.
Sridhar Sanmugam, New York Co-Director
Roopa Sridhar, New York Co-Director
Roopa Sridhar serves as Co-Coordinator of the New York team at Bright Mind, bringing a strong foundation in health, education, and grassroots leadership. She holds a graduate degree in Botany and Zoology and has successfully founded and led several community organizations. Since moving to the U.S. in the early 2000s, she has continued to champion community-based initiatives focused on equity and well-being. Her experience and dedication play a key role in advancing Bright Mind’s mission and impact across the region.
Monica Sri Vel leads our efforts in California, overseeing area activities and helping to advance our Street Care initiatives for those in greatest need. Professionally, she is a Clinical Research Coordinator Associate at Stanford University’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. With a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science from UC Davis, she specializes in clinical research aimed at improving patient outcomes. Monica is proficient in key research tools like RedCap and has presented her own research on mental health and AI at prestigious conferences such as APA 2021.
Monica Sri Vel, California Coordinator
Yash Jain, Project Director
Yash Jain serves as a dynamic Project Director at Bright Mind, guiding key initiatives with his professional expertise. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University and is an Associate Product Manager at Amphenol, where he drives the development of next-generation sustainable energy solutions. With a background that includes working with global industry leaders like Volvo Trucks and Volkswagen, Yash channels his passion for product development and global progress into impactful community projects at Bright Mind.
Lynette Slape is the creative talent behind Bright Mind’s visual communications, serving as our Web and Graphic Designer. With over five years of freelance experience, she expertly designs our print and web materials, manages newsletter content via Mailchimp, and enhances our campaigns with compelling visuals. Lynette holds a Bachelor of Science in art and an Associate of Applied Science in graphic design from the University of Oregon, a foundation she has strengthened with a professional certificate in UX/UI.
