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City & State’s Education in New York summit will offer industry executives, public sector leaders and academics the opportunity to share ideas and debate over critical issues such as school choice, closing the achievement gap, and special education services. The full-day event brings together the most influential leaders and thinkers in New York’s education fields. Hear from the decision-makers who set policy and determine the future of New York’s education system.
Agenda
Times are subject to change.

Sheryl Huggins Salomon
Advisory Board Chair, City & State& Director of Strategic Communications, NYU Silver School of Social Work

Dr. K.L. Allen
Regional Vice President of the Northeast Region,Western Governors University

Dr. Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner and President of USNYNew York State Education Department

Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Karp
Battalion CommanderU.S. Army NYC Recruiting Battalion


New York’s public schools face a critical moment as they navigate rising student needs, budget constraints, class size limits, and an influx of new students. This panel will examine how many factors are shaping education statewide. Topics will include everything from funding, specialty and after-school programs, equity, curriculum changes, state initiatives, and the role of technology in supporting diverse learners. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on building a more inclusive and effective public education system in New York.
New York’s public schools face a critical moment as they navigate rising student needs, budget constraints, class size limits, and an influx of new students. This panel will examine how many factors are shaping education statewide. Topics will include everything from funding, specialty and after-school programs, equity, curriculum changes, state initiatives, and the role of technology in supporting diverse learners. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on building a more inclusive and effective public education system in New York.

Dwayne M. Andrews (Moderator)
Senior Vice President & General CounselPatrick B Jenkins & Associates

Jaime Ciffone
Executive Vice PresidentNYSUT

Council Member Rita Joseph
ChairCommittee on Education

Julie Marlette
DirectorHinman Straub P.C.

Dr. Jeffrey Matteson
Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education PolicyNew York State Education Department

Michael Mulgrew
PresidentUFT


New York is reshaping its higher education system with major investments in access, affordability, and student success. Under Governor Hochul, expansions in tuition aid and workforce programs are driving change—but challenges like funding uncertainty, student debt, campus safety, and mental health persist. This panel will explore the current state and future of New York’s colleges and universities, covering student rights, faculty roles, admissions, campus life, technology, and the rise in antisemitism. Panelists will discuss how institutions can adapt to meet student needs while upholding the mission of higher education.
New York is reshaping its higher education system with major investments in access, affordability, and student success. Under Governor Hochul, expansions in tuition aid and workforce programs are driving change—but challenges like funding uncertainty, student debt, campus safety, and mental health persist. This panel will explore the current state and future of New York’s colleges and universities, covering student rights, faculty roles, admissions, campus life, technology, and the rise in antisemitism. Panelists will discuss how institutions can adapt to meet student needs while upholding the mission of higher education.

Sahalie Donaldson (Moderator)
City Politics, Education ReporterCity & State NY

Dr. K.L. Allen
Regional Vice President of the Northeast Region,Western Governors University

Dr. Alaina Harper
Executive DirectorOne Goal

State Senator John Liu
ChairCommittee on New York City Education

Dr. William Murphy
Deputy Commissioner for Higher EducationNew York State Education Department

Dr. Lisa Vollendorf
PresidentEmpire State University (SUNY)


This panel will examine how schools can use integrated strategies to support student health, special education needs, and career readiness. Experts from education, mental health, and workforce development will share approaches to promoting mental well-being, resilience, and career success for all students. The discussion will highlight innovative programs, partnerships, and policies that create a holistic, inclusive model for student development.
This panel will examine how schools can use integrated strategies to support student health, special education needs, and career readiness. Experts from education, mental health, and workforce development will share approaches to promoting mental well-being, resilience, and career success for all students. The discussion will highlight innovative programs, partnerships, and policies that create a holistic, inclusive model for student development.

Alex Zimmerman (Moderator)
Education ReporterChalkbeat New York

Willow Baer
CommissionerNew York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

Dr. Jantra Coll
Vice President of Community ProgramsVibrant Emotional Health

Christina Foti
Deputy Chancellor, Division of Inclusive and Accessible LearningNew York City Public Schools

Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden
CommissionerNew York State Office of Children and Family Services

Ramya Parthasarathy
PartnerMcKinsey & Company


New York is transforming education for the digital age by equipping schools with modern tools that enhance the classroom experience. With interactive resources, new technologies, and improved connectivity, our schools are creating dynamic learning environments. This session will explore the latest innovations in technology and STEM education, addressing challenges such as privacy, safety, equity, and supporting both in-person and digital learning.
New York is transforming education for the digital age by equipping schools with modern tools that enhance the classroom experience. With interactive resources, new technologies, and improved connectivity, our schools are creating dynamic learning environments. This session will explore the latest innovations in technology and STEM education, addressing challenges such as privacy, safety, equity, and supporting both in-person and digital learning.

Sean E. Crowley (Moderator)
PartnerDavidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP

Stephen Cockrell
Chief Executive OfficerFund for New York City Public Schools

Lara Lai
Senior Policy Analyst and Strategic Organizer for EducationOffice of NYC Comptroller

Sideya Sherman
Chief Equity Officer & CommissionerNYC Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice

Ron Summers
Chief Impact OfficerMouse.org

Dr. Mark Dixon
Senior Manager for Education – Northeast RegionT-Mobile US Inc