Heidi Holder, Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Heidi Holder, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is the Chair of Education at The Met. She is responsible for the department’s vision and oversees all educational programs and events for a diverse range of audiences locally and across the globe. She has over 20 years’ experience in museums and higher education, where she has developed and led STEM and college student success programs, innovative community engagement initiatives, and art and wellness programs. Her work in museum interpretation investigates the role of language, justice, and interactive maker-spaces in promoting equity in museum settings and explores ways for communities to connect to art in ways other than talking and looking. Most recently, she was the concept lead for the creation and implementation of the 81st Street Studio, The Met’s new interactive children’s space. She previously served as director of education at the Queens Museum and director of education at the Museum for African Art in New York, now The Africa Center. Holder holds a doctorate in Urban Education from the Graduate School and University Center, CUNY.
Seth Pinsky, CEO The 92nd Street Y
Seth Pinsky joined The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY), New York’s global center for culture, connection and enrichment and the leading Jewish cultural and community center in the world, as Chief Executive Officer in January 2020. At 92NY, Pinsky has overseen the growth of the institution’s online reach, an institutional rebrand, the roll-out and implementation of a $200 million master redevelopment plan and the renewal and reimagination of 92NY’s programming across its many departments. Previously, Pinsky was an EVP at RXR Realty, where he led RXR’s efforts to invest in “emerging opportunities” in the New York region. Earlier, Pinsky oversaw the development of Mayor Bloomberg’s $20 billion plan to protect New York from climate change impacts and, from 2008 to 2013, was President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Pinsky started his career as an associate at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton and analyst at James D. Wolfensohn Inc. He graduated from Columbia College and Harvard Law.
Emilie Jones, 2024 Bronx Grand Prize Winner
Emilie Jones is an 8th grade ELA teacher whose driving force is making sure students see themselves in the classroom. She also runs a student advisory group, amplifies student voice in the classroom through student driven podcasts and digital portfolios, and encourages students to become change-makers in their communities. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Emilie is a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. From writing LGBTQ+ curriculum for the DOE to spearheading initiatives like the LAMBDA Literary Program and the Pride Club, she creates safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. She also serves on the Instructional Leadership Team, the Principal's Planning Team, and the International Baccalaureate Committee, shaping the school's academic direction and fostering a globally minded educational environment. Additionally, Emilie is the director of the popular drama department, which counts a third of students in the school as participants.
Kate D. Levin, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program
Kate D. Levin oversees the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program, supporting a range of organizations and activities in the United States and around the world. Current initiatives include management training, public art, and digital technology. She is also a principal at Bloomberg Associates in Cultural Assets Management.
From 2002-2013, Levin served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Managing the largest single arts funder in the U.S., she increased support for cultural organizations, and expanded creative sector participation in economic development, tourism, human service, and education initiatives. Levin oversaw the city’s permanent public art commissioning program, and helped develop and promote numerous temporary exhibitions and performances.
The inaugural Fellow at the National Center for Arts Research at Southern Methodist University and a former professor of English at City College/CUNY, Levin also served in the administration of New York City Mayor Ed Koch.
Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York
Dr. Betty A. Rosa is the Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York. Prior to serving as Commissioner and Interim Commissioner, she served as the Chancellor and Member of the Board of Regents. Dr. Rosa is a nationally recognized education leader and received an Ed. M. and Ed. D. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University.
She also holds two other Master of Science in Education degrees, one in Administration and Supervision and the other in Bilingual Education from the City College of New York and Lehman College, respectively, and a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York. She has more than 30 years of instructional and administrative experience with an expertise in inclusive education, cooperative teaching models, student achievement, and policy implementation.