Embarc is a community of educators, students, and partners committed to human-centered learning rooted in belonging, exploration, and shared journey.
OUR JOURNEY

Rooted in people, shaped over time

From our earliest days to the future we’re building toward, Embarc’s story reflects a commitment to people, shared experience, and the belief that learning deepens when it’s connected to the world beyond the classroom.
Where it began

Embarc was founded by two teachers at Harper High School in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, who believed that students are individuals, not symbols, each with their own hopes and challenges.

What guides us now

Today, Embarc brings schools, communities, cultural institutions, and the private sector together, expanding learning beyond classrooms and opening paths of opportunity through shared, real-world experiences.

Where we’re heading

We envision a future where experiential learning is part of everyday school life, accessible to more students, educators, families, and communities across Chicago.

of Embarc graduates enroll in postsecondary paths, including college and trade options.

Our guiding pillars

Connection

We believe learning is strongest when built through trust, reciprocity, and real human relationships.

Belonging

We believe students thrive when their identities, voices, and lived experiences are honored.

Exploration

We believe exposure to new people, places, and possibilities expands confidence and worldview.

Transformation

We believe reflection and shared experience spark lasting personal and cultural change.

Joy

We believe joy is a powerful force for resilience, healing, and leadership.

“Embarc is the best example
we’ve seen in the country of developmental experiences that research shows are so profoundly important for young people’s growth and learning.”

Camille Farrington

University of Chicago Consortium on School Research

Meet our team

Michael Mullarkey
Chief Executive Officer
Amy Besida
Chief Program Officer
Andrew Zallar
Director of Finance
Anna Ryan
Experiential Coach
Ariel Filion
Experiential Coach
Chastinee McNeil
Post Secondary Success Coach
Maya Benson
Development Operations & Prospect Research Manager
Gabe Lopez
Program Manager
Dezaray Vasquez
Alumni Relations Coordinator
Frank Miller
Head of Postsecondary Success
Ellen Lau
Director of Experience Design & Partner Relationship
Jennifer Flatley
Director of Development
Ruby Smith
Donor Relations Manager
Jitesh Jaggi
Experiential Coach
Joseph Schupbach
Head of Coaching
Laura Kroncke
Senior Experiential Coach
Ruby Thompson
Program Manager
Samantha Brenner
Senior Postsecondary Success Coach
Sarah Dufour
Senior Program Manager
Sandra Ortiz-Ortega
Head of Program Management
Sarah Eisendrath
Operations & Marketing Coordinator
Shifa Ahmed
Program Manager
Staff Emeriti
Imran Khan
Founder and Former CEO
January Miller
Founder
Amanda Long
Former Executive Director

Meet our Executive
Board of Directors

Lynn Jerath
President & Board Chair President & Founder, Citrine Investment Group
David Allocco
Growth Committee Private Equity Operations, Ares Management Corporation
Shayne Evans
Co-Founder and Managing Director, The Academy Group
Alex Jackson
Growth Committee Assistant Director of McNair Scholars Program, DePaul University
Tellef Lundevall
CEO and Founder, Accelerated Digital Media
Lindsey Mossman Shaw
Lindsey Mossman Shaw
Robert Pick
Partner, Bain & Co.
Lonnie Thomas
Development Committee
Managing Partner, Throop Street Capital
Kelly Tousi
Growth Committee
Principal Emeritus
Lisa Wheeler
Managing Director & Global Head of GFCC for Corporate & Investment Bank and Commercial Bank, JP Morgan
Board Emeriti
Eleanor Perrone-Toriski
Former Co-Chair, Civic Consulting Alliance
Nils Niemeyer
DMG MORI Additive Solutions
Angelica Zamudio
Monterrey Security and Red Circle Technology Recruiting
Nicholas Thompson
Co-Chair, Ferrara
Leah Richmond
Summit Global Health
Muharrem Ergin
ZS Associates
AJ Washington
Mercer Consulting
Patrick Fanshaw
Hinge Health
Baomy Wherle
Warner Bros. Discovery

Help grow Embarc’s impact

We’re reimagining what’s possible in public education, one experience at a time. Let’s build a model of learning rooted in curiosity, connection, and care.

Donate