CAROLINA "NINA" RUGGERO

Storyteller passionate about creating media that engages, educates, and inspires.

Rebecca Grainger, Ed.L.D.'20, serves as the senior adviser for Youth in Schools to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Grainger has always been drawn to initiatives that drive meaningful change in people's lives. However, it was her decision to pursue a Doctor of Education Leadership at HGSE that truly transformed her trajectory and equipped her with the skills to become a change agent in education. Learn more about the Ed.L.D. program here: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/degrees/edld Harvard Graduate School of Education Website: http://www.gse.harvard.edu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardeducation/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardEducation/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hgse

Warren Johnson, Ed.M.'25, transitioned to the field of education after nearly 30 years working in IT. His experience as a student teacher in a kindergarten classroom sparked an interest in play in early childhood learning and deepened his passion for designing hands-on, meaningful educational experiences. Warren hopes to use his experiences in the Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology (LDIT) program to create innovative curricula and educational toys for children in public schools. The LDIT Program at HGSE prepares students to explore the evolving landscape of education by: ✅ Leveraging the science of learning ✅ Advancing educational technology ✅ Developing powerful pedagogical approaches to improve learning outcomes Learn more: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/degrees/masters/program/ldit

After a devastating hurricane destroyed her performing arts school, Rasheen Jamison Richardson, Ed.M.'25, turned to the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship (ELOE) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She came to HGSE to learn how to rebuild — not just her school, but also herself as a leader. It’s been 10 years since pursuing her last degree but Richardson says it’s never too late to go back to school. The ELOE program prepares leaders to envision, enact, scale, and transform education across diverse settings, including PreK–12, higher education, nonprofits, government, and philanthropy. It equips students with the tools to navigate crisis, drive innovation, and create lasting impact through five core competencies: ✅ Leading change and thinking strategically ✅ Fostering productive organizational conditions ✅ Navigating politics and practicing political inclusion ✅ Communicating effectively ✅ Developing self and others Learn more: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/degrees/masters/program/eloe Harvard Graduate School of Education Website: http://www.gse.harvard.edu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardeducation/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardEducation/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hgse

At just 12 years old, Aria Mustary faced the threat of being married off by her own father. But with resilience and support from her mother, she broke free from the cycle of child marriage. Now, she's dedicated to helping other girls in Bangladesh do the same through her empowering mentorship program at Mai Soli Foundation . During her time at HGSE, Mustary learned to evaluate impact with equity and evidence in mind. And through education, awareness, and family interventions, she aims to shift societal perceptions and unlock the full potential of young girls. Learn more about the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship (ELOE) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education here: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/degrees/masters/program/eloe

Andrea Meyer, Ed.M.'23, didn't recognize her job anymore after the pandemic. After receiving financial aid, she attended HGSE with one goal in mind: fall back in love with teaching. Meyer enrolled in the Teaching and Teacher Leader Program (TTL) and upon graduating returned to the classroom making an impact on students' lives. The Harvard Graduate School of Education is committed to investing in the future of the teaching profession — and minimizing the student debt that teachers carry. Learn more: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid/learn-about-aid Harvard Graduate School of Education Website: http://www.gse.harvard.edu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardeducation/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardEducation/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hgse

Shawn Ginwright, the Jerome T. Murphy Professor of Practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education and founder of Flourish Agenda, reveals how focusing on students' strengths, dreams, and aspirations can create transformative learning environments — even with challenging circumstances. His research provides insights on transforming education through healing-centered engagement. Educators, school administrators, counselors, parents, and anyone interested in youth development can find more information here: https://flourishagenda.com/ Harvard Graduate School of Education Website: http://www.gse.harvard.edu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardeducation/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardEducation/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hgse #EducationInnovation #Education #MentalHealth #TraumaInformedEducation #TeacherResources #StudentWellbeing #YouthDevelopment #Healing #HarvardEducation #HGSE