A nationally recognized voice on student attendance and engagement, Chang has spent more than a decade building the research base, tools, and cross-sector partnerships that help schools and communities prevent and reduce chronic absenteeism. Her leadership has helped shift practice statewide and nationally—moving educators beyond truancy-only approaches to data-informed, tiered strategies that advance equity and improve outcomes for all students. A skilled presenter, facilitator, researcher and writer, Hedy co-authored the seminal report, Present, Engaged and Accounted For: The Critical Importance of Addressing Chronic Absence in the Early Grades, as well as numerous other articles about student attendance. Deeply committed to promoting two-generation solutions to achieving a more just society, Hedy has spent over three decades working in the fields of family support, family economic success, education and child development.

A lifelong advocate for California’s students, O’Connell served two terms as State Superintendent (2003–2011), following distinguished service in both the California State Assembly and State Senate. Throughout his career, he has championed educational equity, student achievement, and safe, supportive school environments for every child.  His leadership helped shape key statewide initiatives focused on improving academic standards, supporting teachers, and reducing barriers to student attendance and engagement. He is most proud of his successful efforts in reducing the vote threshold for passage of local school bonds from 67% to 55%. He remains a strong supporter and facilitator of partnerships among schools, businesses, communities, and philanthropies in order to engage all students with challenging, real-world education experiences.