Catalpa International
Kara Chesal is a seasoned education professional with extensive experience in gender and education leadership. Currently serving as Head of Gender & Education and Senior Team Lead for Education Technologies at Catalpa International since April 2018, Kara has previously held several significant roles at the NYC Department of Education from November 2010 to March 2018, including Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Industry Engagement in Computer Science Education and Director of Innovate NYC Schools. Prior experience includes positions at the Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning as a New Media Associate and as a Research Consultant at the Connecticut Commission on Educational Achievement. Kara holds a Master of Arts in Economics and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Technology and Society Studies and Economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Catalpa International
We're a human-centred design and technology organisation committed to better aid and development. We integrate technology and behavioural insights with locally-driven solutions to create lasting change. Our projects span education, health, nutrition, agriculture, environment, disability, labour market development and aid coordination. They’re designed to connect people, make information accessible, and nudge behaviours for social good. Most importantly, they help people make more informed decisions—whether that's when to visit a medical clinic or where to direct aid funding. Catalpa’s team is interdisciplinary, with designers, engineers, researchers and sector specialists working across the entire life cycle of global development projects. We currently partner with governments, NGOs, the private sector and donor organisations across the Asia-Pacific region.