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Leo Bialis-White
Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund
Professional Background
Leo Bialis-White is an accomplished education professional with an extensive background in research, psychology, educational technology, and philanthropy. With a strong belief in the transformative power of education to create opportunities and foster self-determination, Leo has dedicated his career to advancing educational systems and approaches that truly meet the needs of students. His journey encompasses hands-on experience as a school psychologist, as well as key roles within innovative educational organizations. Leo currently serves as a Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund, where he collaborates with forward-thinking individuals and entities focused on reshaping educational landscapes.
His previous engagements have included a variety of impactful roles, leading to substantial contributions in the fields of education and social services. As a former Board Member at the Family Violence Law Center, Leo utilized his psychological expertise to inform policy and practice surrounding issues of violence prevention and intervention. In his roles at Schoolzilla and Reflektive, he combined his skills in customer success and operational leadership to drive strategic initiatives and improve educational outcomes. Leo's experience as a Graduate Researcher at UC Berkeley, where he studied both School Psychology and Education, has equipped him with a solid empirical foundation, enriching his roles across different sectors of the education landscape.
Education and Achievements
Leo's educational journey is as impressive as his professional trajectory. He holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, where he dedicated himself to understanding the psychological aspects that influence educational success. Furthermore, he has earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the same esteemed institution, cementing his expertise in educational theory and practice. Leo also graduated from The University of Georgia with dual degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This diverse educational background has enabled him to approach educational challenges with a multifaceted perspective, balancing empirical evidence with a deep understanding of societal influences on learning.
Notable Contributions
Throughout his career, Leo Bialis-White has been instrumental in bridging the gap between educational theory and practical application. His tenure as a Senior Associate Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund saw him support various startups focused on educational innovation, ensuring that they were equipped to succeed in transforming classrooms and learning experiences. In his capacity at Schoolzilla, Leo played a key role in customer success, ensuring the seamless implementation and utilization of educational analytics tools that help educators make data-informed decisions to enhance student achievement.
Leo's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to evidence-based practices highlight his outlook as an optimistic skeptic; he values rigorous research and is dedicated to aligning educational initiatives with proven methodologies. Throughout his journey, Leo has pushed the envelope regarding educational technology and policy advocacy, always striving to create more effective pathways to student success.
In addition to his impressive professional and educational background, Leo has demonstrated his commitment to diversity and inclusivity in education. His past positions, including a Sociology Teacher at the Academic Talent Development Program and various internships in clinical therapy and educational settings, have only further solidified his dedication to equity in education.
Future Directions
With his rich background and a keen sense of purpose, Leo is well positioned to continue driving meaningful change within the education sector. His work at NewSchools Venture Fund enables him to collaborate with numerous innovative entities, ensuring that they remain not only focused on immediate success but also on long-term sustainability and impact. As he embarks on new opportunities and faces the challenges of the ever-evolving education landscape, Leo Bialis-White remains a steadfast advocate for leveraging education as a profound lever for social change and self-empowerment.
