The public is hereby noticed that the Nevada Rise Academy Governing Body reserves the right to take agenda items out of posted order, with the exception of public hearings, and items may be pulled or removed from the agenda at any time or combined for consideration. A time for public comment is provided at the beginning and at the conclusion of the meeting. The Governing Body Chair reserves the right to call on individuals from the audience or to allow for public comment at any time. Individuals providing testimony should fill out a Visitor Card which will be numbered in order received by the Governing Body Secretary. A time limit (three minutes) will be imposed by the Governing Body Chair on public testimony in order to afford all members of the public who wish to comment an opportunity to do so within the timeframe available to the Governing Body. No Governing Body action may be taken on items raised in public comment unless those items are already on the posted agenda.

Members of the Governing Body may participate in the meeting via telephone conference call. Members of the public are invited to attend. All reasonable efforts will be made for members of the public who are disabled and require special accommodations or assistance at the meeting.

The governing body has completed review of the Nevada Rise Academy Emergency Operations Plan.

Hanzel Alfaro

I am an educator creating systems and structures which position teachers to more effectively and sustainably provide high quality instruction to students. Throughout my life and more than ten years teaching in the Clark County School District of Las Vegas, I have found joy in tinkering with bigger problems and breaking them apart into steps so I can make continuous progress and persevere. Here is what energizes me professionally, building community and culture and accelerating the growth of high quality education opportunities for all students. Beyond my experience as an educator, I have simultaneously pursued graduate degrees and systems-level fellowship like The National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators. Throughout my career, my aspirations have led me to pursue opportunities that have allowed me to level up and be present in order to contribute everyday to create a powerful educational experience that affects a student's lifelong learning and foster an environment of care, respect, and empowerment to promote individual authenticity. I am excited and ready to implement and scale strategies that affect teaching and learning to extend my impact beyond the classroom.

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Dan Bernbach

Daniel Bernbach comes to the board with a diverse background including experience in business, education, and entertainment. He is currently Vice President of Entertainment for MGM Resorts International, previously the Executive Director and General Manager of the Park Theater at Monte Carlo. He has always been passionate about education, beginning his education career as a Teach for America corps member with the Clark County School District. His diverse range of skills has allowed him to also serve as a cruise director, conduct professional orchestras, and work with other boards. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University, Master of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. dbernbach@nevadarise.org

Brian Catlett

Brian is an accomplished marketing professional with a dynamic twenty-year career leading successful and highly-scrutinized programs and strategies. He has a proven track record for innovative ideas that move the firm forward and create efficiencies. Diligent, meticulous, and consistently able to find the right opportunities to advance and promote team members.

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Nicole Calix Coy

Nicole Calix Coy has a wealth of experiences in various capacities. Currently, Nicole is the Sr. Human Resources Generalist at Geotab. She has recently worked as Director of Human Resources for the Ark Las Vegas Restaurant Corporation, in the nonprofit sector at The ShadeTee, and the government sector with the Housing Authority for the City of North Las Vegas. In her roles, she has gained broad experience and collaboration with senior management staff in strategic planning and budget organization. Nicole is also a proud parent of students spanning the kindergarten through college spectrum. A lifelong learner herself, Nicole has earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Rockford College, a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from the University of Phoenix, and currently working on a Juris Doctorate. ncalixcoy@nevadarise.org

Mark Czerniak

Chief Financial Officer at Bellagio Las Vegas, Park MGM Las Vegas, and NoMad Las Vegas.

Katherine Freund

Katherine is the director of development for the UNLV Graduate College. She works to develop impactful partnerships to support the success of UNLV’s 5,000+ graduate and professional students across 175 programs. Katherine holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a B.A. in Art History, and an M.A. in History and Museum Studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

JC Rosero

JC Rosero is a long-time IT professional with a passion for bringing educational opportunities to the scholars of Southern Nevada. As a K-12 student in the New York City public school system, Clark County School District (CCSD), and the Nevada State High School (NSHS) charter school, JC appreciates the importance of quality educational opportunities for every student. Over the years, he's supported the missions of CCSD, NSHS, Nevada State College, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas through his expertise in technology. In 2019, he established the Nevada State High School (NSHS) Alumni Scholarship Fund in partnership with The Public Education Foundation helping provide financial assistance for graduates of the NSHS Class of 2021 and beyond. He joined Nevada Rise in 2020 after a friend with a child in our school recruited him to participate in our Nevada Reading Week event. JC takes pride in serving as an active board member and supporting the school's events. He encourages Nevada Rise teachers, staff, and parents to reach out to him with any questions or concerns at the email address listed below. jcrosero@nevadarise.org

Dr. Shanate Porter

Dr. Shanate Porter, a proud Atlanta native, is a strong advocate for transformational and equitable practices in public education and author of Engagement Language in Students. Currently serving as a Professional School Counselor in the Clark County School District, she has presented at numerous professional development conferences and holds the position of Chief of Student Success for the Southern Nevada Black Educators Initiative (SNBEI). Dr. Porter firmly believes that fostering relationships within the school environment is essential for creating safe, equitable spaces that promote academic achievement. Her expertise in project-based, experiential, and holistic learning reinforces her conviction that relationship-building is a key component of effective leadership.

Marla Stafford

Professor of Marketing; Marketing Thought Leader; Faculty Scholar, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Director of Research, Cannabis Policy Institute; Keynote Speaker; Leadership Las Vegas Class of 23; Writer/Editor

Evan Vasquez

VP, Branch Manager II at City National Bank

Parent of Nevada Rise Academy Student

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JT Washington

Steven “JT” Washington brings a passion to impact his community as a proud native of the area. JT is currently an Attorney with Littler after working as an Associate Attorney for Murchison & Cumming, LLP. He previously served as a law clerk for the Eighth Judicial District Court. JT has worked as a student attorney for Juvenile Justice. He has also worked within the office of a United States Senator, the Las Vegas Clark County Library District, and has experience working with youth, volunteering his time and energy as an Englestad Scholar at Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. He is a recipient of many honors, including the Western Region National Black Law Students Association “Brother in Service Award.” JT holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. jtwashington@nevadarise.org