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"The bigger the dream, the more important the team."
- Robin Sharma

Seeking Advisory Panel Members 

The GO BIG Advisory Panel will concentrate on academic affairs, school policies, and community involvement, in addition to offering support for any other requirements of the GO BIG Leadership Team.

The panel aims to contribute up-to-date knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical insights to enhance confidence at the highest levels of decision-making within GO BIG.

The GO BIG team is seeking advisory panel members, if you are interested please click here for more information about the application. 

Advisory Panel

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  • LinkedIn

Jill Thompson, Chair

Managing Director of K-12 Consulting Services,

Education Elements

Jill Thompson is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in directing strategic initiatives, professional learning, and operational excellence across the education sector. Currently serving as Managing Director of Consulting Services at Education Elements, Jill leads a high-performing team to deliver impactful solutions for schools and districts, ensuring client satisfaction and fostering system-wide improvements. A published author, national presenter, and ASCD Emerging Leader, she has a proven track record of supporting district-wide initiatives to developing leaders. Jill is passionate about driving meaningful change, mentoring talent, and reimagining education. When Jill isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants and reading.

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  • LinkedIn

Valda Valbrun

Founder & CEO,

The Valbrun Consulting Group

Valda Valbrun is a transformative leader with over 30 years of experience driving systemic change and fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion through research-based and data-driven practices. She collaborates with school districts, nonprofits, and organizations to elevate leadership and deliver impactful executive coaching. A certified administrator of The Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) and facilitator in leadership for social change, Valda navigates complex cultural dynamics to create equitable environments. Her leadership journey includes roles such as director of professional learning at ASCD and executive director of organizational development for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC). Now based in Charlotte, she continues to champion initiatives that close opportunity gaps, inspire excellence, and promote belonging, solidifying her reputation as a catalyst for lasting change in education and organizational development.

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  • LinkedIn

Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed. D.

Founder & CEO,

thedot. Consulting & The Dottie Rose Foundation

Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed.D is the founder and CEO of the dot Consulting and the non-profit Dottie Rose Foundation, where she leads and implements technology education and innovation. Dr. Jones has served as a computer science expert for the past 23 years, bridging the gap between everyday actions and the application of technology. She serves as a member of the National Small Business Leadership Council, where she represents North Carolina and a co-founder of Carolina Women in Tech. She was also named one of the 100 Women to KNOW in 2023 by JP Morgan for her work and impact with creating a pipeline for women in tech and one of the Power 100 for the Charlotte Community. When not running the technology-world, Dr. Jones spends her time with her husband Ricky, and two sons.

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  • LinkedIn

Kathryn Taylor

Program Coordinator,

American Association of University Professors

Kate Taylor is an accomplished educator and program leader with over 20 years of experience fostering academic excellence, ethical education, and global engagement. She is the Program Coordinator for the Mellon Foundation-funded Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom and Administrative Coordinator for the Executive Director at the American Association of University Professors. Previously, she led programs at Global Citizens Initiative and Westover School, where she directed initiatives in Service Learning, Environmental Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, and Global Programs. A recipient of the Margaret Love Stevens ’49 Award for Moral and Ethical Education, Kate has also taught ethics and human rights and developed experiential learning programs worldwide. Her academic achievements include a BA from Vassar College, a graduate certificate from Florida International University, and an MA with a Gold Medal of Excellence from Sacred Heart University. Kate’s career reflects her dedication to education, equity, and global understanding.

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