Gini Pupo-Walker is a native Nashvillian, former educator, and education champion of over 25 years. Serving as the Director of National Education Strategy for the Raikes Foundation, she leads the development and implementation of their grantmaking strategy for their K-12 and higher education portfolios. Her legacy resonates as Founder and former Executive Director of EdTrust - Tennessee, and as a current board member of Aventura Community School, the Memorial Foundation, TIRRC Votes, and Brown’s Promise. In 2018, Gini was elected to the Metro Nashville Public School Board, making her the first Latino/a to be elected to such a position in Tennessee. Gini was honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the 2020 Public Schools Hall of Fame.

Hal Cato came to Nashville as a college student and has since made an indelible mark in the non-profit sector. He leads the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee as CEO, ensuring its place as a catalyst for philanthropic activity and civic connection. His visionary mindset, organizational leadership, and commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups are demonstrated through his history as CEO of Thistle Farms and Oasis Center, and as an integral contributor of Bright Horizons Childcare. Hal has received numerous recognitions, including “Most Admired CEO” for nonprofit organizations by the Nashville Business Journal, and “Nashvillian of the Year” by The Nashville Scene. Hal received the Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award at the 2023 Public Schools Hall of Fame.