About Us
OUR GOAL / OUR MISSION
The mission of the Dallas Education Foundation is to inspire community investment to accelerate student success. Our vision is a galvanized community whose resources support the transformative work that makes Dallas ISD the preferred choice for families across North Texas.
We believe Dallas ISD will be the primary economic mobility engine for our city and county in 10 years-time. We ask you to join us as we invest in our students, teachers, and schools to create greater opportunities for every child in Dallas ISD.
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VICTOR VITAL, PRESIDENT
PARTNER AND GLOBAL TRIALS CHAIR
Haynes and Boone, LLP
JEFF KITNER
PRESIDENT & CEO
North Dallas Chamber of Commerce
MANOJ KUTTY, TREASURER
FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Greenlight Credentials
BRIDGET MORENO LOPEZ
MANAGING PARTNER
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
DREXELL OWUSU, SECRETARY
CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER
Perot Museum of Science and Nature
LEONOR MARQUEZ
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic Network
STEPHANIE ELIZALDE, Ed.D.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dallas Independent School District
LYNN MCBEE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Young Women’s Prep Network
CHRIS BHATTI
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
University of Texas, Dallas
REGINA MONTOYA
CHAIRPERSON
Regina T. Montoya, PLLC
WENDE BURTON
NONPROFIT CONSULTANT
ERIC REEVES
MANAGING DIRECTOR
High STEPS
ROHIT DAND
PRESIDENT
Cimarron Hospitality & Arsh Hotels, Navika Capital Group
JENNIFER SCRIPPS
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Downtown Dallas, Inc.
THERESA FLORES
DIRECTOR
Government Affairs Professionals of Texas
ANDY SMITH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Texas Instruments Foundation
JIM GOLD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Moda Operandi
JARRAD TOUSSANT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE
Dallas Regional Chamber
SUSAN HARRIS
MANAGER, PUBLIC RELATIONS
Atmos Energy
ROBERT ESTRADA, DIRECTOR EMERITUS
(RETIRED) SR. MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Estrada Hinojosa & Co.
JAMES KEYES
CHAIRMAN
Wild Oats Marketing LLC
JOHN SCOVELL, DIRECTOR EMERITUS
FOUNDER AND (RETIRED) CHAIRPERSON
Woodbine Development
Mita Havlick
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As Executive Director of the Dallas Education Foundation, Mita is a long-serving public education advocate, Dallas ISD parent, and member of Dallas ISD team. She leads the Foundation’s efforts to inspire investment in Dallas ISD students and educators, advancing initiatives in early learning, literacy, college and career readiness, student wellness, and educator support. Drawing on her experience across the corporate, philanthropic, and education sectors, Mita is committed to building partnerships that expand opportunity and ensure Dallas ISD students have the resources, experiences, and choices to shape their own futures.
(972) 925-3053
mhavlick@dallasisd.org
Kristi Bernstein
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Kristi Bernstein serves as Director of Development for the Dallas Education Foundation, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit, fundraising, and philanthropic experience. Kristi’s experience as both a development professional and foundation leader gives her a unique perspective on philanthropy and a deep understanding of donor engagement and the North Texas philanthropic landscape. Throughout her career, Kristi has held leadership roles with organizations including the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, and the Hersh and Koz Foundations. Originally from Virginia and a longtime East Dallas resident, Kristi is the proud parent of three Dallas ISD students and is passionate about creating opportunities for all Dallas ISD students to thrive.
(972) 925-3161
kristi.bernstein@dallasisd.org
Emily Davis Solorzano
PROGRAMS MANAGER
Emily Solorzano serves as the Programs Manager for the Dallas Education Foundation. In this role, she oversees grantmaking and districtwide programs that expand opportunities for Dallas ISD students and educators. Before joining the Foundation, Emily served as the Coordinator for Teacher Retention in Dallas ISD’s Human Capital Management department, where she focused on supporting and celebrating educators. Prior to moving to Dallas in 2022, she spent nine years teaching English and dance in Austin ISD and directing the varsity and junior varsity drill teams. She lives in Oak Cliff with her husband, Nic, and their miniature dachshund, Daisy.
(972) 925-4083
EmSolorzano@dallasisd.org
Kim CLARK
OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
Kim Clark serves as Operations Specialist for the Dallas Education Foundation, bringing an eclectic mix of experience in development, donor research, marketing, community engagement and operations. Her career has crossed both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, most recently at the Dallas Zoo, where she led prospect research and provided strategic insight across individual, corporate and foundation giving. A native Oregonian and longtime Dallas resident, Kim believes there are few investments with a greater return than an investment in a child.
(972) 925-3225
KimClark@dallasisd.org