Celebrating 33 women and non-binary people in education
On International Women's Day, I'm highlighting some of the extraordinary peopleI've hosted on my podcast, shaping the future of education, and giving you an opportunity to invest in their work.
Today is International Women’s Day, one of my favorite days of the year, not only for what it represents, but also because it happens to be my birthday.
Over the past decade, I’ve noticed a profound shift in women’s entrepreneurship. Instead of competing for a limited number of opportunities, women are increasingly supporting and uplifting one another. We’ve realized that collective success is infinitely more powerful than individual wins.
To celebrate, I want to highlight extraordinary women in education, leaders I’ve had the privilege of interviewing on my podcast. Their work has ripple effects that shape our world in ways we don’t always see.
Not everyone I’m featuring here identifies as a woman. Some use they/them pronouns. I’m including them because of the challenges they've overcome and because their work advances equity, agency, and transformative change in education, making learning more inclusive and empowering for all.
I also want to talk about investing in women, why it’s one of the smartest investments you can make, and how you can take action today.
Investing in Women: A Direct Ask
One of the most valuable skills I’ve learned in the last ten years is making a clear, direct ask. Women are often socially conditioned to be polite and indirect, making it uncomfortable to say exactly what we want. But the payoff of unlearning this has been huge.
So, here’s my ask:
Invest in Modulo.
On International Women’s Day. On my birthday.
Not because you want to “support female founders.” Not because you want to look good on social media. But because you believe in high returns and know that women-led companies perform well.
Modulo is a female-founded, woman-powered company (with one great guy—shoutout to Jason!) that is making a real impact and poised for serious growth.
Why Investing in Women Is Smart Business
Talking about investing in women is always a delicate balance. How do I convey the urgency of this issue without sounding like a victim? How do I talk about gender bias without sounding “too soft” or “too much”? These are the calculations women make every single day.
If you’re a progressive man, willing to examine your own potential biases, keep reading.
There’s no shortage of men who proudly support female founders, offer advice, and share encouragement on social media. But far fewer actually invest in female-founded startups.
Here’s the reality:
Women start 38% of companies but receive only 2% of venture capital funding. (Harvard Business Review)
A Harvard study found that investors ask men “promotion” questions like “How big can this get?” while women are asked “prevention” questions like “How do you mitigate risk?”
“Across 180 entrepreneurs and 140 VCs at the TechCrunch competition, men were consistently asked more ‘promotion’ questions (highlighting upside and potential gains), while women were asked more ‘preventive’ questions (highlighting potential losses and risk mitigation). Entrepreneurs who addressed promotion questions raised at least six times more money than those asked the prevention questions.” How the VC Pitch Process Is Failing Female Entrepreneurs (Harvard Business Review)
Women-led companies aren’t struggling because they aren’t good investments. They struggle because investors are stuck in outdated biases, whether they realize it or not.
The Bias Women Founders Face Every Day
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, “You’re too early.” Our company is self-funded, generates weekly recurring revenue, and is growing 25% MoM in revenue and 100% MoM in active users.
The same investors that tell us "you’re too early” regularly invest in male founders who just have an idea, no product, no revenue. You might argue that they’re more qualified than me, but the majority are recent college grads. My team has 20 years of experience in tech, and 40 in education. My head of partnerships has helped start dozens of successful charter schools. I’ve interviewed some of the most influential people in tech and many take classes with Modulo. I can’t prove it’s bias, but it is definitely gives me pause for thought, when people say “you’re too early.”
Recently, I pitched an investor who grilled me for 20 minutes straight, barely letting me speak or ask a single question. Then he abruptly told me Modulo was “too early, ” even though I know his firm invested $1 million in a male-founded startup pre-revenue with nearly identical dynamics just months before.
The only reason I’ve been able to raise over $1.5 million across my startups and non-profits is because I proactively counter gender bias in every conversation. I’ve learned to lead with risk mitigation before investors ask. I’ve learned to redirect every “preventive” question back to market size.
But here’s the truth: This takes emotional strength and constant energy. And for every woman who fights through it, there are countless others with incredible ideas who get exhausted and give up.
Not because they aren’t capable. Not because their companies wouldn’t succeed. But because the system is designed to make it harder for them.
Some people still believe men are naturally better entrepreneurs.
Scott Galloway, an NYU professor and investor, recently made this claim:
“I think men are more risk aggressive and prone to entrepreneurship than women typically and women sometimes feel a greater calling towards family and child birth which is not sometimes compatible with startups. Startups don’t work unless you’re 110% in and it’s very hard to manage a family and be a founder…some women do. I’ve seen it and it blows my mind.” What’s Going on with Men and Mating These Days?
The research shows otherwise.
Despite the hidden bias towards men, research suggests that women make extraordinary entrepreneurs. They’re tenacious, accountable, capable of incredible executive functioning skills and balancing multiple priorities, and deeply passionate about their mission.
“Research Shows Women Are Better Leaders During a Crisis”, from the Harvard Business Review explores qualities like adaptability, empathy, and resilience, which are essential in both business leadership and founding new ventures, qualities that often give women an edge, especially in challenging environments.
In a research summary in Forbes entitled “10 Stats That Build The Case For Investing In Women-Led Startups,” Allyson Kapin cites several peer-reviewed research studies emphasizing women’s competitive advantages in business.
Kapin cites research from the U.S. Census Bureau, Dow Jones, and Harvard Business Review, along with data from 10 independent studies, showing that:
Women-founded startups generate higher revenue per dollar invested, with 35% higher ROI and 12% more revenue when venture-backed. Despite the funding gap, they outperform over time, producing 10% more cumulative revenue in five years. Furthermore, companies with strong women leadership see higher equity returns (10.1% vs. 7.4%) and greater innovation, earning 19% more revenue from new products.
This pattern holds across multiple studies, reinforcing the fact that women-led startups consistently outperform their male-led counterparts. From higher revenue efficiency to greater long-term returns, the data shows that investing in women isn’t just about equity—it’s a proven strategy for maximizing business success.
First Round Capital ran a longitudinal case study, showing “companies with a female founder performed 63% better than our investments with all-male founding teams.”
Higher Revenue and ROI: Studies have shown that women-led startups often achieve higher returns on investment. For instance, private technology companies led by women achieve a 35% higher ROI compared to those led by men.
Revenue Efficiency: Research by BCG and MassChallenge indicates that for every dollar of funding, female-founded startups generate 78 cents of revenue, compared to 31 cents for male-founded startups. This suggests that women-led startups are more capital-efficient.
Cumulative Revenue: A study by a Boston consulting group demonstrated that over a five-year period, startups founded or co-founded by women generate 10% more cumulative revenue than those founded by men.
The evidence is clear. Businesses benefit when women lead.
The myth of no “girl unicorns.”
In the interview, Galloway argues that female founders struggle to raise funding because there haven’t been any major female-led success stories. He then makes several factually incorrect claims about the most successful female-founded unicorns.
“All the unicorns have been run by white heterosexual dudes…the biggest win so far when I think about the iconic female in tech it’s Sheryl Sandberg, but she was still the number two. I mean there’s some people, Rent the Runway, Away Luggage, there’s some female founders, Sarah Blakely, but what we need is some big wins.”
Notably, the companies Galloway mentioned (Rent the Runway, Away Luggage and Spanx) are fashion and retail companies, with significantly lower valuations compared to the most successful female-founded unicorns like Didi Chuxing, Nubank, and Canva, which he failed to mention. This is a prime example of hidden bias, a male investor presenting himself as progressive, conveniently failing to mention the top three female-founded companies with 40 times the valuation as the fashion and retail companies he cited.
Here’s how these female-founded unicorns he overlooked compare to the companies he mentioned.
So don’t invest in us because you feel sorry for us - or because you want to show what a great feminist you are. Invest in women because women yield high returns.
The women I’m celebrating and how to invest in them.
Celebrate these women by investing in their companies or donating to their non-profits. Choose one, or give to all! Even $20-100 will make us smile. And if you can’t give that, consider giving an hour of your time.
33 extraordinary women shaping our world
Founders
Mickey Revenaugh - Co-founder of Connections Academy, she helped pioneer virtual public schooling, expanding access to high-quality online education for K-12 students. Beyond Connections Academy, she has played a significant role in education technology and policy, advocating for personalized learning and digital innovation in schools.
Debbie Reber – A tireless advocate for neurodivergent kids, Reber amplifies voices through Tilt Parenting, providing resources and support for parents raising differently wired children.
Heather Corinna – A fearless leader in sex education, they founded Scarleteen, an inclusive and groundbreaking online resource that has empowered teens with honest, shame-free information for decades.
Kristina Garner – Founder of Blossom & Root, a nature-based, arts-rich homeschool curriculum that fosters creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning. She also created River of Voices, one of the few anti-racist U.S. history programs, designed to provide a more inclusive and accurate perspective on American history for homeschool families.
Rachel Tidd – Inspired by her son’s learning needs, she developed a nature-based curriculum for dyslexic and ADHD learners, now used by thousands to make learning more engaging and inclusive.
Sari Gonzales & Becka Koritz – Co-founders of Radical Learning, they challenge conventional education by promoting self-directed learning, consent-based parenting, and community-driven education reform.
Blair Lee – A champion of secular homeschooling, Lee founded Secular, Eclectic, Academic Homeschoolers, a 100,000-member community supporting diverse, evidence-based education outside traditional religious frameworks.
Julie Bogart – A transformative voice in education, Bogart created Brave Writer and authored The Brave Learner, helping thousands of families cultivate a joyful, writing-rich homeschool experience.
Alycia Wright, M.Ed., is the visionary founder of Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative, a non-profit founded in 2016 in Richmond, VA. Driven by the absence of educational spaces celebrating African culture, Alycia, a former educator and homeschool parent, established Cultural Roots to provide an enriched learning environment for children of color. The organization emphasizes cultural and historical awareness, nurturing self-love, and community empowerment.
Rachel Thomas, PhD – A trailblazer in AI and ethics, she co-founded fast.ai, home to the world’s largest free machine learning course, making AI education accessible to thousands globally. Named one of Forbes’ Top 20 Women in AI, she is also a leading voice on algorithmic bias, responsible AI, and inclusive technology, influencing policy and industry standards in ethical AI development.
Shiren Rattigan – A visionary education leader and my dear friend, she founded Colossal Academy, a micro-school championing equitable, learner-centered education.
Iman Alleyne – A passionate early childhood educator, she founded Kind Academy, a progressive micro-school that blends play-based learning, self-directed education, and a strong focus on equity and inclusion
My Mom – The hardest-working person I know, she raised me as a single mom with five jobs, became a nationally recognized pre-med advisor, and authored a must-read book for parents of aspiring doctors.
Ellen Crain – A leader in assessment innovation, Crain founded Homeschool Boss, making MAP Growth testing accessible to homeschoolers nationwide.
Laurie Spigel – A pioneering force in New York City’s homeschooling movement, Spigel has mentored and supported countless families through writing, teaching, and advocacy.
Julian Keniry – The Founder and Principal of Education for Sustainable Development International (ESDI), Keniry leads initiatives like the Green Teach for Opportunity (GTO) Project, empowering educators and students to drive sustainability and meet the rising demand for diverse green talent.
Investors
Jomayra Herrera – A partner at Reach Capital, Herrera champions education innovation and social impact funding, funding visionary entrepreneurs who are transforming learning.
Meredith Olson – As CEO of Vela Education Fund, Olson has distributed millions in hands-off funding to thousands of grassroots, out-of-system education entrepreneurs.
Senior Executives
Samantha Snowden – A mindfulness pioneer, she developed meditation programs for kids at Headspace, helping children build emotional resilience.
Lesley Grossblatt – A senior product executive and innovation leader, she has shaped education, media, and technology at organizations like KQED, ensuring greater access to quality educational content. Throughout her career, she has focused on leveraging technology for learning and social impact, driving initiatives that enhance public media and education.
Kathleen Cotter – A leader in math education, she serves as VP of RightStart Math, helping children develop a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematics.
Policy Makers
Audrey Tang – A visionary technologist, civic hacker, and Taiwan’s first transgender minister, Audrey served as Taiwan’s Digital Minister, where she pioneered radical transparency, open government, and digital democracy. As co-founder of the Plurality Movement, she champions collaborative governance, AI ethics, and decentralized innovation, proving how technology can empower citizens and strengthen democracy worldwide.
Scholars and Writers
Rebecca Winthrop, PhD – A global expert on education equity, Rebecca Winthrop, PhD is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, where she leads groundbreaking research on investing in girls’ education and innovative learning models. She has advised governments and global institutions on tackling education inequality, family engagement, and future-ready skills. Her upcoming book, The Disengaged Teen (2025), explores solutions to re-engage young learners. Previously, she led education efforts for the International Rescue Committee, pioneering global standards for education in crises
Megan Kang – A researcher whose groundbreaking work, featured in the New York Times, links gun policies to reduced school gun violence, shaping evidence-based policy.
Britt Hamre – A professor at Columbia University, Hamre is a leading expert on inclusive classrooms and teacher training, working to ensure that educators are equipped to support diverse learners. A dedicated advocate for equitable education, she also homeschools her own children, bridging research and practice in innovative learning environments.
Cheryl Fields-Smith – A leading researcher on Black homeschooling, she has documented and elevated the growing movement of African American families reclaiming education.
Kerry McDonald - A scholar of unschooling and alternative education, she runs LiberatED, a podcast showcasing hundreds of out-of-system education entrepreneurs rethinking learning.
Deb Vilas - A leading expert in child development, she directs Child Life at Bank Street, shaping progressive education and emotional learning
Anya Kamenetz – An award-winning education journalist, author, and speaker, Kamenetz has shaped national conversations on learning, technology, and equity. A former lead education reporter for NPR, she has written several influential books, including The Stolen Year, exploring how the pandemic disrupted children’s education. Through her work, she challenges traditional schooling models and advocates for more inclusive, student-centered learning.
Elizabeth Bagley, PhD – Managing Director at Project Drawdown, is an interdisciplinary environmental scientist and learning expert guiding global sustainability strategies and climate education initiatives. A systems-change expert, she leads education initiativees at Project Drawdown and secured millions in climate funding to her town in rural Alaska.
Experts on Cognitive Diversity
Jade Rivera – A national expert on cognitive diversity, Rivera designed strength-based learning environments and founded one of the country’s first microschools for gifted learners.
Megan Cannella – A passionate advocate for gifted education equity, Cannella works with the Davidson Institute, ensuring that advanced learners from all backgrounds have access to opportunities.
Don’t Invest in Women out of Pity. Invest for High Returns.
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this:
Investing in women isn’t about pity. It’s about ROI.
Women-led companies consistently outperform, yet they continue to be underfunded. The data is clear. The opportunity is there. The only thing stopping more investors from betting on women is bias.
So don’t just talk about supporting women founders. Put money behind them.
Modulo is building something big. And we’re going to win.
If you invested in one of these women, please share it in the comments and we’ll celebrate you!