Amplifying Access Featured Speakers

September 21–22, 2026

Moderator

John Burkhardt

Clinical Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of Michigan Marsal School of Education

Dr. John C. Burkhardt is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of Michigan and the founding director of the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good. A former program director for leadership and higher education at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, his research and leadership work focus on institutional leadership development, policy analytic skills, and equity in higher education.

Panelists

Caroline Altman-Smith

Deputy Vice President of Programs for Education; Board member of National College Attainment Network, National Council of Nonprofits, Howard University School of Social Work, and Center for Effective Philanthropy

Caroline Altman Smith is Deputy Director of The Kresge Foundation's Education Program. She supports domestic grantmaking that funds higher education institutions and national non-profits focused on helping low-income and underserved students succeed in postsecondary education. She holds a Master's degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and serves on multiple boards, including the National College Attainment Network and the Center for Effective Philanthropy.

Neel Hajra

Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Neel Hajra is the Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Prior to joining the Health Fund in 2021, he served as President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) and CEO of Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW). He earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and began his career as a corporate attorney at Ford Motor Company. He has taught at UM's Ford School of Public Policy and served on boards including the Council of Michigan Foundations and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.

Luis Maldonado

Vice President of Government Relations and Policy Analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

Luis Maldonado serves as Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Bringing over 25 years of experience in higher education policy and government advocacy, he oversees federal policy initiatives and acts as a primary liaison to federal officials on behalf of state colleges and universities.

Caitlin McEvilly Rosenbach

Director of the Healthy Kids Initiative at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Caitlin McEvilly Rosenbach is the Director of Healthy Kids at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, where she leads grantmaking and programmatic strategies focused on improving child health, nutrition, and overall well-being across Michigan.

Elizabeth Birr Moje

Dean of the Marsal Family School of Education at the University of Michigan and Trustee at the W.T. Grant Foundation

Dr. Elizabeth Birr Moje is Dean and George Herbert Mead Collegiate Professor of Education at the University of Michigan's Marsal Family School of Education. Her research examines young people's literacy learning, identity, and cultural background in community and school settings. She also serves as a Trustee for the W.T. Grant Foundation and holds appointments across UM's Institute for Social Research and Department of American Culture.

Michael Shaw

Senior Program Manager at the Hudson-Webber Foundation

Michael Shaw is Vice President of Programs for the Hudson-Webber Foundation, directing grantmaking activities and place-based partnerships in Detroit. He previously served as Program Officer for Human Services at the Kresge Foundation and Director of Philanthropic Development & Innovation at the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University.