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Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., Senior Vice President for Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives

Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., is the Senior Vice President for Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives and the Acting Dean for the College of Education at Kean University. She is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of professional service in the public-school sector, addressing the diverse needs of students and communities. Gray’s leadership and influence have grown throughout her career, with a focus on fostering inclusive learning experiences that support the success of all children.

Gray began her career as a sixth and seventh-grade math teacher in the East Orange School District. She is recognized for her work in improving literacy outcomes for students across various backgrounds. 

In her previous role, she led a Pre-K to 12th-grade district literacy initiative that also included adult literacy for parents.

Gray, also an established public speaker, has presented on her work both nationally and internationally. She presented on The Moral Imperative: The Need for Interventions in Washington, DC, for the Alliance for Excellent Education, highlighting the impact of innovative programs on student engagement and achievement.

A Brooklyn native, Gray has encountered experiences which shaped her commitment to creating opportunities that embrace inclusiveness. In addition to her cabinet-level position at Kean University, she is actively involved in numerous volunteer roles. She is the past president of the Board of Trustees for the Monmouth Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC), Chartering President for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Central New Jersey Chapter and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Gray is the proud wife of well-renowned gospel organist/keyboardist Floyd Gray Jr. and the mother of two children, Christopher and Sierra Gray. 

Jason Lester, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of Kean Scholar Academy

Jason Lester is Special Assistant to the President and the Executive Director of the Kean Scholar Academy. Mr. Lester has held a variety of different positions within the Pre-K to 12 public school education domain. During his journey, he was a middle school teacher at Maxson Middle School for the Plainfield Public Schools District. Mr. Lester pursued his Master’s degree from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania where he received his M.S. in Educational Administration.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Lester joined the administrative team at Abraham Clark High School in the Roselle Public School District as a Vice Principal and Supervisor of Special Education. As his journey continues, Mr. Lester found himself in North Brunswick Township High School as an Assistant Principal and Supervisor of the Business and Technology Department with a diverse population double the size of Abraham Clark High School. Over the next several years, he was able to hone his craft in creating an environment that invested in the growth and development of ALL students.

When opportunity knocked, Mr. Lester was poised to open the door and walk through. As the first African American to hold the title of Principal of Piscataway High School, he spent almost every waking moment strategizing on making PHS a GREAT EMPIRE with EXCELLENT academics being the foundation of their strength. During his tenure in Piscataway, the graduation rates were consistently in the mid-90 percentile, thus leading the CHIEFS into the top 15% in the nation and top 10% in New Jersey.

Mr. Lester grew up in Southern Jersey, is a graduate of Rutgers University with a B.S. in Administration of Justice in Central Jersey, and has lived in North Jersey for more than 30 years. He is currently pursuing his Educational Leadership doctorate at Rowan University. His work with students throughout New Jersey would not be possible without the support of his wife Dr. Wren M. Lester and his daughter Erin T. Lester.

Maryam Raja, Director, High School Partnerships

Maryam Raja currently serves as the Director of High School Partnerships in the Division of Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives (EEI). In her role, Maryam works with Kean programs and high school partners to build partnerships and along with her team provides academic and student support services to all high school seniors and juniors who are taking Kean college courses. Maryam brings over 12 years of professional experience of working in various fields in South Asia, the United Kingdom and North America. Prior to joining Kean, Maryam worked with nonprofits and grassroots organizations in Pakistan, Tanzania and Seattle WA, as an advocate, researcher, community mobilizer and volunteer coordinator.

Sonia Irizarry, Director of the Division of Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives and Director of Project Adelante

Sonia Irizarry is currently Director of the Division of Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives and Director of Project Adelante. Sonia is an educational professional, who has successfully created and managed educational opportunities for Latino students and their families. She has nearly twenty years of experience in education and has presented nationally and internationally, using her personal life experiences to inspire others. Her expertise includes providing training, assistance and opportunities to others by utilizing instructional leadership and program development through the use of partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions to promote access to quality educational opportunities for students in underserved communities.