In 2011, Megan learned that for millions of children around the world the lack of a school uniform was a barrier to receiving an education. The idea that a simple uniform, similar to the one she wore for twelve years, could be the difference between a child continuing a life of poverty or a life full of possibility was simply heartbreaking. She was instantly moved to ensure that every child receives a uniform and has the chance to be educated, regardless of where they were born or their family’s income level. It was then that Megan and Jess founded Tailored for Education and made it their mission to end education inequality by providing locally made school uniforms.

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In 2011, Jessica learned that over a quarter of a billion children globally were not in school and that the cost of a school uniform was one of the prohibiting factors. She wore a uniform in high school without knowing that for millions, it was mandatory and was both shocked and humbled by this discovery. At the time she also had a nine-month-old son who couldn’t walk or talk, but she knew about the half dozen schools within a two-mile radius of their house that he could and would ultimately attend, without question. It wasn’t fair that an infant across the world would be denied the same human right of education, simply because of where they were born or because of their parents’ economic status. Inspired by the low-dollar, high impact nature of uniform provision, Jess and Megan made it their mission to end education inequality by providing locally made school uniforms.

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Gloria is passionate about impacting people in marginalized communities. For the last twelve years, her work has focused on education development where she has been involved in building programs, advancing communications, and connecting people to resources. Gloria is invested in enhancing equity, sustainability and increasing opportunities for people to thrive. She enjoys interacting with people in the community, hearing their stories, and learning how best to leverage the resources available to make a difference. Her work has had a transformative influence on communities in Kenya and beyond. She previously led Tailored for Education projects in Kenya in her former role at Dignitas Project and now oversees all Kenyan projects for TFE. She has an MSc in Africa and International Development from The University of Edinburgh and a B.A. in Public Relations and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi.

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David has been serving as Tailored for Education’s CFO and Treasurer since the organization’s founding in 2011. With a passion for finance, he spends his time behind the scenes making sure our financial position is strong and tax filings are complete. David is also a Partner at KPMG LLP in their Economic and Valuation Services practice. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife Jessica and their four children.

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Claire has been managing social media for Tailored for Education since 2013, and loves to share our stories with the online community. She also manages social media full-time for an aerospace and defense company. Claire lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter and dog.

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Mike Melley spent over 25 years in equity trading at Prudential Securities, Morgan Stanley, and CLSA in their New York and Boston offices. In 2018, Mike left Wall Street and now serves as the Director of Leadership Gifts and Alumni Programs at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, MA. Mike earned a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia and is a member of the Boston selection committee for the Jefferson Scholars Program. Mike and his wife, Kelly, have raised their four children in Medfield, MA.

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Shelagh is a Director of Development for Catholic Relief Services, an international development and emergency response organization that works in over 100 countries. She has been with CRS since the spring of 2010. Before joining CRS, she was campaign director at Suffolk University and a senior development officer for Suffolk University Law School. Her career in development began at Holy Cross, where she worked in alumni relations. Shelagh served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps just after college. She has a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and earned her M.B.A. from Suffolk University. Shelagh is on the Board of Directors for Notre Dame Academy and serves as a class chair for Holy Cross. She lives in Milton, with her husband and three children.

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David is a civil litigation attorney. He was elected President of the Pilgrim Bar Advocates in 1998 fighting to protect the rights of low-income people. In 2008, he was elected President of the Plymouth County Bar Association and served as one of the longest standing Presidents. He also served on the governing Board of the Brockton Boys and Girls Club which welcomes 300 children per day, providing tutoring, wellness programs and healthy meals. David is very active in the Massachusetts Judicial selection process. In 2009, he was appointed to the Massachusetts Bar Association Joint Bar Committee (JBC) which helps select state Judges. He held that position until 2012 when he was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to the State Judicial Nominating Committee (JNC). David is a Democratic candidate for the 2^nd District for the Massachusetts Governor’s Council for 2024.

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Kristen is involved with Komera—a Rwanda-based organization working to develop self-confident young women through education, community development, and health. As a member of the Board for the past 15 years, and as a Co-Chair for the past two years, Kristen proudly serves these young women and notes, “we believe they have the right to lead change in their community, to experience the joy of self-discovery, and to realize their potential.”

Having spent nearly 25 years in the healthcare marketing space—most recently as President of CDM, a healthcare marketing firm in New York City—Kristen aspires to be a heart-forward executive who leverages her for-profit leadership skills to drive advancement in the non-profit sector. Kristen remains personally and professionally committed to organizations that sustain the promise of improved health and wellness for individuals, families, and the larger community.

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Mike has worked in the financial markets for over 47 years and currently is a Director of a family office in Boston. He is Trustee of a foundation and has been an active supporter of Tailored for Education since inception. Mike is also active in his community and chairs an Economic Development Committee in his town. He has visited El Salvador with Tailored for Education in what was a truly life changing experience. He is honored to have been asked to serve as an Advisor.

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Jeannie is a certified professional co-active coach (CPCC), but truth be told she is so much more than a “coach.” Jeannie earns unflinching trust and confidence in challenging her clients. She understands that her client’s business and personal life are inseparable and the two need to be skillfully calibrated. Ultimately, Jeanne is a partner, a compagna. 

Jeannie’s own two-decade corporate career was well-established when she chose to leap from the corporate ladder and switch sides of the table. She has been representing high-level individuals and brands for 25 years, in a diverse range of business sectors, global regions, and political spheres. 

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Flying Kites
Njabini, Kenya

Fundacion Esteban
San Salvador, El Salvador

Riley Orton Foundation
Kisumu, Kenya

Daraja
Nanyuki, Kenya

Dignitas
Nairobi, Kenya 

Komera
Rwinkwavu, Rwanda

EDEM Foundation
Ile-a-Vache, Haiti