MAYUKH DATTA

Operations and Logistics

Mayukh Datta is a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he works to advance electricity affordability and workforce development in underserved communities through policy research and technical assistance. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Mississippi State University and an M.S. in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from the University of Minnesota. As an undergraduate, he founded MSU’s chapter of the Climate Reality Project—now part of Students for a Sustainable Campus—which continues to advocate for equitable climate policy. Mayukh is passionate about energy and environmental justice and hopes to return to Mississippi to continue his advocacy in the communities that shaped him.

Fundraising and Development

Braeden Foldenauer is a Response to Intervention (RTI) Interventionist in Baltimore City Public Schools, where he supports early academic interventions and equitable school-based systems for at-risk learners. He previously taught middle school social studies for four years in both Baltimore, MD and Chelsea, MA. Braeden holds a B.A. in Government from Harvard College, an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a post-master’s certificate in School Administration & Supervision from Johns Hopkins University. As a first-generation college graduate, he is passionate about supporting historically underserved students and building school communities where all learners can thrive. 

Technology and Structure

Ryan Hopson is the Chief Operations Officer of a Pittsburgh-based technology startup and a proud alumnus of the Venture for America fellowship. He obtained his bachelors at Mississippi State University, where he earned his degree in Computer Engineering. During his undergraduate career, Ryan served as President of the MSU Toastmasters Club, secured $35,000 in funding for Mississippi's leading collegiate hackathon, and contributed to cutting-edge research in both virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) laboratories. Ryan's long-term goal is to leverage his experience in the tech sector to return to his home state of Mississippi and cultivate a thriving ecosystem for industry and innovation.