Jay Panta, Co-founder & CEO

Jay Panta is a student at St. Mark’s School of Texas who’s passionate about economics, youth leadership, and educational equity. He founded Tutoring2Inspire after witnessing firsthand the academic disparities faced by students in Nepal, a “life-changing experience that pushed [him] to help bridge global education gaps.” Through this nonprofit, he aims to provide free, high-quality tutoring to underserved students while fostering meaningful cultural exchange. He envisions education being used as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, community development, and lasting social change. And he is dedicated to making that vision a reality.

Sam Keon, Co-founder & Executive Director

Sam Keon is a high school student at St. Mark’s School of Texas with a passion for social impact and community service. He wanted to lead an organization dedicated to making an impact through education and meaningful cultural connections, so he founded Tutoring2Inspire. As Executive Director, he leads the team’s mission to inspire growth, opportunity, and change. Outside of his nonprofit work, he enjoys running track, playing piano, debating, and researching solutions to some of today’s biggest social challenges through his debate initiatives.

Julie Freeman, Chairperson

Julie Freeman is the Executive Vice President of Public Relations at MMGY Global, leading PR, social media, and experiential marketing. With 30 years of experience, she builds award-winning travel and hospitality campaigns worldwide. Named a 2023 PR News Changemaker, she also co-chairs Destination International’s PR Committee. Passionate about mentorship, Julie supports future leaders through programs at MMGY and local schools. A global traveler at heart, she’s always chasing her next big adventure.

Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Chairperson

Kimberly Haley-Coleman is the founder of Globe Aware, a nonprofit offering award-winning, short-term international service programs that promote sustainability and cultural understanding. With over 20 years of experience and Special Consultative Status with the UN, her work has been featured on NBC, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Kim empowers volunteers to work directly with local communities on projects they choose, ensuring culturally respectful, impactful, and non-political service around the world.

Philip Loeb, Chairperson

Philip Loeb is Partner and President of Heard City and Midnight Snack, where he leads award-winning post-production audio and sound design. With 25+ years in media and creative leadership, he brings sharp expertise in business strategy, analytics, and new business development. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Philip serves as a chairperson on Tutoring2Inspire’s Board of Advisors, helping scale its global impact through strategic growth and sustainable models for tutoring and cultural exchange.

Matthew Li

Secretary

“Hello everyone! I’m Matthew, a rising high school senior and secretary of Tutoring2Inspire, where I oversee administrative operations that support our mission of helping to provide quality education to students. Outside of Tutoring2Inspire, I volunteer in the medical field and contribute to the biomedical academia field through my studies.”

Sonarka Das

Administrative Officer

“Hello, my name is Sonarka Das. I have a deep passion for studying and expanding my knowledge, as well as sharing my knowledge with others. At Tutoring2Inspire, I’ve had the opportunity to help others grow academically and nurture brilliant minds through our unique educational support and cultural exchange programs. It has been a truly rewarding experience here, and I’ve loved every minute of it!”

Yash Raj Sharma

Director of Nepali Programs

“Hello! I’m Yash Raj Sharma, a student at The British School in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Director of Nepal Programs at Tutoring2Inspire, where I help manage our cultural exchange programs and establish local partnerships across Nepal. I’m passionate about expanding access to education and love working on community-focused projects that connect students across borders, just like this one.”

Bihaan Upadhyay

U.S. Programs Manager

“Hello, my name is Bihaan Upadhyay. I am a high school student based in Dallas, Texas, and the U.S. Programs Manager of Tutoring2Inspire. Being a part of Tutoring2Inspire has not only taught me leadership and communication skills, but it has also helped me make a bunch of new friends. I love everything about Tutoring2Inspire, and it is amazing to have seen it grow from the start into what it is today.