Bright Minds Foundation was thrilled to welcome two community members to our Board of Directors recently. Each of these individuals brings extensive professional experience, community relationships, and a deep commitment to supporting education in our community.
Seema Agarwal-Harding is a long-time Howard County resident with over 30 years of expertise in international education leadership, management, and system strengthening covering various education subsectors, including early childhood development, basic education, youth and workforce development. She has over thirty years of accumulated experience in international education development and long-term leadership positions in over a dozen countries, working closely with government leaders and stakeholders alike to design and implement policy in access and quality issues. She is committed to providing leadership for change in education, supporting higher order learning and skills development, and strengthening the focus on marginalized children and youth, emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion.
“What can we, as a community, do to help all our children realize their full potential?”, Seema asked. “This is the question Bright Minds asks of itself, and this is what inspires me to join the Board of the Howard County public schools education foundation. I feel compelled to find a way to assist in its effort to enhance the educational experiences of all Howard County public school students. I hope that the vision of bringing together private and community support for academic initiatives and opportunities can be realized to an even greater advantage with my commitment and contribution to this organization.”
Gerald (Jerry) Kelly is an attorney focused on tax litigation and tax controversy practice areas, providing a full range of commercial litigation and corporate legal services. He began his professional career in 1991 as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and was responsible for civil investigations, enforcement actions, and evaluating Offers in Compromise. He has been an attorney in private practice since 1997 and represents individuals and businesses with major disputes involving the IRS and the U.S. Department of Justice. He is also an active member of the legal community and is committed to assisting those unable to afford an attorney. He has lived in Howard County since 1977 and is a product of its outstanding public school system. His three children are also graduates or soon to graduate from Howard County public schools.
“As a partner in a Columbia based law firm, my professional home is also intentionally in Howard County,” Jerry explained. “I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to succeed and the necessary resources to do so. Serving on the board of Bright Minds will enable me to assist the foundation in delivering programs to support teachers and students and to “give back” to a school system that I care deeply about.”
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About Bright Minds Foundation
Bright Minds Foundation is the Howard County public schools education foundation. We work to ensure each child in Howard County has access to the education, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed at school and in life. We do this by bringing together community support for programs and initiatives that increase education access, equity, and innovation. Bright Minds programs respond to the urgent and ongoing needs of children in four areas: digital inclusion, literacy & kindergarten readiness, college access, and teacher support & classroom innovation. To learn more and contribute, please visit Bright Minds website.
