Founding Leadership
The founding team brings together experience in education, law, finance, public policy, operations, and institutional development. A formal governing structure will be established through the chartering process and in accordance with applicable public requirements.
Laura Pallares, Ed.M.
Director of Finance & Strategy, Casa Carmen Wines
Laura Pallares works in finance and strategy at Casa Carmen Wines and has experience across education and philanthropy. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and the Harvard Graduate School of Education and previously served as a senior consultant at American Philanthropic, supporting fundraising and strategic planning for mission-driven organizations. She brings practical experience in finance, development, and educational planning to the founding effort.
Enrique Pallares, Ph.D.
Research Director and Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Enrique Pallares is Research Director and Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he oversees operations and fundraising for the Penn Initiative for the Study of Markets. He holds a B.A. in Literature and Philosophy from The New School University and a Ph.D. in Political Theory from The Catholic University of America, where he also taught. He was a founding member of UP Academy Lawrence, a charter school in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and contributes experience in academic leadership, institutional formation, and charter-school development.
John A. Burtka III, MBA
Director of Advancement and Outreach, Coalition for a Prosperous America
John A. Burtka III is Director of Advancement and Outreach for the Coalition for a Prosperous America, where he works with domestic manufacturers, farmers, and industry leaders to strengthen U.S. industrial capacity and reshore critical supply chains. He holds an M.B.A. from Bowling Green State University and has completed advanced executive and postgraduate study in global procurement, lean systems, Six Sigma, international executive leadership, and economic policy. His background includes manufacturing leadership, entrepreneurship, redevelopment work, and public service as Chairman of the Hillsdale County Commission.
Jane Forsyth Pallares, Ph.D. (ABD)
Teacher and Scholar of Literature and Classical Education
Jane Forsyth Pallares is a scholar of literature and classical education. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College and is Ph.D., ABD, in English Literature at The Catholic University of America. Her teaching background includes literature, writing, and the liberal arts at the secondary and university levels, and she now teaches writing and Great Books at Villanova University. She brings classroom experience and deep familiarity with the intellectual aims of classical education.
Justin J. Watkins, J.D.
Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Justin J. Watkins is a partner in the Philadelphia office of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. With a background in scientific research and university-to-business technology transfer, he advises clients in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, health care, and health care information technology sectors on business formation, strategic combinations, venture investing, financing, and governance matters. He earned his J.D. cum laude from Temple University Beasley School of Law and his B.A. from Swarthmore College.
