Emma Banay, Portfolio Manager, leads the Foundation’s Inspired Minds portfolio, which seeks to build the next generation of confident, creative problem-solvers by expanding access to engaging and challenging STEM learning experiences.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Emma led STEM initiatives at ExpandED Schools, New York City’s afterschool intermediary, forging partnerships with school districts, community-based organizations, city agencies, and regional STEM organizations to deliver high-quality STEM programming. Throughout her career, Emma’s work has focused on developing and scaling direct service interventions alongside field-building efforts. Previously, she facilitated the NYC STEM Education Network, an affiliate of the national STEM ecosystems movement, and taught science as a classroom teacher.
Emma is pursuing an M.S. in Education Policy from Johns Hopkins University and received a B.A. in History and Science from Harvard University. She lives in New Haven, CT—home of what she believes is the best pizza in the world—and enjoys hiking, gardening, and sewing in her free time.
Meet our team.
Overdeck Family Foundation’s team is composed of a dedicated group of individuals who share a passion for improving the future of education in the U.S. We are teachers, parents, academics, and data analysts who are driven by the desire to find and scale innovative, cost-effective, and evidence-based programs and solutions that will improve children’s lives for generations to come.