Pathways to Purpose

Pathways to Purpose: Inspiring Youth Through Life Science and Public Service Careers

Launch Event: April 8, 2026

Join GBH for the launch of Pathways to Purpose, a new initiative focused on strengthening classroom-to-career pathways for students.

This convening will bring together leaders from education, government, industry, and philanthropy alongside educators and students for a forward-looking conversation on preparing young people for the future workforce, starting with curriculum in the classroom and radiating beyond. Through panels and interactive discussions, participants will explore emerging workforce needs, the role of career-connected learning in secondary education, and opportunities to expand access to meaningful career pathways—particularly in high-growth sectors such as life sciences and public service.

The conversation will help foster cross-sector collaboration and inform the development of innovative, media-rich resources that help students connect their learning to real-world opportunities.

Confirmed speakers include:

Panel 1: Systems View on Career-Connected Learning 

• Jessica Juliuson, Principal Investigator & Project Director, STEM & Civics Education & Workforce Development, Education Development Center
• Julie Lammers, President & CEO, Britebound
• Commissioner Pedro Martinez, Massachusetts Commissioner of Department of Elementary & Secondary Education 
• Ryan Mudawar, Executive Vice President, Educational Partnerships & Workforce Investments, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
• Dr. Jessica Zeidman, Deputy Commissioner & Chief Medical Officer, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Moderator: Seeta Pai, Vice President of Children’s Media & Education, GBH 

Panel 2: The View from Inside 

• Brett Dickens, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools & College, Career & Life Readiness
• Marcie Miller, High School History/Social Studies Teacher, Brookline High School
• Edwin Yoo, High School Biology Teacher, Somerville High School
• Moderator: Stefana Dunn, Science Curriculum Specialist, GBH

Panel 3: Inspiration from Today’s Leaders/Looking to the Future 

• Commissioner Christine Elow, Police Commissioner for the City of Cambridge Police Department 
• Dr. Matt Goddeeris, Chief Scientific Officer, Every Cure
• Dr. LaShyra “Lash” Nolen, Physician Resident, Brigham & Women’s Hospital; Activist & founder of We Got Us
• Representative Andy Vargas, Massachusetts House of Representatives
• Moderator: Sue Wilkins, Director of Social Studies Curriculum & Instruction, GBH 

Who should attend:

Educators, school and district leaders, workforce and industry partners, policymakers, funders, and others committed to supporting student pathways to post-secondary education and careers.

Hosted at GBH Studios in Boston. Breakfast will be provided.

This initiative is made possible through generous support from Britebound.