From 2016-2020, Mimi was the first Executive Director of Teach Florida, which became a major statewide advocate for school choice and nonpublic school security funding, and is now supported by 20 member schools, a strong voting bloc and more than 10,000 people receiving updates. As an appointee to Governor DeSantis’ Education Transition Taskforce in 2018 and the Florida Covid-19 Opening Policy Commission in 2020, Mimi was a strong voice for the needs of nonpublic schools and families. Prior to joining Teach Florida, Mimi worked for seven years as the Executive Director of Thank Israeli Soldiers, a multi-national organization providing gratitude and support to more than 40,000 soldiers a year during and after their army service.  Her commitment to the Jewish people and Israel included previous employment as Regional Director of One Family Fund and Public Relations and Special Events Director for Aish HaTorah. Mimi has a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and lives with her family in Hollywood, Florida, where her husband is a Rabbi.  Their love of the Jewish people extends to hosting many guests for Shabbos and holidays, whether they are living in Florida, Israel or Brazil.

Danny Aqua is an impassioned advocate for educational opportunities for children, parents and schools. As Field Director at Teach Florida, Danny built a grassroots initiative that engaged parents in the legislative process. In addition to trips to Tallahassee, petition signings and traditional advocacy, Danny has been an integral part in Teach Florida’s get-out-the-vote program that has resulted in doubling and sometimes tripling voter turnout in the Jewish day school community over multiple elections. Danny’s work at Teach Florida enables him to use skills from his two prior careers – law and teaching. Prior to working at Teach Florida, Danny practiced real estate law as an Associate at Blank Rome, LLP and then taught both in elementary and middle schools. Danny received his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Baruch College magna cum laude, his Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School Order of the Coif and his Masters Degree in Education from Azrieli Graduate School of Education.

Malka Kownat-Rhodes is a long-time professional in the field of special education, with over 10 years of experience working in a large school district in Ohio. Malka graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College with a BA in Psychology, and then earned a master's degree in Education from Notre Dame College in Ohio. Most recently, Malka worked as the Director of Student Support for The Torah Academy of Boca Raton in South Florida.  Malka has a history of successfully partnering with government agencies and school districts, and with non-profit organizations like The Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services, to procure funding for educational initiatives. Malka’s years of experience working with families struggling with the cost of private school tuition combined with the cost of services for children with special needs, has led to her joining Teach Coalition. In her new capacity as a funding specialist, she helps families access funding for both specialized services and private school tuition.

Prior to joining Teach Florida, Melissa created a shampoo company and worked as in house lawyer for Total Relief Skincare . She is actively involved in the Hollywood Jewish community and has worked for the past three summers in Camp Kfir Katan's day camp, running programming and communications. Melissa has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Yeshiva University's Stern College for Women and received her J.D.  from Touro Law Center. Melissa is a native Floridian who returned to Florida after law school with her husband Josh. They have three children and live in Hollywood, Florida. Melissa brings passion, a strong work ethic and a deep belief that every child deserves a Jewish education.  Melissa will be working to grow our advocacy program by strengthening old relationships and building new ones.