Experience and commitment drive our work.

Pamela Burdman
Executive Director

Pamela Burdman is an expert on college access, readiness, and success and founder of the Just Equations project. Working at the intersection of education research, policy, and practice, Pam synthesizes knowledge from the field to define problems and advance strategies that support student success.

A recognized authority on the role of mathematics in education equity, Pam has authored numerous reports and articles  on math opportunity issues. This work helped lay the groundwork for new policies designed to improve postsecondary success and diminish equity gaps in California. She has also been a featured speaker, convener, and advisor to education leaders, policy makers, foundations, and think tanks.

Pam began working on issues of postsecondary readiness and success more than 20 years ago as a reporter covering education — including the reversal of affirmative action at the University of California — for the San Francisco Chronicle. Subsequently, as a program officer for the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, she created and implemented investment strategies for strengthening college readiness and community college student success in California, which led to several statewide initiatives that continue today.

Francesca Henderson

Francesca Henderson
Math Education Equity Fellow

Francesca Henderson is the Math Education Equity Fellow for Just Equations. Francesca is a career educator who joined our team in 2020. She has a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from San Diego State University, a Master’s in Education from High Tech High Graduate School of Education, and is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education. She has served in education in several different capacities: Researcher, Teacher, School Leader, Curriculum Designer, and Consultant. During her professional career, she has served as a researcher, 9-12 math teacher, Vice Principal, and Education Consultant. Through her diverse experiences in education, she developed a passion for social justice and equity. As a doctoral student, Francesca studies the transition from high school to college, and the role mathematics plays as a useful tool or hindrance to that process.

Jenn BeVard
Project Manager

Jenn is the Project Manager for Just Equations. Before joining the Just Equations team, Jenn worked as an independent researcher and grant writer on education, women’s health, and performing arts initiatives. She is an award-winning theatre director and artistic associate at multiple Bay Area theatre companies. Her interest in education equity and reforms has been informed by her work as an executive functioning skills coach for K-16 students and as a theatre educator/artist at San Quentin State Prison. Jenn received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance, English Literature, and Philosophy from Santa Clara University and her MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago.