Michele Cahill is senior counselor to the chancellor for education policy at the New York City Department of Education. She plays a central role in Children First reforms, including secondary education reform, reorganization, accountability, new school development, and parent engagement. She also leads the Office of Youth Development and School- Community Services where she oversees alternative schools and programs, guidance services, attendance, and the Multiple Pathways to Graduation strategy. Previously, Ms. Cahill was a senior program officer for education at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, where she spearheaded the New Century High School Initiative. She began her career as a youth worker connecting students who had dropped out of school with educational options. Ms. Cahill holds a degree in urban studies from St. Peter’s College, a master’s in urban affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and has completed doctoral work in social policy and planning at Columbia University.