Six Visionary Women to Watch in Education Technology

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are shining a spotlight on the visionary women who are redefining education technology and transforming the way students learn. These trailblazers are more than just innovators—they are changemakers, problem-solvers, and advocates for equity and access in education. Through their leadership, they are breaking barriers, introducing cutting-edge advancements, and ensuring that technology is used as a force for good in classrooms across the country. As education continues to evolve, their work is shaping a future where every student, regardless of location or background, has access to high-quality instruction and the tools they need to succeed.

At Proximity Learning, we believe in celebrating the bold thinkers and relentless pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in EdTech. That’s why we are proud to present these six extraordinary women in education technology to watch—leaders who are driving real impact, inspiring the next generation, and proving technology has the power to bridge learning gaps and create lasting change.

1. Dion Lucas, Mentor Educator 

“I still use music in my classroom to help students overcome the symbolic language of mathematics since I am a musician.  My TEDx Talk last spring focused on the acronym M.A.T.H. = Music Affects The Heart.” 

Dion Lucas is a certified math teacher, wellness coach, and musician with over 20 years of public education experience. Last year, she presented at TEDx JesterCirED about her musical approach to teaching mathematics. 

Blending Music, Math, and Mentorship in Virtual Education

Lucas' journey into education was deeply inspired by her family and her passion for helping others. She graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2004 majoring in Secondary Education and Mathematics. Her decision to embrace the virtual classroom was motivated by a desire to spend more quality time with her loved ones, while also continuing her work in education. As a mentor and advocate for virtual education, Dion is committed to fostering meaningful connections with her students and supporting other educators transitioning into the online space. She believes virtual education offers unparalleled opportunities for students to succeed, as it allows them to engage in extracurricular activities while studying. A pivotal moment in her career came when she joined the National Virtual Teacher Association (NVTA), which she says enhanced her organizational skills and helped shape her approach to virtual learning. 

By incorporating music into her mathematics lessons and creating interactive learning environments, Dion ensures that students remain engaged and motivated. Her leadership in supporting women educators, especially through her work with the Association of Black Women in Higher Education, reflects her dedication to creating equitable opportunities in education. Looking to the future, Dion hopes to leave a legacy of service and a commitment to helping the next generation of learners thrive in the ever-evolving world of virtual education. Her dedication to teaching the future leaders of America knows no bounds. 

A Legacy of Service in Virtual Education

"Bridging the gap between intergenerational learners and communities is essential for the future of online education. Schools and organizations must continue offering regular workshops to help others navigate technology and improve communication. For me, living a life of service is the legacy I hope to leave in virtual education. My mother has dedicated over 40 years to teaching math and music, and I too want to give back—ensuring the next generation of learners has the support, tools, and opportunities they need to succeed."

2. Samantha Schwenke, Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist

"I believe virtual learning is the key to equity. Not only are students getting the education they deserve, but they’re also experiencing something beyond their own environment. Many of these students will never have the opportunity to leave their city, but with virtual learning, they’re working with teachers from across the country—maybe someone in Hawaii or Nevada while they’re in Arkansas or New Jersey. That exposure to different cultures, different perspectives, is just as valuable as the lessons they’re learning in class. It expands their world in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise."

Championing Talent & Equity in Education for Students Everywhere

As the Lead K-12 Talent Acquisition Specialist at Proximity Learning, Samantha Schwenke plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of virtual education by overseeing recruitment efforts, candidate screening, and educator placement. With a strong background in education (being a former teacher), she holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree from UT Dallas and UTSA, with published research in the field of education. 

Her journey began in the classroom as an IB Science teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges educators and students face. Seeking to make a broader impact, she transitioned into Human Resources within a central office setting before joining Proximity Learning, where she now works to ensure that students across the U.S. have access to high-quality teachers, regardless of their background.

A former collegiate volleyball athlete at UT Dallas, Samantha brings the same drive, determination, and team-oriented mindset to her professional career. Passionate about educational equity, she is dedicated to recruiting top-tier educators who can inspire, support, and uplift students in virtual classrooms nationwide. Through her work, Samantha continues to be an advocate for accessible, high-quality education, helping bridge the gap in teacher shortages and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Virtual Learning as a Gateway to Equity

"The campuses that always have the most free and reduced lunch, that receive the most Title I funds, are typically the campuses that go understaffed. They’re the campuses that lose teachers, and a lot of times, teachers don’t want to go work there because of the stigma or stereotype. What’s absolutely beautiful about virtual learning is that it fixes that. These students don’t get to choose where they live or the circumstances they grow up with—but they do deserve a teacher who shows up every day, who provides consistency and a sense of security. With virtual learning, they’re actually learning from a true professional, not just getting a sub and a worksheet. That’s what makes it so powerful."

3. Annette Logsdon Rodriguez, Sr. Director of Sales and School Partnerships

"One of the biggest surprises for me in my current role was realizing just how much we are doing to keep teachers in education. Across the country, we see declining numbers of teachers entering the field and many leaving early in their careers. At Proximity Learning, we give educators another way to stay in the profession they love, allowing them to continue making an impact through virtual instruction. Our teachers become experts in online teaching, growing their skills while still shaping the lives of students. We’re not just filling vacancies—we’re creating a pathway for teachers to stay engaged in meaningful work and keep their passion for education alive." 

Listen to Annette Logsdon-Rodriguez’s Interview discussing “Filling the Gap in the Teacher Shortage in Rural Education: National Rural Education Association (NREA) Official Podcast 

An Executive Leader in Education Technology and Partnerships

With a deep-rooted passion for educational equity and technology-driven learning, Annette Logsdon-Rodriguez has spent her career ensuring that every student, regardless of location, has access to high-quality instruction. She is a seasoned PreK-16 industry executive dedicated to advancing educational equity. Beginning as an ESL and bilingual educator in Kaufman ISD, Dallas ISD, and Round Rock ISD, she spent seven years teaching in Texas public schools before transitioning into the EdTech industry. She witnessed firsthand the challenges facing schools in Texas. Her commitment to authentic and meaningful technology integration led her to leadership roles at Apple, Teachscape, and Frontline Education, where she specialized in developing innovative solutions that bridge gaps in curriculum, instruction, and educator training.

Since joining Proximity Learning in 2022 as Sr. Director of School Partnerships and Sales, Annette has focused on delivering strategic solutions for public schools. She brings deep cross-functional expertise in Human Resources, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Learning, and Special Education, ensuring that districts receive comprehensive, technology-enhanced instructional support. At the heart of her work is a mission to empower educators, streamline virtual learning, and create sustainable pathways for student success. Through her leadership, Proximity Learning continues to expand its reach, connecting students with expert teachers and transforming the future of education.

4. Dr. Evette Riley-Allison, Manager of Special Services

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“I believe dedication and passion are essential for any educator. As the future of education is changing, we must be brave and innovative to truly embrace the future of online education. At the heart of education is the true desire to positively impact future generations. All of these qualities are essential for truly reaching one's full potential and helping students close the achievement gap.” 

A Champion for Virtual Education, Mentorship, and Equity

Dr. Evette Riley-Allison is a lifetime certified educator, mentor, and leader dedicated to Urban Special Education and closing the achievement gap. With an extensive background in educational leadership, she has served as a special education teacher, school support leader, curriculum and instruction lead, and assistant principal. Throughout her career, she has fostered a culture of high expectations, improved instructional practices, and helped increase student achievement. Dr. Evette Riley-Allison currently serves as the Manager of Special Services at Proximity Learning, where she leverages her expertise to ensure students receive the personalized support and resources they need to thrive.

Her expertise and passion have earned her numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year, and a position on multiple educational boards. As a recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship, she has dedicated herself to academic excellence, earning a B.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Master’s degree in Urban Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, where her dissertation created a curriculum designed to empower high school girls to advance into college and beyond. Her research in diversity, inclusion, and self-determination has been widely used to drive conversations and curriculum implementation in youth and women’s empowerment.

As a strong advocate for mentorship and community among women in education, Dr. Riley-Allison has published a framework highlighting the importance of mentorship in a woman’s educational journey. She believes in the power of collaboration, sisterhood, and relatability, emphasizing that connection is a key ingredient to achieving success. She actively guides and mentors women entering the virtual education space, providing encouragement, motivation, and resources to help them navigate this evolving field. 

5. Danielle Erdberg, Vice President of Product 

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“Great leaders in online education need to be visionary, adaptable, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Education has been resistant to change, but future leaders need to continue to break down barriers, rethink traditional models, and push for innovation that will better serve students and teachers.” 

Driving Innovation & Breaking Barriers in EdTech

Throughout her career, Danielle Erdberg has continuously evolved, transitioning through various roles in technology and product management. She began as a Change Management Analyst, where she first discovered her passion for software development. Determined to deepen her expertise, she pursued certifications in Product Management and Agile methodologies, setting the foundation for her future leadership roles. 

As she moved into the start-up world, Danielle sought a company that aligned with her values and commitment to impact-driven work. Today, as the Vice President of Product and IT at Proximity Learning, she leverages her background to enhance user experience, streamline internal processes, drive innovation, and ultimately transform education. Her work is rooted in a mission to bridge educational gaps through technology, ensuring that students and educators have the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital learning landscape.

Danielle’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She has successfully navigated a male-dominated industry, adapted from large corporations to fast-paced start-ups, and balanced the demands of a growing career with family life. These experiences have strengthened her resilience, adaptability, and leadership, allowing her to create a balance between her passion for technology and her commitment to family. 

As a dynamic leader in the Education Technology space, she is dedicated to advancing AI-driven, personalized learning experiences, reimagining outdated systems, and fostering innovation in virtual education. With a strong passion for mentorship and inclusivity, Danielle actively supports educators entering the virtual space and encourages them to embrace change. 

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6. Myken Caviness, Vice President of Customer Success

“What excites me most about the future of virtual learning is its potential to break down barriers and make education more accessible, inclusive, and personalized. With technology constantly evolving, virtual learning offers endless opportunities for innovation—whether it’s through immersive experiences using virtual and augmented reality, or by leveraging data to tailor learning paths to individual needs. I’m particularly excited about how these advancements can empower people from all backgrounds and locations, offering them the tools and flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own terms.”

Leading with Vision and Equity in Virtual Education

As Vice President of Client Success at Proximity Learning, Myken Caviness has been a driving force in the company’s mission to bring equity and innovation to education. A founding team member, Myken has played a key role in shaping Proximity Learning’s growth over the last 15 years. Myken has a comprehensive understanding of the education technology industry, allowing her to lead with first-hand knowledge of client needs and operational challenges.

Myken is entrusted with high-level responsibilities and has the authority to influence key company policies and initiatives, shaping the future of virtual education. She has worked across multiple facets of EdTech, making her deeply empathetic to the challenges and successes of each department. Her strategic vision, ability to adapt to challenges, and operational expertise have been key drivers in advancing Proximity Learning’s mission to connect all students with the expert teachers they deserve.

Through her leadership, Myken has helped develop teacher support models, curriculum infrastructure, and client success pods, ensuring that every student, regardless of location, receives high-quality instruction. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to educational equity make her an invaluable asset to Proximity Learning’s executive team and the broader EdTech landscape.

The Dynamic Duo

Danielle Erdberg and Myken Caviness were recognized at the 2024 Austin Women in Business Awards Luncheon, highlighting their leadership in education technology. Their nominations reflect their significant contributions to innovation, equity, and the advancement of virtual learning.

Proximity Learning Leaders: Shaping the Future of Education Technology

The six visionary women featured in this piece are not simply advancing education technology—they are redefining the future of virtual learning. As leaders, innovators, and advocates for equity, they are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in education today. Proximity Learning has provided these leaders with the platform, tools, and community to amplify their impact, ensuring that every student, regardless of location, has access to an expert virtual teacher. 

Their contributions are not just about advancing EdTech; they are about people—the students seeking opportunity, the educators striving to make a difference, and the schools in need of sustainable solutions. Their leadership embodies the mission of Proximity Learning: to ensure that education remains a powerful force for change, inclusion, and progress.

Want to learn more about how you can align your districts and students with these visionary leaders? Click here to learn more.

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