ATLIS Announces Inaugural Aspire Award Recipients

ATLIS launched the ATLIS Aspire Awards this year, introducing a new program celebrating the exceptional achievements of technology leaders and innovators in the independent school sector. These awards recognize individuals, teams, and student groups who are transforming education through visionary leadership, innovative practices, and a commitment to excellence.

“The Aspire Awards are a testament to the remarkable work being done in educational technology within independent schools,” said Dr. Aggie Malter, ATLIS board chair. “The awards provide a platform to showcase the individuals and teams who are driving transformative change and inspiring us all to reimagine the possibilities of technology in education.”

Each award category has specific eligibility criteria designed to recognize the diverse contributions of technology leaders, educators, and students within independent schools. The ATLIS Aspire Awards encompass five distinct categories:

• Aspire Strategic IT Leader Award: Celebrating the IT leaders behind an outstanding initiative or project
• Aspire Visionary Excellence Award: This award is for disruptors - students, educators, or teams - who spark change and inspire others through the imaginative use of technology
• Aspire Excellence in Educational Technology Award: This award is for leaders and teams driving instructional innovation through educational technology
• Aspire Achievement Award: Celebrating individuals and school teams who achieve great things with fewer resources
• Aspire Breakthrough Leader Award: Celebrating those new to independent schools (or their role) who have already raised the bar

The 2025 winners are:

Aspire Visionary Excellence Award

Rich Lehrer, Director of Academic Innovation and Design, The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain in Las Vegas, NV, and his students, Boston, Eda, Elliot, Gracie, Gunnar, Jacob, Max, and Walker

The Dawson Design Company, a 7th- and 8th-grade design technology elective at The Alexander Dawson School, is recognized for its groundbreaking approach to technology education. Led by Rich Lehrer, director of academic innovation and design, this program blends digital design, fabrication, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, empowering students to create market-ready products while raising funds for impactful causes.

Since its launch in August 2023, students have raised over $10,000 for organizations such as The Maui Preparatory Academy and The Tyler Robinson Foundation. Rooted in client-based learning, the course mirrors real-world professional environments, providing students with authentic problem-solving experiences using state-of-the-art tools. By shifting technology education from isolated skill-building to purpose-driven innovation, The Dawson Design Company sets a new standard for how students can harness technology to drive meaningful, community-centered change.

Through courses like "Tech for Good," "The Dawson Design Company," and "Spread the Word," students are empowered to become changemakers in their community. They tackle community challenges, design and market products for philanthropic causes, and develop media for real-world clients. By providing opportunities for students to apply their learning in meaningful ways, Lehrer's work not only enhances their educational experience but also demonstrates the profound impact of technology when used to connect with and serve others.

Aspire Breakthrough Leader Award

Afandie Winter, TLIS, Director of Technology, Children's Day School, San Francisco, CA

Winter's widespread recognition at Children's Day School is a testament to his exceptional leadership and transformative impact. Starting as a technology and network support specialist in June 2021, he quickly rose to IT manager, and then to director of technology less than a year later. In his short tenure, Winter has demonstrated innovation and the ability to effect positive change right from the start by transitioning disparate software systems to an integrated platform, streamlining technology for presentations, and securing updated equipment while reducing expenses.

Winter has introduced numerous improvements to the school's technology practices, operations, and educational environment. He redesigned the school's resource board, implemented visitor management software, instituted cybersecurity training, and created a new data and support system specialist role. He is forward-thinking, continuously researching new technologies, and has shown adaptability by managing technology changes during the school’s construction. Winter’s leadership also demonstrates a commitment to building community, from vetting vendors for diversity to promoting inclusive language within his team.

Aspire Excellence in Educational Technology Award

Scott Lieberman, TLIS, MCP, ACST, Director of Technology, and Alison McDonald, STEM Integration Specialist, Alexandria Country Day School, Alexandria, VA

Lieberman and McDonald are recognized for their transformative work at Alexandria Country Day School, where they've seamlessly integrated technology and STEM into the educational experience. Their innovative approach enhances teaching and learning by blending engineering, technology, and creativity into a cohesive educational experience, inspiring both students and teachers.

Their efforts have also profoundly enhanced the instructional process and student outcomes. McDonald's "push-in" approach brings STEM to every classroom, making learning tangible and fun, while Lieberman's implementation of technology has transformed teaching spaces. Together, they have fostered a culture where technology is seamlessly integrated, and their work serves as a model for other schools seeking to do the same.

Aspire Achievement Award

Jim Lengel, Director of Technology, The Hamlin School, San Francisco, CA

Despite challenging conditions, Lengel has demonstrated perseverance, adaptability, and creativity in his work to improve The Hamlin School’s cybersecurity and enhance the safety of students and staff in the digital realm. Lengel collaborated with a parent task force of experts to lead a comprehensive revamp of the school’s systems and response documentation, significantly strengthening their infrastructure.

Lengel’s proactive approach to cybersecurity included partnering with white hat hackers and implementing cybersecurity training for all employees and eighth-grade students. His efforts equipped the school community with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate cyberspace safely and responsibly. Lengel’s leadership has not only elevated the school’s cybersecurity measures but also fostered a school-wide culture of awareness and preparedness.

Aspire Strategic IT Leader Award

Jennifer Mehra, Senior Program Manager, Blake School, Hopkins, MN

Mehra spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation at Blake School by centralizing the institution's information assets in Google Shared Drives, migrating from on-premise file servers and individual Google My Drive accounts to establish a unified cloud-based document management system. This initiative improved the school’s efficiency, learning experiences, and communication.

To achieve this digital transformation, Mehra's strategic implementation included working closely with the administrative council, PK-12 department chairs, and campus directors to implement a refined Google Groups hierarchy to facilitate the academic transition. In partnership with Denise Covington, Director of Information Management, she tackled the complex migration of legacy business Google Shared Drives and on-premise servers to the cloud. Furthermore, Mehra integrated BetterCloud automation to streamline operations, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve teaching resources and administrative efficiency. Her leadership has established a foundation for continued technological advancement at the school.

About ATLIS

The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) is a growing association of independent schools dedicated to empowering schools to thrive through technology leadership. Founded in 2014 to address the unique challenges of independent school technology directors, the organization has now expanded to support all aspects of technology at schools, ensuring that they are equipped for the future. Across all dimensions of its practice, ATLIS is also dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive association.