RootSpring Global Team

Britt founded iLEAP in 2005 with a vision that it could be a center for global community and learning for people of all ages and backgrounds. Since that time, RootSpring (formerly iLEAP) has served thousands of participants from all over Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States and continues to evolve as a model for how to inspire clarity and confidence within community. As the author of The Soil of Leadership and the founder of other social businesses such as Perennial Leadership, SOIL, and Hyakusho Enterprises, he continues to advance the work of transformational leadership development from the inside out.

Priti is a seasoned global leader, passionate about building resilient communities through mutual understanding and love. As the CEO of Hyakusho Enterprises and Perennial, she orchestrates transformative programs, fostering impactful connections worldwide. Her advocacy work in Nepal addressed education and gender equity, driving policy changes and creating awareness in rural communities. Priti also co-founded GreenValue US, empowering marginalized women through fair trade, recycled paper products. Holding degrees in International Business and Finance, and NGOs and Development, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to her leadership. Originally from Nepal and raised in Tokyo and England, Priti now finds inspiration in Seattle’s snow-capped mountains, where she continues her remarkable journey as a changemaker.

Sunny is the Director of Curriculum at RootSpring, where she directs and oversees the curriculum development for all online and in-person programs. She leads and is accountable for the successful execution of all curricula. Sunny manages and collaborates with internal and external content creators and related consultants. She works closely with the CLO to ensure that the Learning Guides are prepared to implement curricula. Sunny develops courses for iLEAP’s Global Leadership Academy: Leadership 101, Social Leadership, Career Discovery on Purpose, Climate Leadership, Women and Leadership with others currently in development. She is also one of the head Learning Guides facilitating the courses that she creates, as well as training new guides to be ready to implement the curricula in a way that is thoughtful, full of care and provides the most opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

Kei brings her two decades of experience working with international students, young professionals, and leaders for their personal and professional development. Over the years of working at RootSpring, colleges and non profit organizations, she has guided youth and professionals on their leadership journey, career paths and life transitions with her deep listening and inquiry. After 15 years of living in the U.S. Kei moved back to her hometown in Japan with her Seattle-native husband and daughter to stay close to her family and engage with more social sectors in Japan. In Addition to RootSpring, Kei also serves as a Program Director at Social Impact Center, Japan Fundraising Association as well as working as a Senior Manager at Singapore-based nonprofit, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network. Kei holds a Master’s degree in International Education from the SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. Kei is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC).

Mya has spent more than 20 years as an international education professional. Embedded in her work and program designs are creating spaces for people to ask hard questions, find their “voice” to engage in these conversations and equips them to be active and critical thinkers who will contribute to the reimagining of societies grounded in principles of equity and inclusion. Mya is a proud alum of Williams College (B.A. Psychology and Sociology), New York University (M.A., International Education) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (M.S. and PhD, Sociology).

For over thirty years, Russ has worked with young international leaders on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth. His leadership journey has been broad and far-ranging from hanging off bridges, dams and wind turbines to being a professional photographer to coaching and training world leaders to be more dynamic and powerful in their formation and execution of mission and vision. As a long-distance runner, who recently ran across four countries in the Alps, Russ is committed to designing learning experiences that help others to elevate their focus and flow in their pursuit of personal and professional growth. In addition to being the Vice President of Partnerships at RootSpring, Russ is also an adjunct professor of Social Entrepreneurship at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, an adjunct professor in the Health and Wellness Certificate Program at Georgetown University, and a Founding Partner of Solutions for Online Integrated Learning (SOIL).

Kayoko has served in the education field for over twenty years, working primarily with students of color in the Seattle area. After spending a decade as an academic advisor at a community college, she went on to lead a college access program to support youth in their process to apply to college. She enjoys being in learning environments and spreading the joy of knowledge. Kayoko grew up in Tokyo and currently resides in Seattle with her partner, young daughter and family dog.

Erina brings over a decade of corporate experience in HR, operations, and event logistics. Passionate about cross-cultural understanding, Erina has leveraged her skills to lead and executive company-wide functions, international forums, and community-based programs in both the US and Japan. She thrives in environments connecting various stakeholders to build upon each other’s experience and backgrounds. Erina grew up in Los Angeles and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.