About Launchpad

Shirin Foroudi

President + Chief Nerd-Herder

I’m a lifelong educator with experience writing state-level curricular resources, coaching/training school and counseling teams, and teaching English, SAT prep, and a mix of other courses. I've worked at TNTP, Uplift, and KIPP NYC – and I’ve worked with some of the best and brightest kids and adults in those spaces. Most of those "kids" are now in their late 20s and early 30s, which has gifted me such great perspective of the long game.

Helping kids get to great colleges was really fun, and I look forward to doing that with our crewmembers at Launchpad. 

I’m also a mom, an Oak Cliff resident, and probably in the middle of various projects. 

Mark McMillan

Board Member

I believe society has a responsibility to nurture gifted children — it's crucial that we support those with the greatest potential as they develop into the adults who will build a better tomorrow.  

When I'm not working on Launchpad, I am a partner at a law firm specializing in tax, with a practice focused on private wealth. My professional background has given me a deep understanding of the importance of planning for the future, investing in potential, and non-profit governance, which informs my contributions to the Launchpad board.

In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, cycling, and spending time with my family.