SEE (Students Economically Empowered)
What if we could ensure every student could navigate and realize their passions, purpose, and career opportunities, regardless of their background?
Over 2.1 million students aged 16-24 either drop out of high school or do not pursue further education. Without strong identity or access to opportunities, these students often lose purpose, disengage, and leave education altogether.
SEE (Students Economically Empowered) will strengthen identity and expand access to opportunities for underserved students to unlock their sense of purpose and boost economic mobility. Anchored in Ecological Systems Theory and Identity-Based Motivation, SEE hypothesizes that Powered-Up Identity + Access to Opportunities = Enhanced Economic Mobility and Sense of Purpose. SEE will prototype a multi-agent AI system guiding students, counselors, and parents through a continuous, feedback-driven learning journey, reconnecting young people with mentors, programs, and real-world pathways.
Phyllis Lockett has led transformation efforts in education, government and the civic arena. Ms Lockett is currently the CEO of LEAP-X, an education innovation lab that designs and creates solutions for the future of learning. Ms. Lockett is the Founder and Senior Advisor of LEAP Innovations, which connects innovation and education to transform how students learn. LEAP launched the first teaching and learning framework for personalized learning in the country, and the largest Ed tech pilot network in the US. Prior to her role with LEAP, she served as the founding CEO of New Schools for Chicago, a venture philanthropy that invested in the start-up of 80 new public schools. Ms. Lockett previously served as the executive director of the Civic Consulting Alliance (CCA), a pro-bono consulting firm for government agencies, and led key projects that shaped the Chicago Transit Authority’s $2.8B capital improvement program, and the Chicago Housing Authority’s $1.5B Plan for Transformation. Ms. Lockett has held sales and marketing roles with IBM, Kraft Foods, and General Mills. Ms. Lockett serves as a director of the CME Group (Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance committee); and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (Chairperson of the Operations and Technology committee). Ms. Lockett is an advisor with GSV Ventures and board member of SAGA Education. She is also a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, The Chicago Network, Commercial Club of Chicago, and a Henry Crown Fellow with the Aspen Institute.
Yuxi leads the Product & Program Development of SEE. A seasoned EdTech entrepreneur, advisor, and Chicago Booth MBA, Yuxi brings extensive experience creating scalable, impactful products that bridge critical gaps in education and workforce readiness. As the co-founder of Knovva Academy and an advisor to organizations specializing in career readiness and workforce development, she has directly impacted thousands of students and families by creating innovative pathways to success.
Leveraging her expertise in the latest technologies, particularly advanced AI, Yuxi is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers by igniting students’ occupational identities and connecting them to personalized, meaningful opportunities. Yuxi believes deeply in the unique potential of each and every student and is passionate about empowering them to achieve their fullest potential – not just academically, but in career and in life.