The Rithm Project
What if this rising generation leads us into a new era of human connection, rebuilding and evolving our relationships with one another and with AI?
The Rithm Project is dedicated to restoring and evolving human connection in an era shaped by AI. As young people face rising social disconnection—exacerbated by digital technologies and AI-driven relationships—our mission is to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and agency to foster meaningful connections in both digital and physical spaces. Our goal is ambitious: by 2035, we aim to restore social connection levels to those seen before the smartphone era. This work will ensure young people are not passive consumers of AI but active architects of a future where technology strengthens, rather than erodes, human connection.
Michelle Culver is the Founder of The Rithm Project, which rebuilds and evolves human connection for young people in the age of AI. She has led at the forefront of human flourishing for over two decades, working at the intersection of equity and innovation. Beginning her career as a 5th-grade teacher in Compton, she played a pivotal role in building Teach For America’s first national program, increasing educator efficacy and diversity as the teaching corps grew 10-fold. As EVP of Regional Operations, she oversaw 14 executive directors, 300 staff members and a $68 million budget, impacting over 200,000 students. Her work with the fastest improving school districts in the nation fueled her belief in fundamentally redesigning American public education, leading her to create the Reinvention Lab, TFA’s R&D engine. Michelle serves on the boards of RISE Colorado, DaVinci Schools & The Reinvention Lab and advises Playlab AI, aiEDU, and the Circle India. Married to a Salesforce futurist, they envision possible futures in which their two daughters and all young people across the country can thrive in and actively shape. She is a proud Pahara Fellow with the Aspen Institute.
Alison leads The Rithm Project’s youth-focused research and emerging tech foresight. A researcher and product strategist by training, she’s dedicated her career to designing for belonging, safety, and youth thriving—applying her expertise at both ed nonprofits and tech giants alike, most recently leading research on safety and integrity at Instagram, and Responsible AI at Meta. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science in Education and a Master’s in Learning Analytics from Columbia University. Alison lives in the Bay Area with her puppy, Jellybean, and spends her free time listening to R&B and playing video games with friends on Discord.