Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot (NLC Sacremento 2024) is a Korean American writer focused on the intersections of politics, art, identity, and online culture. He currently serves as the managing editor for the League of California Cities’ online publications, where he uplifts stories from underrepresented communities.

Brian began his writing journey in the art world and helped lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts at the Crocker Art Museum. A proud son of a blue-collar family from Oklahoma, he holds degrees in religion, philosophy, and communications from Drury University. In his spare time, Brian enjoys spending time with friends, exploring Sacramento’s food scene, and diving into all things pop culture.

Pranoo Kumar

Pranoo Kumar (NLC Palm Beach 2024) (she/they) is the proud immigrant daughter of Konkani Indian parents, an educator, TEDx speaker, and mother who is passionate about identity-driven education. Pranoo has founded inclusive early childhood and elementary programs in Harlem, the South Bronx, and Washington state, where she co-founded the state’s first elementary charter school.

In 2019, she launched divHERse education consulting to address the lack of representation and retention of women of color in education leadership. She later opened Rohi’s Readery, a social justice-centered children’s bookstore and learning center. With over 300 free community events and more than 170 partnerships, her work centers on liberation through learning. Pranoo has been recognized as a two-time NY Teacher of the Year, a Gates Foundation contributor, and a Champion for Equity in Education. She is also a professor at Watson Institute x Lynn University and holds advanced degrees in biology, medical sciences, and education.

Josephine Kong

Josephine Kong (NLC Silicon Valley 2024) (she/her) is an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in technology. A Sunnyvale native, Josephine believes tech education and careers should be within reach for everyone. She works in advertising technology as a Social Media Ad Operations Specialist at Frequence Inc.

Outside of work, Josephine volunteers as a remote tech coach with DOROT, helping older adults build digital confidence and stay connected. She also serves as an advisory board member and marketing and membership volunteer for the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP), a nonprofit founded in 1987 and based in Santa Clara County. CHCP is dedicated to promoting, educating, and preserving Chinese and Chinese American history and culture. Through community outreach and education, the organization shares its stories with the people of Silicon Valley and beyond.

Josephine earned her BBA in International Business and Marketing from St. Edward’s University. Her approach to leadership is rooted in service and community, and her hobbies include singing in a choir, traveling, exploring new foods, and doing Zumba.