Oakland, CA – Tilting Futures is proud to announce the appointment of three dynamic leaders who will contribute their expertise and vision to the organization. They join an active, majority-women board at an exciting moment in the organization’s momentum. Their collective backgrounds in higher education, media, and philanthropy will help us expand access to transformative, experiential education opportunities for young people worldwide.
Our New Board Members
- Eric Nee, Writer, Editor, and Social Innovation Advisor
- Dr. Jem Spectar, President, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown
Our New Development & Nominating Committee Member
- Craig Styles, Vice President, Morgan Stanley
Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, shared:
“At Tilting Futures, we believe that global education and service opportunities have the power to unlock potential and catapult young people’s trajectories. What unites our new board and committee members is the seismic, life-altering experiences they had in cultures and communities beyond their own. These moments didn’t just shape their worldviews; they set them on the path to breaking barriers, driving change, and expanding access to opportunity. Their expertise and insight will help us shape the future of experiential learning. I’m thrilled to welcome them aboard and look forward to all we will accomplish together.”
A Bold Future Ahead
With the addition of Eric, and Jem to our Board of Directors, and Craig to our Development & Nominating Committee, Tilting Futures is accelerating its work to build a worldwide coalition of young people equipped to tackle our most pressing global challenges. We aim to make experiential global learning a universal rite of passage, one that becomes a standard in mainstream education. With rising demand from students, higher education institutions, and industry leaders, expanding access has never been more critical. The leadership of our new Board and Committee Members will guide us in ensuring more young people have the opportunities, networks, and experiences they need to lead, innovate, and create lasting social impact.
Meet Our New Board Members
A leading voice in social innovation, Eric Nee brings nearly two decades of editorial leadership in the philanthropy and social innovation sectors. He served as the editor-in-chief of Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) for six years and the managing editor for 12 years, helping establish the publication as a premier platform for advancing global conversations on philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and social impact.
Before his tenure at SSIR, Eric was a senior writer at Fortune magazine. While there, he helped Time Inc. launch eCompany Now, which later became Business 2.0. He also launched Forbes’s Silicon Valley bureau, where he was bureau manager. He has previously served as editor-in-chief of Upside and held positions at a variety of other technology publications. Eric is also the author of, “Information for Everyone: The Applied Materials Story.”
ERIC’S TILT MOMENT
Dr. Jem Spectar
President, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown
Dr. Jem Spectar is the President of the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown (UPJ), a position he has held since 2007. Previously, Jem served as an academic administrator and professor at institutions including Princeton University, the University of Scranton, Western Oregon University, and the University of La Verne. Under his leadership, UPJ has undergone several transformative developments that have elevated the institution’s stature, impact, and profile in national rankings. These include the introduction of competitive new programs in business, engineering, and nursing; increased community engagement; and a fivefold increase in the university’s endowment.
A thought leader focused on sustaining democracy through civic engagement and reducing rural-urban polarization, Jem is frequently invited to speak at national forums, including the National Constitution Center (Constitution Day, 2022). Under his leadership, UPJ developed a unique American Democracy Scholar Certificate and partnered with regional K–12 schools through the American Civic Education Initiative and the popular Democracy Bowl competition.
In addition to his scholarly publications and op-eds, Jem is the author of several books, including Movement + Music = Medicine and the forthcoming The Mind, the Medicineman, and the Dancer. He has also curated an extensive collection of world dance art and enjoys golf and gardening.
Jem is the first African immigrant to be named a university president in the United States and has received several notable recognitions, including being named among the most “influential Americans of recent African immigrant heritage.”
He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Claremont Graduate University, a J.D. from the University of Maryland, an M.A. from George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Frostburg State University, and a B.A. from the University of La Verne, California.
JEM’S TILT MOMENT
Meet Our New Committee Member
Craig Styles is a philanthropic advisor with deep experience working in the financial services industry. He currently works at Morgan Stanley where he is a vice president focused on developing customized philanthropic strategies for individuals, families, family offices, foundations, and nonprofits.
Craig brings a firm belief in service, impact, and access to all his work. For more than a decade, he has served as an undergraduate student mentor for the Villanova School of Business and is also a member of the Advancement Committee at St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City. Craig is excited to join Tilting Futures and support the organization in a time of significant growth.
CRAIG’S TILT MOMENT
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About Tilting Futures
Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges and to make global experiential learning a universal rite of passage. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive social impact in their communities and industries. Our flagship program, Take Action Labs, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation. With rising demand from students, higher education institutions, and industry leaders, we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When they graduate, our students join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and create impact across sectors and borders.
For more information about our board and programs, visit https://www.tiltingfutures.org.
Media Contact:
Aziza Musa, Chief External Affairs Officer
