About the Founder

Kristina Ishmael is an educator, policy architect, and the Principal & Global Strategist of Ishmael Consulting. With over two decades of experience spanning the classroom, state leadership, and the federal government, Kristina helps global organizations bridge the gap between ambitious policy and human impact.

A Legacy of Leadership

Before launching her global advisory firm, Kristina served as the Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology under the Biden-Harris Administration. During her tenure, she was instrumental in shaping national policy on digital equity and played a pivotal role in the development and global dissemination of the landmark 2023 report, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning. Her federal service was preceded by a career-long dedication to the field, including roles as a Senior Research Fellow at New America and the Digital Learning Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education.

Radically Authentic Advocacy

As a queer woman and former teacher of emerging bilingual students, Kristina’s work is rooted in the belief that technology should never be a barrier to human connection. She is a vocal advocate for radical authenticity in leadership, speaking openly about the realities of political unrest and the vital importance of mental health within our educational systems. Kristina believes that true innovation must be co-developed with the communities it serves, ensuring that policy is both culturally responsive and universally accessible.

Academic Foundation

Kristina’s strategic work is backed by a rigorous interdisciplinary academic background. She holds:

Master of Arts in Learning Technologies from Pepperdine University
Master of Science in Reading and English as a Second Language from Concordia University of Nebraska
Dual Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Peru State College
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Business and Mass Communications from Arizona State University

A Global Perspective

Currently based in Barcelona, Spain, as a digital nomad, Kristina brings a transatlantic lens to the modern educational landscape. Whether she is advising Ministries of Education, keynoting international conferences, or partnering with edtech innovators, she remains dedicated to the "anywhere, anytime" learning philosophy—living it daily as she travels the world and reimagines the future of education.

Core
Values

Radical Authenticity

We believe leadership requires the courage to acknowledge the world as it is. We don’t shy away from the hard conversations—whether addressing the impact of political unrest, prioritizing mental health, or navigating the complexities of identity. We bring our full selves to the work and invite our partners to do the same.

Human-Centered Innovation

Technology should amplify human connection, not replace it. We advocate for "human-in-the-loop" systems where educators and learners are the primary architects of their digital tools. If a policy or tool doesn't serve the "whole person," it doesn't serve the mission.

Equity by Design

Digital equity isn't an add-on; it is the foundation. We champion "co-development," ensuring that marginalized voices—including multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and the LGBTQI+ community—are at the center of the design process, not an afterthought.

Borderless Collaboration

Learning happens everywhere and all the time. Living the future of work as a global digital nomad, we bring a transatlantic perspective that breaks down silos between federal policy and local practice. We believe the best solutions are found when we look beyond geographic and institutional borders.

Integrity in Advocacy

We bridge the gap between ambitious policy and ethical practice. Grounded in a 360-degree view of the education system—from the classroom to the Cabinet—we provide strategic advice that is as pedologically sound as it is politically savvy.