Join the CRS Recent Camper Network

Global Alumni Assembly Panel:
Reimagining Education

The Ambassadors of the Recent Camper Network are pleased to invite you to our Global Alumni Assembly Panel on Saturday, February 7th at 10:30am EST!

We are a group of recent alumni dedicated to keeping our CRS and TELE experiences and skills alive long past the last day of Camp. 

This panel will feature CRS alums Josh Thomases ('88), Naina Bhatia ('24), Julian Cancino ('03, '04), and Janyl Djusupova ('23) as they discuss Reimagining Education, bringing to the forefront shortcomings and inequalities present in today’s educational systems. Each alum will expand on their background and interest in education and research.

This assembly will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and reconnect with your alumni CRS and TELE community!

We look forward to having you join us in this thoughtful and engaging discussion!

Panelist Bios:

Naina Bhatia (she/her), CRS ‘24

Hi everyone! I am a high school senior at West Chester East outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania focused on educational equity through policy and technology. I serve as one of two student representatives on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, where I evaluate and help to shape statewide education policy, including work on science standards and student mental-health initiatives. I have founded and led multiple education programs in tutoring, robotics, entrepreneurship, and speech, emphasizing scalable, personalized learning. My academic interests center on applying artificial intelligence and data analysis to expand access to individualized educational support.

Julián Cancino (He/him/his), CRS ‘03, ‘04

Julián is an educator, strategist, and advocate based in Boston, Massachusetts. He currently serves as Associate Director at the Center for Intercultural Engagement, overseeing initiatives that strengthen cultural literacy and student care across a global network. He brings over a decade of experience in higher education, with previous roles at Harvard, Tufts, and Brandeis. Julián holds an MBA from Brandeis University and a BA from UC Berkeley, with further studies at the Rabb School and Fletcher School. Julián is from Chiapas, Mexico. He is a proud Camp Rising Sun Alumni and former board member of the Louis August Jonas Foundation. 

Janyl Djusupova (She/her), crs ‘23

Janyl is interested in the intersection of economics, finance, public policy, and education, with a focus on designing sustainable and inclusive solutions to social challenges. She is the founder of Gül Academy of Learning, an initiative that provides free English education to underserved communities, aimed at expanding access to opportunities and strengthening human capital. Her work and interests center on how economic policy, financial systems, and education can work together to support equitable development and long-term impact.

Josh Thomases (He/Him), CRS ‘88

Josh is the founder and CEO of IPsquared, a leadership consulting group committed to helping socially conscious organizations achieve their fullest potential.  IPsquared has supported districts, CMOs, non-profits, startups, and statewide policy convenings. We stand alongside committed leaders as they grapple with the most important issues in their organizations.  During 30 years in public service, Josh has worked with educators and leaders to build impactful, reflective, and equitable organizations. Josh began his career as a founding teacher at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, a nationally known model for community-driven, culturally responsive, education. At the NYC Department of Education, Josh oversaw the opening of 350 new small schools and spearheaded the k-20 college and career readiness agenda for the city. Later he served as Dean at Bank Street College of Education where he oversaw their community programs, launched the Center for Culture, Race and Equity and Prepared to Teach, focused on transforming the teacher ecosystem in the United States. Most recently, Josh led a multi-state charter network designed around high dosage tutoring and national service. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and sons, Elian ('23 and '24) and Aaron ('25) .