As the North America Continent Lead and a key member of the New Earth Project Leadership Team, Evan Freeman is committed to advancing STEM education, AI integration, and global collaboration. With extensive experience in education, technology, and entrepreneurship, he plays a pivotal role in guiding students and educators across North America in this groundbreaking initiative. Evan is a long-time tech educator with global experience, beginning his work in Asia, where he volunteered with the Santitham Education and Development Foundation to help establish safe houses for ethnic Karen students fleeing the Myanmar conflict. His passion for education and impact-driven technology has led him to build multiple education businesses across Japan, Africa, and the U.S., including founding 5thwork, a learn-and-earn platform designed to help impoverished children earn money while receiving an education—offering an alternative to working in dangerous conditions. Evan has also served as the Director of Education for a Swiss-based tech nonprofit focused on blockchain technology, as well as working with an African/Caribbean-focused incubator leveraging emerging technologies to solve critical challenges in Africa. In addition, he actively mentors middle school students on the benefits of technology and entrepreneurship for the Hawaii State Department of Education. Through his expertise in digital learning, STEM education, and global impact initiatives, Evan is helping to shape a new generation of problem-solvers and global thinkers. As part of the New Earth Project, he is leading efforts to connect students across North America with peers from six continents, using STEM, AI, and the Metaverse to tackle real-world challenges and drive collaborative solutions for a better future. Evan’s leadership ensures that students from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico can connect with peers from six continents, using STEM, AI, and the Metaverse to tackle real-world challenges. Through his expertise in digital learning and innovation, he is shaping a new generation of problem-solvers and global thinkers, driving collaborative solutions for a better future.

As the Oceania Continent Lead for the New Earth Project, Maria brings over 20 years of experience in marine and aquatic ecology, environmental science, and STEM education. Passionate about sustainability, conservation, and citizen science, she has worked extensively in marine habitat assessment, environmental impact analysis, and community engagement. Maria’s expertise in natural resource management and environmental education makes her a key leader in guiding students across Australia and Oceania in the New Earth Project. Through her leadership, students will explore STEM, AI, and digital collaboration to address global environmental challenges and develop real-world solutions in a shared, interactive learning experience.

Chimwemwe Shaba is the Africa Continent Lead for the New Earth Project, dedicated to empowering African students through technology and innovation. As a Computer Science and ICT educator at Lusaka International Community School (LICS), he brings a passion for integrating cutting-edge technology into education, as demonstrated by leading schools to top rankings in international coding competitions. With a BSc in Computing and certifications from Google, Microsoft and Cambridge, Chimwemwe inspires students across Africa to collaborate globally, apply STEM principles, and leverage AI and the Metaverse to solve real-world challenges. His goal is to prepare the next generation of African innovators to shape a better future.

Nick Casey – Asia Lead, The New Earth Project Nick Casey is an experienced educational leader with a strong background in strategic leadership, curriculum innovation, and professional learning. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, and driving continuous school improvement. As Head of Primary at Dulwich College Suzhou, Nick is committed to ensuring that emerging technologies are not just added to the curriculum but are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the school. He believes technology should enhance learning, empower educators, and equip students with the skills needed for the future. Nick collaborates with EdTech leaders both within his school and across the group, driving innovation in digital learning. At his school, Nick works alongside a team of EdTech leaders who research emerging trends, implement best practices, and provide ongoing professional development to ensure staff can effectively integrate technology into their teaching. By exploring cutting-edge tools and strategies, they create dynamic learning experiences that empower students with digital skills, adaptability, and critical thinking for the future. As the Asia Lead for The New Earth Project, Nick plays a pivotal role in guiding educators and students across the region to collaborate in a virtual space, leveraging AI and sustainability-focused solutions. His work within The New Earth Project aligns with his passion for equipping the next generation of innovators with the tools, mindset, and skills needed to solve global challenges. Through cross-border collaborations, he enables students to apply Design Thinking and emerging technologies to develop solutions with real-world impact. Nick is committed to encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, empowering educators to integrate emerging technologies and shape the evolving educational landscape. His ultimate goal is to cultivate global citizenship and lifelong learning, equipping students to make a positive impact in an interconnected world.

As the Europe Continent Lead for the New Earth Project, Dr. Maryam Sani brings a wealth of expertise in STEM education, career development, and global mentorship. As the founder of ABS Educational Services and an advocate for STEM innovation and accessibility, she is dedicated to ensuring students have the opportunities, guidance, and resources to excel in STEM fields. Dr. Sani’s work spans curriculum development, teacher training, university partnerships, and space education initiatives, where she actively leads STEM-related contests, mentorship programs, and global education conferences. As the Education Lead for the Space Prize Foundation, she is driving initiatives that inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, particularly young women. Through the New Earth Project, Dr. Sani is leading Europe’s involvement in this groundbreaking global collaboration, empowering students to use STEM, AI, and the Metaverse to tackle real-world challenges. Her leadership ensures that students across Europe connect with peers from six continents, engaging in cutting-edge problem-solving and innovation that extends beyond the classroom and into the future of global education.

Continent Lead - Announcing Soon