Phd in Cognitive Science in Education, BAS in Systems Engineering

Teachers College, Columbia University

Hi! I’m Azi, A GIANT dreamer. Founder of The GIANT Room

I have a PhD in Cognitive Science in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. After grad studies, I co-founded Tiggly, an early learning company that pioneered the integration of physical play with digital applications, to provide a rich and interactive learning experience for children. Next, I joined littleBits as their head of education strategy. Millions of children got to love learning math and writing their first words with Tiggly. Millions more are inventing the world they want to live in with littleBits.

I’m a TED speaker, former TED resident, have published journal articles and book chapters on a broad range of topics such as designing learning platforms for children, emerging educational tech, game design, mathematical education, and cognition. I’m honored to have received numerous awards including “IES Prize for Excellence in Research on Cognition and Student Learning” and “The Cooney Center’s certificate of innovation in Children’s Learning”.

Today, I’m the CEO at The GIANT Room, giving every child the opportunity and community support they need to act on their most ambitious dreams.

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PhD in Science Education

Teachers College, Columbia University

Jessica Mezei, PhD is the Chief Partnership Officer and Co-Founder of The GIANT Room, where she builds joyful, community-powered collaborations with libraries, schools, museums, and corporate partners. She holds a PhD in Science Education from Columbia University and brings over two decades of experience working across classrooms, informal learning environments, research, and education-focused startups—shaping learning experiences that connect teaching, design, and innovation.

At GIANT, Jess designs partnerships that amplify kids’ voices and help young people build confidence through creative experiences, inviting them to see their ideas valued, shared, and celebrated in their communities

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MS in Neuroscience and Education

Teachers College, Columbia University

Maria Eugenia (“Maru”) is a passionate educator and curriculum writer from Monterrey, México. She earned a master’s degree in Neuroscience and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has been with The GIANT Room since graduating. Maru began as a Creative Tech Resident and now serves as the company’s Executive Director of Instructional Design. In this role, she leads the design and delivery of in-person engagements, including afterschool programs, co-design workshops, and special events.

BM in Flute Performance, MA in Arts Entrepreneurship

Mannes School of Music & The New School

Rebecca Schifilliti is an educator and artist with an entrepreneurial spirit. Rebecca is the co-founder and co-executive director of Art Beyond the Ink, an arts education organization which supports students and early-career artists through musical storytelling and interdisciplinary collaboration. At The GIANT Room, she runs their daily Creative Bootcamp program and builds curriculum and content for STEAM (STEM + Arts) workshops, including a collection of over 300 educational videos and lesson plans. As a musician, Rebecca has participated in the Krymov Lab, working with visionary Russian theater artist Dmitry Krymov on the creation of an original theater piece. She has also performed in venues throughout NYC and abroad.

MA in Instructional Technology and Media

Teachers College, Columbia University

Hongjin is the Director of Research at The GIANT Room, where she leads the design and facilitation of the research and co-design projects in close collaboration with industry partners. She conducts research analysis and translates findings into clear, actionable reports that support educational product designers as they iterate on future versions of their work. Hongjin holds an MA in Instructional Technology and Media from Columbia University and brings experience from instructional design in higher education as well as leading STEAM programming in maker-spaces for diverse audiences. Her research interests center on human learning, with a particular focus on designing collaborative learning experiences for and with children.

Rama Deshpande is a designer and researcher with an MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design - The New School, New York. She has professional experience as a UX/UI and game designer, conducting user research and testing, and designing and developing playful interfaces. She channels her enthusiasm into co-designing meaningful educational experiences with kids through fun, playful, curiosity-driven research. She also has experience teaching creative STEM + Storytelling to children ages 3 to 12 years old during afterschool, and enrichment programs at schools and museums.

Hi, I'm Iris! I'm a product designer who loves turning complex problems into simple, delightful experiences that users actually want to use.
I specialize in research-driven design by diving deep into user needs, iterating quickly, and measuring what matters. Whether I'm working on 0-1 products or scaling existing platforms, I focus on creating solutions that balance user empathy with business impact.
I thrive at the intersection of strategy and craft, connecting user insights to product decisions, designing systems that grow with the product, and partnering with teams to bring ideas to life. For me, great design starts with understanding people and ends with outcomes you can measure.

Aaron is an educator and artist from New York City. He has previously taught at NYU Tisch, Stella Adler, and Actionplay, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing actors of all abilities with equal access to the theatre-making process. He is also passionate about science and software, holding a Certificate in Software Development from the Flatiron School, and a Certification in Cybersecurity from ISC2. He loves developing STEAM (STEM + Arts) curriculum, as well as facilitating GIANT product design sessions with young people.

Mariana Hartwell is a creative educator and designer from Monterrey, Mexico, now based in New York City. She specializes in UI/UX and graphic design, creating engaging experiences at the intersection of art and technology.

Paulina is a Graphic Designer who graduated from Universidad del Desarrollo with a Diploma in Innovation and Interdisciplinary Studies. She focuses on creating clear, consistent visual solutions based on strong design fundamentals and visual communication. She has experience in professional creative environments, including work connected to The GIANT Room. At GIANT, she contributes to design-related projects and the development of different visual materials.
Based in Santiago, Chile, she is interested in continuing to grow professionally and collaborating on projects where design adds strategic and creative value to always achieve the best possible outcome.

Swara is a multimedia illustrator and educator working across analogue and digital illustration, animation and sculpture. She takes a special interest in narrative and game design, working with illustration, 3D modelling and fabrication to craft characters, creatures and worlds. With a BFA in Illustration from the Parsons School of Design, her professional work as an illustrator has spanned working in sets, jewellery design, logo design and editorial illustration. Her clients here have ranged from film production studios and creative agencies in India to accessories brands based out of Korea and NYC. Her career as an afterschool educator finds her working at The GIANT Room and Splat Lab where she teaches Anthro-Arts and STEAM programs. As an educator, she introduces children to world cultures, scientific concepts and creative solutions through art, craft and experimenting. With her passion for guiding kids with projects as diverse as her interests, she seeks to be a resource in bringing their wildest imaginations and ideas to life.

Vanessa is a designer with a passion for painting, art, and visual creativity. She has worked as a freelance graphic designer, creating thoughtful and engaging designs that bring ideas to life. She combines creativity with professionalism to deliver work that reflects both artistic vision and purpose.