Our Founder

Alex Turner

Shaila Kapoor

Founder & Executive Director

Shaila founded Boys Who Write to address a fundamental problem: young men are losing their ability to communicate in healthy, meaningful ways.

With more than two decades of experience launching new technology products and businesses across startups, nonprofits, and corporations, she brings both innovation and empathy to her work. Shaila also co-founded Oxford Day Academy in East Palo Alto and co-developed all curriculum (Finalist, XQ Super School Challenge). Internationally, she has led education initiatives supporting girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and other leading publications. Shaila has a degree in Economics and Communications from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from The Anderson School at UCLA.

Alex Turner

Jason Pittman

Director of Curriculum

Jason designs all Boys Who Write curriculum based on research, literacy standards, and student/teacher feedback.

He develops lesson plans, project frameworks, student materials, and assessments to inspire deep learning and skill mastery. Prior to Boys Who Write, he was a founding educator of Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan.

He has served as CEO of Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) and as Educator at Sea on Robert Ballard’s Titanic Corps of Exploration.

His leadership in education has earned recognition from Michelle Obama, a commendation from the Virginia General Assembly, and the title of Early Educator of the Year from the National Science Teachers Association.

Shaila Kapoor

Founder & Executive Director

Shaila founded Boys Who Write to address a fundamental problem: young men are losing their ability to communicate in healthy, meaningful ways.

With more than two decades of experience launching new technology products and businesses across startups, nonprofits, and corporations, she brings both innovation and empathy to her work. Shaila also co-founded Oxford Day Academy in East Palo Alto and co-developed all curriculum (Finalist, XQ Super School Challenge). Internationally, she has led education initiatives supporting girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and other leading publications. Shaila has a degree in Economics and Communications from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from The Anderson School at UCLA.