Meet Our Team
Dedicated educators and leaders committed to making a difference in every learner’s journey.
Benjamin McConnell
Executive Director
Benjamin McConnell is the Founder and Executive Director of GeniusLab Nonprofit, where he leads the mission to provide affordable and accessible tutoring for students across the U.S. His vision is centered on closing educational gaps for all students, with a special focus on low-income families, foster youth, and children of wounded veterans. Alongside his nonprofit leadership, Benjamin also oversees GeniusLab’s for-profit tutoring programs, giving him a unique perspective on both sustainability and impact. His experience as a tutor, program director, and entrepreneur allows him to guide GeniusLab with a balance of hands-on knowledge and long-term strategy. Driven by a belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed academically, Benjamin has built GeniusLab to combine personalized learning with community-focused solutions.
Kunlan Yang
Treasury
Kia Yang brings extensive experience in finance, venture capital, and community leadership to her role as Treasurer of GeniusLab. She has served as Managing Director at BullMont Capital, co-founded Hawaiʻi Women in Tech, and directed the Calvin Shindo Student Venture Fund at the University of Hawaiʻi, where she mentored student-led startups and supported innovative education initiatives. Her vision is centered on helping organizations grow sustainably while keeping opportunities accessible to all students, including those from underrepresented and underserved communities. Kia’s expertise in financial strategy and her passion for expanding access to education make her a key driver of GeniusLab’s mission and long-term impact.
Hugh Brady
Secretary
Hugh Brady is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a concentration in Economics. He has professional experience in real estate development and management, including work with CBRE Investment Management. While at Penn, Hugh played quarterback for the university’s football team, an experience that helped him develop leadership, discipline, and teamwork. At GeniusLab, Hugh serves as Secretary, ensuring that the nonprofit remains well-governed, transparent, and organized. He is responsible for maintaining records, documenting board meetings, and supporting clear communication across the organization. Hugh’s analytical skills, combined with his athletic and academic background, help GeniusLab stay aligned with its mission of making tutoring accessible for all students, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
Tyler Shimabukuro
Director
Tyler Shimabukuro is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College, where he studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Computer Science. He also earned a graduate certificate in Clinical Research from the University of Hawaiʻi’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. Tyler has contributed to medical research at Tripler Army Medical Center and The Queen’s Health Systems, focusing on rare diseases and therapies, and has presented his work at professional conferences. In addition to his research background, Tyler is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Healthy Steps Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthcare and promoting healthier daily habits for local communities. His combination of science, community health, and nonprofit leadership provides GeniusLab with valuable perspective on how education and wellness intersect. As Director, Tyler helps guide the organization’s mission to expand tutoring access for all students, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
