OUR core TEAM
We come from diverse backgrounds, but share a common purpose: to transform learning and help millions of kids succeed.
James Centenera
(he/ him)
James is the Chairperson of TULA and a Co-Founder. After volunteering as a teacher in Nepal and working with McKinsey, he joined the world’s leading education company, Pearson. He helped spread innovative education ventures throughout the developing world. One of his projects was to establish and lead operations at APEC Schools, a chain of affordable private high schools supported by Ayala and Pearson.
MARA EALA
(she/ her)
Mara is TULA’s Chief Innovation Officer and a Co-Founder. She is responsible for learner development and growth. This includes ensuring learning coaches are well-trained in innovative techniques and that learning materials are both highly interesting and trigger great learning.
Prior to joining, Mara pursued her interest in education and development by serving as a volunteer with rural communities in Tanzania and Kenya. There she witnessed the truly transformative power of education and sought to devote herself to educating young minds, by working as an English and Christian Life Education elementary school teacher.
She graduated cum laude with a degree in Psychology and a Minor in Education from the Ateneo de Manila University and received a Masters of Education in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
ELISE ZULUETA
(she/ her)
Elise is TULA’s Chief Operating Officer and a Co-Founder. She designed TULA’s operational systems and now leads operations across the network. Since college, Elise has been pursuing her passions in the fields of development, education, and writing. She has worked as a recruitment and development associate with Teach for the Philippines and as the academic director of A-HA! Learning Center, a free after-school tutorial program for public school students in Makati. Elise graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of the Philippines
RAYA CORPUZ
(she/ her)
Raya is TULA’s Head of Customer Experience. She translates TULA’s value to parents by helping them realize that their child can achieve their fullest potential with the right support.
Raya leads and oversees customer satisfaction at TULA, and is also responsible for managing the organization’s customer acquisition and retention campaigns. Before joining, Raya pursued her interest in writing by working as a Public Relations Specialist focused on community building under the media team of a local government official. In 2017, she decided to join TULA to help grow and expand its community.
She has a degree in Journalism and was a consistent academic scholar and recognized President’s lister from the University of the East.
LEANA MANUEL
(she/ her)
Leana is TULA's Learning and Content Manager. She manages content development for TULA's School Readiness Program (SRP), which caters to young learners. Leana is also responsible for overseeing the effectiveness of the 1-on-1 program and supporting the growth of our learning coaches.
Before joining TULA, she was involved in various organizations that advocate for quality education. Leana is part of the Global Schools Program under UN SDSN and she is a leader in championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Because of her experience in sustainability, she realized the important role that education plays toward prosperity and decided to make a positive impact in that field.
BRIAN CORTEZ
(he/ him)
Brian is TULA’s Parent and Team Lead.