Magnolia Staff

Riley Petersen was born and raised in Sonoma County, and was in the first class of high school students to complete Magnolia Project’s Apprenticeship Program, as a 12th grade student at Geyserville New Tech Academy (GNTA)  in Geyserville. Riley graduated from GNTA as the class Salutatorian, while concurrently enrolled at the Santa Rosa Junior College.

Gianna Biaggi founded Magnolia Project through a High Tech High New School Creation Fellowship in 2021. She is a social entrepreneur, former teacher and administrator. Gianna has previously held roles at Abaarso School of Science and Technology and High Tech High. She has a B.A. in International Studies from Kenyon College, an M.Ed. from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, and a CTE Credential. Gianna has had professional fellowships from Future Founders and the Watson Institute, and is the 2017 winner of the Samuel Huntington Award for Public Service.