In her second year of teaching, the school year was disrupted by COVID-19, and the World Language department found themselves piecing together various tools to replicate the learning that once took place in the classroom. Emily quickly realized how beneficial some of these tools were for engaging students – even when learning remotely.

Upon returning to the classroom post-COVID, Emily increasingly noticed a drop in student engagement. The “Why You Should Learn Spanish” slide deck she presented at the start of each year no longer seemed to resonate. She remembered how transformative the Spanish exchange program had been for her and wanted to offer a similar experience to her own students. But she also recognized that not every school, including hers, has the resources – or even the interest – to provide such programs. And even when they do, not every student can or will take advantage of them.

In 2023, Emily came up with the idea for EasyExchange during her year teaching elementary Spanish. It began as a personal project to learn UX design while she explored transitioning out of the classroom. But once she realized the potential of what she was building, she decided to take it seriously. With the school year ending – and with a mortgage, bills, and a toddler – Emily began working at a nonprofit supporting international high school students through the J-1 visa program. It was there she met her future co-founder, Dave Brown, shortly before his departure.

After some time away from the classroom, and with renewed clarity about the needs of both students and teachers, Emily recommitted herself to bringing EasyExchange to life, and she's welcomed Dave on that journey.

Professionally, Dave began his career as a photographer and creative entrepreneur. A chance friendship with international interns living in his building eventually led to his first professional role in cultural exchange. He went on to spend over nine years managing programs like Work and Travel USA, Camp Counselor USA, and Work and Travel Australia. Later, he stepped into a leadership role overseeing inbound high school exchange programs, where he led teams and supported students, host families, and both school and international partners across the U.S. and beyond. Over the years, he helped bring hundreds – if not thousands – of international students to the U.S. for transformative cultural experiences.

Dave has also led short-term programs for American high school students in France and Europe, as well as international recruiting tours that connected American employers with foreign students seeking seasonal work and cultural immersion in the United States. He and his wife have hosted four exchange students in their home and plan to continue hosting for many years to come. For Dave, the most meaningful part of this work is the human connection: the friendships, stories, and shared understanding that come from engaging with another culture.

After reconnecting with Emily following their earlier work in exchange, Dave was immediately drawn to her vision for EasyExchange. Inspired by her passion and the platform’s potential, he asked to join the project – and never looked back.

With a background in leadership, mentoring, operations, design, and entrepreneurship, Dave brings a creative and strategic mindset to the team. His vision is for EasyExchange to become a global tool that empowers educators and expands access to cultural exchange – regardless of a student’s travel ability or economic background.

As a parent, Dave hopes to pass along the same opportunities he had to his daughter: to travel, to connect, and to see the world through many lenses. He believes each new experience reshapes our perspective – and that even virtual exchange can spark the empathy, curiosity, and global understanding young people need most.