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Built by people who believe the world needs better leaders.

BraveMinds is a program of idealis. — a research-backed advisory firm committed to driving high performance with high humanity. We built BraveMinds because we believe that work starts earlier than most people think.

High performance and high humanity are not a tradeoff.

idealis. was founded on a simple conviction: better humans lead better organizations to better outcomes. We work with investors, boards, and C-level executives to help navigate critical inflection points — embedding leadership practices that promote empathy, trust, resilience, and accountability.

BraveMinds extends that mission to the next generation. Because the habits, skills, and self-awareness that define great leaders don’t begin in the boardroom. They begin in middle school.

The people behind BraveMinds.

Dr. Sumona de Graaf

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Founder & CEO, idealis.

Dr. Sumona de Graaf is the Founder and CEO of idealis., a research-backed advisory firm committed to driving high performance with high humanity. An organizational psychologist specializing in human motivation, she has worked with founder-led businesses, family offices, venture capital and private equity companies, and boards and management teams across the public and private sector. Most recently a F300 CHRO, she previously worked for ghSMART, Bloomberg LP, American Express and Goldman Sachs.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Allison Williams

Chief Learning Officer, idealis.

Allison Williams is the Chief Learning Officer at idealis. and brings more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership development. A former senior higher education executive, she served as Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students at Muhlenberg College, and has taught leadership at the graduate level. She leads curriculum design and program development for BraveMinds.

Pennsylvania, USA

Suzanne Berry

Director of Operations, idealis. / BraveMinds Program Director

Suzanne Berry is the Director of Operations at idealis. and serves as BraveMinds Program Director, overseeing program logistics, school partnerships, and day-to-day operations. A Doctor of Physical Therapy, Suzanne brings a grounded, human-centered approach to everything she builds. She continues to see patients part-time, keeping her closely connected to the real-world challenges that shape the next generation of leaders.

Boston, Massachusetts

BraveMinds is made possible by mission-aligned partners who believe in this work.

We are proud to partner with the 1% Pledge, Choose Love, and Khusi Girls — organizations committed to making the world more humane, more equitable, and more courageous. Their support makes BraveMinds free for the families who need it most.

Learn About the Program →Partner With Us