The Leaders’ Table

Amanda Renteria leads Code for America as CEO, guided by a deep belief in public institutions and the promise of opportunity. She has led the organization in modernizing safety-net systems across states, launched innovative resources to combat child poverty, and streamlined services that impact millions of Americans. 

Raised in California’s Central Valley by her parents — including her father, who immigrated from Mexico —Amanda traces her drive to the teachers, coaches, and family members who opened doors she did not know existed. Her first role in public service was as a teacher — an experience that grounded her belief that the government should expand opportunity. As the first Latina chief of staff in Senate history, she sees civic leadership as a responsibility — one that demands authenticity, curiosity, and a commitment to bridging gaps between communities and government.

A conversation about public service, institutional trust, and how bringing a small-town lens to national leadership keeps you learning and open to new ideas.

Dr. Penny Lee Schwinn is currently a Senior Advisor at Emerson Collective, an organization that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators tackling complex challenges in education, immigration, the environment, and beyond.

Previously she served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education from 2019-2023 where she led the restructuring of the state’s $9 billion school funding system. Prior to this live taping, Penny was the recipient of the 2026 Courageous Leader Award from LEE for her intentional focus on changing outcomes for kids regardless of the political context.

In this episode, she discusses how she grounds all her decisions in the responsibility for her kids and the children of others. She also shares how she “dances it out” to prepare for tough meetings and recentering joy. Penny shares how many different people and groups have tried to define her, but she defines herself as a mom of three, educator, and someone who is always student and child focused. An inspiring conversation about leadership driven by a singular focus on providing every child what they deserve.