Understanding Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education in an age of TrumpMania

Linda McMahon is the nominee for the United States Secretary of Education. Less known for her involvement in the world of higher education, there is a fair amount of uncertainty, curiosity, and consternation surrounding Ms. McMahon in the public sphere. This event will aim to demystify Linda McMahon as a business person, public servant and public figure to understand her potential policies and philosophies in serving in this role. Speakers will provide their unique perspective based upon their background in education as well as deep understandings of the world of professional wrestling and the WWE, a company in which Linda McMahon is most associated as a co-founder and former executive.

Lavie Margolin

Managing Director of the S Jay Levy Fellowship, Author, TrumpMania

Lavie Margolin serves as the Managing Director for the S Jay Levy Fellowship at the City College of New York. He has served with this program proudly since 2015 and held positions in the fields of workforce development and higher education since 2003. He is the author of TrumpMania: Vince McMahon, WWE and the Making of America's 45th President. Lavie obtained his B.S. In Marketing from Yeshiva University, M.A. In Adult Learning from Empire State University and is a candidate to received his EdD. from Empire State in the Spring of 2025. He has been quoted in publications as diverse as the New York Times and Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

Principal – Staten Island Technical High School

Mark Erlenwein is the principal, alumnus and storyteller/listener-in-chief of Staten Island Technical High School, since 2013. Mr. Erlenwein is a dynamic education leader who uses pop-culture, creativity, innovation, collaboration and technology to compassionately lead in blurring the lines between High School, College and Career. Mr. Erlenwein, started at SITHS in 1997, as a Chemistry and STEAM teacher and in 2005 transitioned to the role as an Assistant Principal, where his journey of reimagining the high school experience began. Staten Island Tech is one of NYC's eight Specialized High Schools, ranked #3 in NYS and #15 nationally on Niche’s list of America’s Top High Schools. In Spring 2022, Mr. Erlenwein was named the School Administrators Association / National Association of Secondary School Principals New York State Principal of the Year. In addition Mr. Erlenwein is a Columbia University 2018 Cahn Fellow and a 2024 CUNY Hunter College Gray Fellow. Mr. Erlenwein earned his bachelor's and master's degree in English Rhetoric from CUNY - The College of Staten Island, and his School Building Leader certificate from the College of St. Rose. Mark loves spending time with his wife Stacy and son Mark, and is so proud and inspired by their accomplishments, talents, creativity and is grateful for their neverending unconditional support. Mark is also a lifelong Wrestling Fanatic since age 4.

Executive Director and Founder – The City Tutors

Garri Rivkin is the Founder and Executive Director of The City Tutors (CT), a nonprofit that provides free, accessible tutoring and professional mentorship across New York City. What began in 2013 as a tutoring program at The City College of New York (CCNY) grew into the academic support arm of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership before evolving into a citywide service supporting learners across all 25 CUNY campuses and beyond. Today, CT functions as NYC’s “subway system” for academic and career support, ensuring timely, personalized assistance for all New Yorkers—whether they are recent immigrants, first-generation college students, or lifelong residents seeking upskilling and career advancement. Garri’s commitment to education is deeply personal. As an immigrant and former refugee from Vilnius, Lithuania, he understands firsthand the role education plays in economic mobility. His leadership in higher education, nonprofit management, and workforce development has been shaped by a mission to eliminate financial and systemic barriers to learning. In addition to leading CT, Garri is an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Public Administration program at Metropolitan College of New York, where he teaches Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Organizational Behavior in Public and Nonprofit Organizations, and Nonprofit Governance. He also teaches the Public Affairs Internship Seminar at The City College of New York’s Colin Powell School, guiding students through the complexities of public sector leadership, nonprofit management, and civic engagement. Previously, as Director of Academic Support Services at the Colin Powell School, Garri oversaw readmission and probation processes for students facing academic challenges, helping them successfully reintegrate and complete their studies. He also managed programs that provided critical academic and career support for over 2,500 students, developing initiatives that strengthened student retention and success. With over 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, Garri has taught more than 160 courses and is a recognized speaker on education access, nonprofit governance, and workforce development. Today, he continues to advocate for policies and programs that ensure financial status is never a barrier to education and career success.

Author, Journalist, Podcaster. News Editor, Arcadian Vanguard

Brian R. Solomon in an author, journalist, podcaster and educator. He has written six books on popular culture, sports and entertainment. From 2000-2007, he worked for WWE as a magazine and web writer and editor, and worked closely with the McMahon family. He continues to write extensively on the wrestling industry.

Host or Publisher The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership