Aboutus

About OpenJoy Foundation

Built on five years of experience.
Inspired by the real needs of our community.

OpenJoy Foundation is a public charity dedicated to preparing children for a rapidly changing world.
For years, working closely with children and families, we began noticing a shift. Homework was no longer about thinking through problems — many students were simply uploading assignments into AI tools and receiving instant answers. The work was finished, but the reasoning behind it was fading.
At the same time, many families — especially immigrant families and families facing financial challenges — encountered barriers to high-quality enrichment programs. Language differences, cultural transitions, and cost often limited access to creative and educational opportunities outside of school.

We realized that children need more than completed assignments.
They need environments where thinking is practiced, creativity is protected, and authorship is developed.

OpenJoy Foundation was created to respond to this moment.
We design programs for children ages 6–12 that strengthen critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and responsible engagement with artificial intelligence. We teach children how to use AI as a tool — not a shortcut — while maintaining ownership of their ideas and voice.

Our work begins with our Summer Camp program, where this approach comes to life through structured activities, creative projects, and community-building experiences.

We are committed to expanding access for children from families with financial problems and immigrant families navigating language barriers — ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow as an independent thinker in the AI era.

Mission

OpenJoy Foundation is a public charity advancing critical thinking, creativity, and human authorship in children ages 6–12 through art, imagination, and responsible engagement with artificial intelligence. We expand access to high-quality creative education for children from families with financial problems and immigrant families — especially those facing language barriers — ensuring every child can think independently and express their own voice in the AI era.

Vision

We envision a future where every child — regardless of income, language, or background — grows up confident in their ability to think independently in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.

A future where AI enhances human creativity rather than replaces it.

A future where children are not passive consumers of technology, but thoughtful creators, collaborators, and leaders.

We envision communities where immigrant families and families facing financial challenges have equal access to high-quality creative education.

In this future, children do not fear technology — and they are not controlled by it.

They understand it, question it, and use it responsibly.

Our vision is to help build a generation that remains human at its core — imaginative, analytical, expressive, and courageous — even in an age of intelligent machines.

Board of Directors

Our leadership team brings experience in working with children, events, and community programs. Together, we guide the mission and ensure responsible governance of OpenJoy Foundation.

Vanda Medvedovskaya

President + Treasurer

Vanda oversees the strategic direction of the organization, long-term planning, financial management, and overall mission alignment. With over five years of experience working with children and community programs, she ensures that all operations support OpenJoy Foundation’s mission and values.
Sergey Filazapovich

Secretary and Creative Director

Sergey develops and supervises all program content, including creative workshops, children’s theater, and community event experiences. His vision shapes the artistic and educational quality of OpenJoy Foundation’s programming.
Katerina Sharm

Independent Board Member

Katerina serves as an independent director providing objective oversight, governance support, and decision-making guidance. Her role strengthens accountability and ensures that the organization operates with transparency and integrity.
Mark Ingerman

Independent Board Member

Mark is a long-time local business owner and educator with extensive experience working with children through after-school and early childhood programs. He brings valuable community insight, operational understanding, and child-centered perspective to the Board. His independent role strengthens OpenJoy Foundation’s governance, accountability, and connection to local families.

How We Operate

OpenJoy Foundation operates with intention, transparency, and a long-term commitment to children’s development in the AI era.

✓ Mission-Driven Programs
Every program we design aligns with our core mission: strengthening critical thinking, creativity, and human authorship in children ages 6–12.
We do not offer entertainment-based activities without purpose. Each experience is structured to build cognitive and creative skills.
✓ Responsible AI Integration
We integrate artificial intelligence thoughtfully and ethically.
AI is used as a learning tool — never as a substitute for a child’s reasoning.
Children are guided to question, analyze, and improve AI-generated content rather than rely on it blindly.
✓ Accessibility & Inclusion
We intentionally reduce barriers for children from families with financial problems and immigrant families navigating language differences.
We strive to create welcoming, culturally responsive environments where every child can participate with dignity.
✓ Community Partnerships
We collaborate with local schools, educators, artists, and community organizations to expand access and ensure our programs meet real community needs.
✓ Transparency & Accountability
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, we are committed to ethical governance, responsible financial stewardship, and measurable impact.
Donations are directed toward program development, materials, scholarships, and community outreach.
✓ Child Safety & Respect
We maintain safe, structured environments where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to express their ideas freely.