Mr. Adam Mangana

Adam Mangana is a highly respected figure in the education industry, known for his expertise in integrating virtual reality (VR) into the classroom experience. As Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Optima, he has been instrumental in creating VR curriculum development solutions that cater to the unique needs of modern-day learners. Prior to launching Optima, Adam served as Head of School at Benedict Day School, where he established the first-ever virtual reality lab in Mississippi’s Pine Belt region. He also worked as Director of the Extended Reality Lab at Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, MS. In that role, he helped build the largest K-12 extended reality lab in the Southeast. Adam is passionate about crafting the best educational experiences in VR and empowering students to create their own content in the immersive medium. Adam has been a featured speaker at various education conferences, including the National Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and the People of Color Conference for NAIS. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Brown University, Adam earned a master's degree in Independent School Leadership from Vanderbilt University. He is a Teach For America alumnus and an Albert Bennett award recipient. Adam also founded and hosted the “Ready Teacher One” podcast. Adam's passion for education and innovation has positioned him as a respected authority in the VR education field. With a wealth of expertise and valuable insights, he has significantly impacted numerous schools and organizations, helping them remain at the forefront and providing exceptional learning experiences for their students.