Then, Now and What’s Next for Think Together Alumni

For 30 years, Think Together has changed the odds for countless students across the state who have walked through its doors. That journey has helped students find pathways to careers such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, architects and more. Think Together is proud to have led the way for so many students and continues to do so in partnership with school districts and community partners throughout the state.

Meet some of our alumni and learn how their time at Think Together continues to shape their communities. 

Carolina

For Carolina, Think Together has been more than an afterschool program; it has been the foundation for the career she loves. After joining the program as a student in Ontario-Montclair School District, Carolina was inspired by the relationships she fostered and the opportunities she received.

She knew she wanted to give future students the same experience.

At 18, Carolina began her Think Together career as a program leader. Now, 11 years later, she serves as a site program manager at El Rancho Unified School District in Pico Rivera, building meaningful connections along the way.

Her time as a student in the program also inspired her to pursue an associate degree in child development and develop leadership skills that continue to shape her work. Carolina plans to continue her studies to receive her bachelor’s degree.

“I have so much gratitude for being a part of this organization and for all the students and families I have had the opportunity to work with throughout the years.” shared Carolina.

Diego

Since his time in Think Together’s program in Hemet Unified School District, where he became involved in STEM initiatives and later received the Think Together Good to Great Scholarship, Diego has continued to turn his passion for STEM into a bright future.

This past summer, Diego graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at UCI, he served as project manager for the university’s first Mars rover competition team and as Brakes Co-Lead for UCI’s electric Formula SAE racing team. Diego also mentored local middle and high school students through UCI’s Engineering Student Council, sharing his experiences and encouraging the next generation to explore engineering.

This fall, Diego began a full-time role as an automation engineer at Bosch, where he is learning from engineers across the U.S. and Germany as he builds his career in the field.

“Think Together played a significant role in helping me get to where I am today through their immersive STEM programs, fostering a community of likeminded peers, and drive to help students accomplish their goals,” Diego said.

Juliana

Years after joining Think Together as a third grader in South Whittier School District, Juliana now creates the same sense of belonging and support for students as a staff member. She first joined Think Together during a challenging time at home, when her family was seeking additional academic support for her. There, she connected with mentors whose encouragement helped her recognize her potential.

That experience stayed with Juliana. She went on to graduate from California State University, San Bernardino with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, before returning to Think Together as a tutor and program leader. Today, she is approaching her fifth year as part of the team, now as a site program manager in Little Lake City School District (LLCSD) in Santa Fe Springs. Juliana and her team helped strengthen trust and program quality, contributing to LLCSD’s ultimate decision to select Think Together as its sole provider for before- and after-school programs.

“Think Together taught me the value of collaboration, relationship building, and perseverance,” said Juliana. “I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I carry the lessons learned from this experience into my work every day.”

Ciara

When Ciara immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana during her sophomore year of high school, she began navigating a new country, school and culture as a student in Rialto Unified School District. Through Think Together, she found the support and mentorship she needed to thrive and a community where she felt she belonged.

With Think Together’s Flight to the Future scholarship, Ciara visited New York University (NYU) during her junior year in 2025, an experience that showed her that students from backgrounds like hers belong in spaces she once thought were out of reach.

Now a recipient of a 2026 Beyond Think Together Scholarship, Ciara has received a $3,000 award to support her college expenses and prepare her for the next chapter of her journey. Inspired by her family and passion for helping others, she’s pursuing a career as a cardiac surgeon. She started her first semester at California State University, Fullerton and plans to transfer to NYU after a few years.

“Think Together gave me more than the support, it gave me a community where I could talk to anyone and build myself up,” Ciara shared.

Think Together would not be what it is today without the countless students, mentors, staff and partners who have shaped its story over the past three decades. From students who return to serve the next generation to others pursuing careers that make an impact in their communities, these stories reflect what’s possible when students have access to limitless opportunities.

If you’re a Think Together alumni or know someone who is, share your story by completing our Alumni Questionnaire, or pass it along to an alumni you know.

As we look back on the years of changing the odds for students, Think Together is also looking ahead to the bright futures still to come. Join us on October 22 at 3:30 p.m. for our Lights On Afterschool live YouTube broadcast as we celebrate the students, communities, and partnerships that continue to make afterschool a powerful part of the regular school day!

From growing partnerships to leading the next generation of education leaders, Think Education is creating new opportunities to support students, educators and communities. Read below to learn how Think Together is partnering with corporate partners to bring exciting experiences to students across California.

Click here to see how new leaders and innovations are helping pave the way for continued growth and impact at Think Education.

Think Education Appoints New Leaders to its Ranks

Think Education is proud to welcome Dr. Keith B. Wheeler II as Area Vice President overseeing the organization’s presence across the Bay Area, Northern California and Central California. Dr. Wheeler joins Think Together at an exciting time of growth for the area, including the organization’s newest partnership with Santa Maria-Bonita School District and growing work with Fremont Unified School District.

Read more about his new role here.

Celebrating Literacy with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation 

In Think Together’s San Bernardino region, more than 100 students from Colton Joint Unified School District attended an LA Reads Storytime event featuring a special reading from LA Dodgers alum Derrel Thomas.  

Thanks to our partners, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, these young readers also received LA Dodgers gear, free books and a special edition bobblehead. This partnership continues to highlight the importance of literacy as we work together to inspire the next generation. 

Thank you to the San Bernardino Sun for shining a light on this inspiring event.  

Rolling into New Opportunities with Boeing 

​​​​Thanks to more than 150 Boeing employee volunteers, 57 skateboards were assembled and donated to Think Together students across Orange County. Partnering with organizations like Boeing provides these next generation of leaders with meaningful access to high-quality STEM and Workforce Readiness and Education (WREP) Programs. 

Read more about Think Together’s partnership with Boeing here.

Education leader brings more than two decades of experience and a proven track record of building partnerships, driving growth and expanding opportunities for students across California 

Santa Ana, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2026) –  Think Together, California’s largest nonprofit expanded learning service provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Keith B. Wheeler II as Area Vice President. In his role, Wheeler will oversee Think Together’s presence across the Bay Area, Northern California and Central California, with a focus on strengthening partnerships and expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities for students and communities. 

Wheeler joins Think Together at an exciting time of growth, including the organization’s newest partnership with Santa Maria-Bonita School District and growing work with our partner Lodi Unified School District. As Area Vice President, he will work closely with school site teams, district leaders and community partners to deepen existing relationships, develop new partnerships and ensure the organization is positioned to meet the evolving needs of students and schools. 

“Keith brings the kind of leadership experience that will help Think Together continue to grow thoughtfully and strategically,” said Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together. “He understands that sustainable growth is built on trust, strong partnerships and a relentless focus on outcomes for students. We’re excited to have him lead our Northern and Central California efforts as we continue expanding our reach and impact.” 

Wheeler brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across public education, independent schools, nonprofit organizations and municipal government. His career includes leadership roles with the City of Seattle, Giddens School, Inglewood Unified School District and El Monte Union High School District, where he developed a strong track record of building partnerships, leading teams and advancing opportunities for students and communities.  

“I’m excited to join Think Together at a time when the organization is growing its reach and deepening its partnerships across California,” said Dr. Keith B. Wheeler II, Area Vice President at Think Together. “The opportunity to work alongside school and community leaders to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities is deeply aligned with my own career and commitment to educational equity. I look forward to building on the strong foundation Think Together has established and helping create even more opportunities for students, families and communities across the region.” 

Wheeler holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also completed Stanford University’s EdLEADers Program and earned a leadership certificate through Harvard University. He holds master’s degrees in educational leadership and teaching, as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology. 

For more information about Think Together and its programs, visit thinktogether.org. 

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About Think Together 

For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. A division of Think Education, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators.  

For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.  

Follow Think Education on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Follow Think Together on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  

School is back in session and Think Together students across California are starting the new school year prepared. 

Thanks in part to the generosity of our corporate partners, Think Together gave a total of 1,935 backpacks and school supply kits statewide, reminding these young scholars that their community believes in their future. 

Southeast Los Angeles Region 

Assemblymember Lisa Calderon and her team helped students across Think Together’s Southeast Los Angeles Region prepare for the new school year by providing more than 600 backpacks. 

San Gabriel Valley Region 

Merchants Building Maintenance (MBM), a leading commercial services company based in Monterey Park, helped make back-to-school season a little brighter for students in the San Gabriel Valley. With MBM’s support and a meaningful donation from Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio, 100 backpacks were collected and distributed to students during the City of Duarte’s Concert in the Park. 

Los Angeles Metro Region 

Thanks to the generosity of Nossaman LLP, more than 20 students across Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro Region received new backpacks. With more than 22 years of partnership, Nossaman has continued to help change the odds for thousands of students with their impactful contributions. 

Orange County  

The team at Architects Orange (AO) came together to collect more than 80 backpacks for Think Together students in Orange County. AO is the architect firm leading Residences on 4th, the Think Education Home Office redevelopment project. Board member and Think Together Alumni Paolo Leon is leading the project as a means of giving back to the organization that changed his life. 

Along with donations from J.P. Morgan, who donated 125 backpacks, Dollar Tree donated supplies and a sponsorship from Alliant International University also helped expand the reach of the backpack drive. Their generosity helped ensure students returned to school with essential supplies and the tools they need to take on the year ahead.  

Riverside County 

The California Highway Patrol donated more than 100 backpacks to Think Together students in Riverside County, as part of their way to connect with communities and support children’s education. 

“Not every student is able to get new school supplies every year, and this backpack drive is changing that,” said Gicelle Lopez, expanded learning opportunities liaison for Manuel L. Real Elementary School in Val Verde Unified School District. 

San Bernardino and High Desert Region 

In Think Together’s San Bernardino region, students enjoyed new backpacks and essential school supplies thanks to Topgolf and Goodera partner, 3M. Topgolf donated 15 backpacks, while 3M provided 350 school supply kits to San Bernardino and High Desert region students.  

Bay Area Region 

Students across Think Together’s Bay Area Region also received school supplies and backpacks thanks to Goodera partners NVIDIA, Cadence and Amazon. NVIDIA donated 135 school supply kits, while Cadence provided 80 backpacks and Amazon 30 backpacks, both filled with school supplies. 

These materials may seem like simple tools, but to some students, they can carry significant meaning. With Think Together serving 123,952 students this year, these seemingly simple tools can make a meaningful impact.  

Learn how you can get involved by visiting our website. 

A passion for community service and a desire to make a difference in the Southeast Los Angeles region led Angelica Mendoza Rojas to Think Together. She strongly believes that connection and education are some of the most powerful tools that empower students to see the possibilities beyond their circumstances.

Read below to learn more about Angelica’s story

Angelica’s Journey

Angelica’s time with Think Together has been short, but incredibly impactful. She began her career as an Assistant Site Coordinator, overseeing a before-school program while always taking up opportunities to learn more about the organization’s many programs and services. Through that curiosity, continued learning, and guidance from leadership, she was able to grow into a Site Program Manager role, serving both elementary and middle school students.

About three months ago, she made another exciting transition into the high school realm, in Southeast Los Angeles. Working with high school students has been a different experience, but in the best way. It has challenged her to grow as a leader, learn new approaches, and better understand the unique needs of the students we serve.

Impact on Students

For Angelica, leadership often means stepping into roles you never expected to fill. Site Program Managers encounter countless individuals who shape their work, including parents, staff, teachers, and, most importantly, students.

Throughout Angelica’s journey, no one has impacted her perspective quite like one of her high school students who was starting to let personal struggles affect her experiences at school. This made it difficult for Angelica’s student to fully engage and show the person she truly is. At times, the student became more reserved and hesitant to connect with others, allowing the challenges she was facing to influence how she saw herself and interacted with those around her.

Through the support, encouragement, and patience of Think Together staff, Angelica’s student was given a safe space to begin stepping outside of her shell. Angelica and her team took the time to build a genuine connection with her, consistently reminding her of the strengths and potential that were already within her.

Little by little, this student’s confidence began to grow.

Her journey is a reminder that the struggles a student may face do not define who they are. Now this student can see she is more than the challenges she experiences outside of school, and with the right support system, she has been able to rediscover her voice and continue developing into a confident individual.

For Angelica, this student experience reinforced the power of mentorship. She reminded Angelica that she may not be able to change everything students experience beyond Think Together, but she can change how she shows up for them while they are with her.

That is what makes this work so meaningful. Angelica believes her greatest impact is simply being the person who believes in a student, shows up consistently, and reminds them that their circumstances do not determine their future.

Advice for Leaders

According to Angelica, how you show up for others matters. Your impact is often greater than you realize, and even the smallest interactions can mean the world to someone else.

Angelica believes leaders have the power to shape the culture around them, whether in their workplaces, communities, or most importantly, in the lives of their students. The culture they create in programs and the example they set starts with the choices they make every day.

For Angelica, leadership is not defined by the title. It is about the example she sets, the people she uplifts, and the impact she leaves behind. She chooses to show up with purpose, lead with intention, and remember that someone’s life may be changed simply because they felt seen, supported, and valued.

Angelica’s Self-Growth

Life is a constant state of learning and growing, especially in a career like Angelica’s. She has learned that self-growth is something you must chase with passion. And she encourages everyone to do the same. Her advice is simple: do not wait for growth to come to you. Chase it. Seek out opportunities to learn, take on challenges that scare you, and surround yourself with people who push you to become better. When we commit to our own growth, we become better leaders, better mentors, and ultimately, better providers to the communities we lead.

Beyond the Role

Outside of work, Angelica is a culmination of different interests, passions, and ambitions. She enjoys all forms of media, from romance movies to horror thrillers, and music ranging from EDM to rock and everything in between. She loves experiencing life by traveling to new places, attending concerts, and simply spending quality time with family and friends.

But what she values most is using the lessons she has learned and the skills she has developed to help others to grow. Whether she is offering guidance or seeking it herself, Angelica believes growth is a journey best experienced together.

At the end of the day, she hopes her life will be measured not only by what she accomplishes, but by the people she inspires, the lives she contributed to, and the opportunities for growth she helps create for others.

For many students, summer is a time to recharge, explore new interests, and create lasting memories, but it can also be an opportunity to strengthen academic skills and prevent learning loss before the new school year begins. 

This past summer, Think Together’s High Dosage Tutoring (HDT) program helped make that possible for hundreds of students in Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD), providing targeted academic support that kept learning moving forward. 

The High Dosage Tutoring program operates alongside Think Together’s CORE programming, with students participating in three weekly 30-minute tutoring sessions throughout the school year. Each session is led by trained Think Together tutors alongside certified classroom teachers, creating a collaborative learning environment where students receive individualized instruction tailored to their needs. 

Across CJUSD, the HDT program spans 17 school sites and serves up to 1,000 students in grades one through six. Through intentional literacy instruction, students build foundational reading skills, strengthen comprehension, and gain the confidence needed to succeed in the classroom. 

“The success of High Dosage Tutoring reflects the strength of our partnership with CJUSD and the dedication of our staff and educators,” said Alberto Barajas, Think Together Executive Director of Programs, San Bernardino region. “Together, we help students strengthen foundational skills and build momentum for long-term success.”

Now in its second summer incorporating HDT into Think Together’s summer session, the program reached a major milestone. For the first time, Think Together staff worked directly with certified teachers to deliver tutoring sessions during the school day, allowing students to seamlessly transition from classroom instruction to focused, small-group academic support. 

For second grader Kyro, HDT was something he was hesitant about at first. He was worried it meant missing out on all the fun learning activities and experiences going on through Think Together’s summer session. As time went on, Kyro discovered there was a balance between the tutoring sessions and participating in the summer fun.  

He eventually started coming into tutoring with a smile, actively participating during each instructional session, and even enjoyed tracking his progress through the program’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. His growth in both confidence and enthusiasm mirrored his academic progress. 

“With HDT, even 30 minutes a day can make a meaningful difference. We see that impact in the data as students strengthen their skills, make progress, and move closer to where they need to be,” said Sabirna Hernandez, Think Together High Dosage Tutoring Program Supervisor. “For me, that is what makes HDT so crucial: we are not just helping students learn; we are giving them consistent support, encouragement, and someone who believes in them. Being able to look back and see how far a student has come is a reminder that every session, every connection, and every minute we invest truly matters.”

The HDT program takes a village to get students like Kyro to where they need to be and ensure everyone involved is aligned to their goals. A strong foundation of partnerships is built with school site stakeholders, including principals, teachers, families and Think Together Site Program Managers to identify and recruit students who would benefit from additional academic support. 

To ensure every lesson makes an impact, Think Together’s HDT program partners with Amplify, an online platform that supports lesson delivery, attendance tracking, progress monitoring, and benchmark assessments. Every seventh lesson, students’ progress is measured, allowing tutors to adjust instruction based on each student’s growth and academic needs. 

Beginning-of-Year and End-of-Year assessment data collected through Amplify shows significant academic growth among participating HDT students, demonstrating that consistent, individualized instruction can make a meaningful difference in student achievement. 

As Think Together continues expanding opportunities for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, programs like High Dosage Tutoring demonstrate the power of mission-driven educators working together to accelerate learning. 

With the High Dosage Tutoring program set to continue throughout the 2026–2027 school year at Colton Joint Unified School District, even more students will have the opportunity to strengthen their learning and be on a path towards long-term achievement.  

Summer is a time to explore, learn and have fun. For Think Summer students at Vista Heritage Global Academy, every day brought a new opportunity to do all three. One volunteer event gave more than 20 middle school students the chance to experience engineering firsthand with support from 10 PIMCO volunteers and the Child Creativity Lab. 

Through this enriching activity, these young scholars explored engineering by designing and building their own Child Creativity Lab Wind-Powered Sail Cars alongside PIMCO volunteers. They created blueprints, used upcycled materials and applied engineering fundamentals as they brought their ideas to life. 

“It was really fun,” said Jared, a sixth grader at Vista Heritage Global Academy. “Our PIMCO mentor really motivated and inspired us. He gave us so many ideas. Even though we came in second, I learned that working as a team and doing your best are what really matter.” 

According to The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, exposing students to STEAM education encourages them to take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process. 

“This work is important because it gives students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning while exploring sustainability,” said Katy McInnes, director of partnerships at Child Creativity Lab. “We want them to leave feeling empowered and confident in their understanding of STEM careers and knowing those careers are within their reach.”  

As the students focused on the functionality of their designs, PIMCO volunteers lent a helping hand, empowering them to tackle challenges head on. From discussing which materials would help their sail cars move faster to encouraging them to test, adjust and try again, the volunteers boosted student confidence and resilience with every step. 

With each attempt, these aspiring engineers strengthened their problem-solving skills and discovered that engineering is a process of creativity, collaboration and perseverance. 

“At PIMCO, we value education and strongly support the work organizations like Think Together bring to the community,” said Fred Nguyen, an enterprise risk manager at PIMCO. “I hope the students gain a better understanding of what engineering is all about. Their competitive spirit was strong, and it was inspiring to see how excited they were throughout the activity.”  

For 13 years, PIMCO has partnered with Think Together to inspire the next generation of leaders to think outside the box and explore careers in STEM. Through its ongoing support, PIMCO has contributed more than $270,000 to expand learning opportunities for youth across California, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to pursue their future goals. 

From Orange County to Northern California, the Central Coast to the High Desert, our regional leadership team works closely with school and charter systems to ensure students have access to high-quality expanded learning opportunities. 

Our Executive Directors serve as trusted partners to the communities we serve in their regions. Together, they oversee partnerships across roughly 600 schools, bringing local knowledge, strong relationships and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for students. 

Here’s a look at the leaders guiding our work across California.

Perla Galeno, Executive Director, Bay Area 

Perla Galeno leads Think Together’s Bay Area region, overseeing partnerships with school districts from Santa Clara to Alameda Counties.

Ricardo Molina, Executive Director, Northern California 

Ricardo Molina oversees Think Together’s Northern California region and partnerships with school districts from Solano and Sacramento Counties. 

Cynthia Rocha, Executive Director, Central Valley 

Cynthia Rocha leads the Central Valley region, supporting partnerships with school districts including Fresno and Kings Counties. 

Eddie Garcia, Executive Director, Orange County 

Eddie Garcia leads the transformational work in our Orange County region and surrounding area. 

Jesse Durkin, Executive Director, Southeast Los Angeles 

Jesse Durkin leads the Southeast Los Angeles region, working with school districts throughout Los Angeles County. 

Maximiliano “Max” Figueroa, Executive Director, Los Angeles Metro 

Maximiliano “Max” Figueroa leads Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro region, one of the organization’s largest and most diverse areas of partnership.

Lydia Escobar, Executive Director, San Gabriel Valley 

Recently promoted, Lydia Escobar oversees partnerships with school districts across the San Gabriel Valley, from the city of Arcadia to Ontario. 

Frances Contreras, Executive Director, Central Coast 

Frances Contreras leads the Central Coast region and oversees Think Together’s partnership within Santa Barbara County. 

Oswaldo Diaz, Executive Director, Palm Springs 

Oswaldo Diaz leads the Palm Springs region, leading partnerships from Coachella Valley to the Banning Pass. 

Alberto Barajas, Executive Director, San Bernardino 

Alberto Barajas leads the San Bernardino region and oversees partnerships across San Bernardino County.  

Virginia Servin and Alberto Gonzalez, Executive Directors, Riverside County 

Riverside County is led collaboratively by Executive Directors Virginia Servin and Alberto Gonzalez.  

Rosalie Trujillo, Executive Director, High Desert 

Rosalie Trujillo leads Think Together’s High Desert region from Victorville to Apple Valley, California. 

Local Leadership, Statewide Impact 

Across California, these regional leaders help turn that shared vision into action, one school, one partnership and one community at a time. While each region has its own unique communities, schools and priorities, Think Together’s regional leaders are united by a common goal: partnering with schools to help students thrive. 

By placing experienced leaders close to the communities we serve, Think Together can build stronger relationships, respond to local needs and work alongside school and district leaders to create expanded learning experiences that make a meaningful difference for students and families. 

What made you excited for a new school year when you were younger? For some students, it might have been new clothes, seeing friends again after a long summer, or the excitement of learning something new. Now, as a Site Program Manager, Mayra Mendoza with the San Bernardino West Region still looks forward to the start of a new school year, but for different reasons. Today, she is excited to see students succeed and grow!

Read below to learn more about her story.

Why Think Together

After more than a decade of working in education, Mayra has found her way to Think Together. One of the biggest inspirations for working here is her passion for supporting students and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Throughout her career, she has found the greatest fulfillment in helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Mayra has worked with foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, and other students with unique needs. These experiences have given her extensive knowledge of community resources and have shown her the importance of building strong relationships with families. At Think Together, she has the opportunity to use that knowledge every day by connecting students and families with the support they need while creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child can succeed.


This drive and inspiration have fueled Mayra and her team to serve 256 students last year! Being a part of Think Together allows her to combine her passion for education, student advocacy, and family engagement, while knowing that the work she and her team do has a lasting impact on the lives of the students and communities they serve.

Fostering Student Growth

What has impacted Mayra the most is witnessing the growth her students make—not only academically, but also in their behavior, confidence, and decision-making. Mayra can see firsthand as students develop positive behavioral choices and overcome challenges.


“Celebrating their success is a true blessing,” Mayra states. Student success serves as a constant reminder of why she chose to work in education. Knowing that she has played a small part in their growth and success is one of the most meaningful aspects of her career. While it is great to celebrate success, Mayra also knows that mistakes are a part of the process. She reinforces the notion that mistakes are okay to make and are a natural part of growing.

Fostering student growth is hugely supported by building a strong sense of community. Mayra hopes students know they are part of a larger community that will always care about them, believe in their potential, and are willing to guide and support them. Creating an uplifting environment lets students know they are valued and deserve success, no matter what obstacles they may face.

Turning Advice into Actions

The best advice Mayra has ever received was to always do everything from the bottom of your heart and to never be afraid to ask for advice or utilize the resources available to you. No one has all the answers, and seeking guidance is a sign of growth, not weakness.

The more we learn from others and make use of the resources around us, the better equipped we are to support those who rely on us. Whether it is helping a student, family, or colleague, meaningful support comes from working together, continuously learning, and leading with compassion and sincerity.

This mindset has set Mayra’s goals for the new school year. She wants to continue building on the strong foundation they have created at her site. A huge accomplishment for Mayra is that her site has retained all 17 of their staff members for approximately two years. That level of consistency has had a tremendous impact on their program, allowing them to continuously improve the program quality and create a positive culture where both staff and students feel supported. Mayra believes investing in your team directly translates into better outcomes for the students they serve, and she looks forward to continuing that growth for years to come.

Beyond the Role

Mayra loves spending time with her dog, Lulu, as well as her family and friends. She enjoys new hobbies and experiences that allow her to learn and grow as a person. To Mayra, personal growth is a lifelong journey, and she loves any opportunity to become a better version of herself. Maintaining a healthy balance between her personal and professional life helps her bring a fresh perspective to the work she does every day.

The summer sun beams down on Angel Stadium as thousands of fans fill the stands cheering you on, and the jumbotron lights up with your face. The challenge is simple yet a bit daunting: steal third base before time runs out. For eighth grade student David from Baldwin Park Unified School District, it’s a special moment where confidence sprouted and lasting memories were created.

“My experience at the Angel game was scary at first because I was overthinking a lot, but after a while I relaxed a bit and cleared my mind. Once I got on the field, I was so happy to be there,” said David. “It was my first time being on the big screen and having a whole crowd in a stadium cheer for me. So, it was nice!”

At every Angels home game, one young fan is selected to “Steal Third,” racing to uproot third base and return it within 30 seconds. If successful, they keep the base and pose for a photo with their favorite Angels player.

This summer, it was David’s chance to step onto the Angel Stadium field and make his mark in front of thousands in the stands. Hand-picked from the 1,176 students across 12 Baldwin Park Unified school sites Think Together served this year with summer programming; he proudly represented both his afterschool program and school district.

While the excitement of stealing third this summer base was thrilling, David says his favorite part of the experience came afterward. Seeing the Angel players cheering him on from the sidelines made the moment feel even more memorable, and getting the chance to meet one of the players inside the official team locker room was an experience he never imagined having.

David’s Think Together Site Program Manager Cassandra Gonzalez was the one who selected David to “Steal Third” at the Angel’s game and believes he was the perfect fit for this experience.

“We chose David to steal third base for the Think Summer field trip because he is a great student who is dedicated to his schoolwork,” said Cassandra. “He is very charismatic and is always there to help those in need.”

David has been a Think Together student since early elementary school, so he has truly left his mark within his Think Together community. His time within the program is coming to an end this summer, as he prepares to begin his high school journey in the upcoming school year.

“Even though I’m sad to end my time with Think Together as a student, I want to come back as a volunteer at my elementary school to see my old program leaders and help them out,” said David. “My elementary school Think Together program really was a special place because they showed me kindness, happiness, love, and also taught me to be the best I could be.”

David’s story reflects the kinds of experiences thousands of students enjoyed through Think Summer. This year, Think Together served over 23,000 students at more than 200 school sites across California, providing enriching experiences that encouraged learning, connection, and personal growth. Every learning experience reflected our shared commitment to helping students thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.

David’s unforgettable day at Angel Stadium is just one example of the meaningful summer experiences that help students build confidence, discover new possibilities, and create memories that last.

Alongside school district partners, Think Together is proud to make experiences like David’s possible that inspire students to dream bigger and help students discover new possibilities and change the odds for their future.

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