Connecting Young Leaders to Brighter Futures with K12 Foothill Consortium and Kaiser Permanente 

Last summer, Think Together, the K12 Foothill Consortium and Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park joined forces to expand career exploration opportunities for high school students in Azusa Unified School District.  

The K12 Foothill Consortium partners with Career Technical Education (CTE) departments at local school districts, including Think Together partner Azusa High School. Its mission is to prepare and train students to build a community-based talent pipeline that supports a strong, balanced local economy. Supported by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, the K12 Foothill Consortium has helped forge partnerships with local businesses to provide student internship opportunities. 

Through the partnership with K12 Foothill Consortium, participating Think Together students were placed in local medical internships, providing firsthand insight into the daily responsibilities, challenges and rewards of careers in health care.   

Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park awarded Think Together a community health grant to support the Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), which made it possible to offer internship stipends to participating students. Prior to beginning their internships, Think Together students were required to attend WREP for five weeks. With the help of their program leaders, they learned how to present themselves in an interview, complete a resume and apply for a job. Once completed, students were placed in their paid internships, working for a total of 40 hours.   

Research from the Association of American Medical Colleges projects that there will be an expected shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034. To combat these statistics, Think Together’s  work with K12 Foothill Consortium lets students explore careers in biomedical research and health sciences.  

“This internship has helped shape my future goals by expanding my horizon on the perspective of the careers here,” said Think Together student, Hillary Torres. “It also pushed my passion for science even more.”  

With more than 9,000 students participating in Think Together’s high school program, the program offers young leaders the opportunity to have hands-on career exploration experiences that empower them to discover their interests, build confidence and envision a future beyond the classroom.   

“I hope these internships help students build connections with people in the field who can lead and mentor them, even throughout their college years,” said Program Content Specialist Sean Magana. “Maybe they see this as an opportunity they can give back to their community and mentor other students so their community can grow.”  

Think Together is grateful for the K12 Foothill Consortium and Kaiser Permanente for opening its doors and inspiring the next generation of doctors, nurses and health care professionals.  

View the video below to see how this opportunity made a difference.

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“Que la vida es un carnaval, y es más bello vivir cantando” are the lyrics that play through Janice Serenity Palapa’s head as she starts another day as an Assistant Site Coordinator in Orange County.  She takes the song’s message of optimism and celebration of life as inspiration to build relationships with local businesses to host food drives, encourage her shy students to take a step out of their comfort zone and create an environment of encouragement. Learn more about Janice’s story below.

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.

My “why” comes from a deep belief that every student deserves access to opportunity, support and someone who believes in them no matter what their background is. I was inspired to work at Think Together because of its strong commitment to serving students and families and its focus on changing the odds for kids by providing support beyond the school day. When I look at my students and their families, I often see a younger version of myself and my siblings. I understand the challenges they may be facing and that connection motivates me to show up with patience, empathy and dedication. Being part of an organization that intentionally supports families who need it most, while creating safe and encouraging spaces for students to learn and grow, reminds me daily why this work matters and why I am proud to be a part of Think Together.

What accomplishments have you or your team done that have filled you with the most pride?

One of the accomplishments that fills me with the most pride is the positive impact my team and I have made not only with our students, but also within the larger community. Together, we’ve created a safe and supportive environment where students can feel encouraged to grow and be themselves free of judgement. I am especially proud of the relationships I have built with local businesses that have been incredibly supportive of our program. Through my leadership and strong relationships with community partners, I have hosted several initiatives that have allowed me to give back in meaningful ways. By leveraging these partnerships, I organized and led a Thanksgiving food drive that provided 30 families with complete holiday meals and a Christmas toy drive that helped create a magical holiday season for our students and their families. In addition, these partnerships supported a backpack drive I coordinated with the support of a fellow Assistant Site Coordinator and ensured every student in our summer program received the supplies they needed while helping ease the financial burden on parents.

If you could be a character in any television show or movie, which one would it be? Why?

I would choose to be Mirabel from“Encanto”. She represents resilience, heart and the belief that you don’t need special powers to make a meaningful difference. Mirabel leads with empathy, brings her family together and sees value in others even when they don’t see it in themselves. I connect with her because she supports those around her, uplifts her community and embraces her culture with pride values that align closely with how I work with students and families at Think Together. Like Mirabel, I believe that showing up consistently, building strong relationships and caring deeply can create real change and help others realize their potential. That mindset is something my mom taught me at a young age. Thank you, Mom!

Is there a student story or Think Together moment that has stuck with you?

One of the Think Together moments that has truly stayed with me is the growth of one of my previous students. When she first joined the program, she was very shy and often embarrassed to speak up or participate. She would avoid drawing attention to herself, even when she knew the answer, and struggled with confidence. Through consistent encouragement and the safe and supportive environment created in our Think Together program, she slowly began to come out of her shell. Today, she is a star thinker who actively participates as a greeter and is involved in our folklórico and mariachi activities. Her confidence has grown so much that she has even performed at several district events. Watching her grow from a quiet, unsure student into a confident leader who proudly represents her culture and school is a powerful reminder of the impact Think Together has on students’ confidence, identity and sense of belonging.

What is one song that can instantly uplift your mood? Why?

A song that can instantly uplift my mood is “La Vida es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz. From the very first beat, it brings energy, joy and a sense of celebration. The song’s message that life has challenges, but we can still find reasons to smile and enjoy the journey resonates deeply with me. Whenever I hear it, I’m reminded to approach each day with optimism and positivity, no matter what the obstacle might be. I strive to create a space where my students and staff feel encouraged, confident, and celebrated . “La Vida es un Carnaval” reminds me that, just like the song, we can focus on the joys, small victories and moments of connection, even on the most difficult days. It inspires me to bring energy, laughter and enthusiasm into the program, helping students believe in themselves and to embrace life with hope and confidence.

It’s 2026! Do you have any professional New Years resolutions for this year?

For 2026, my professional New Year’s resolution is to continue building deeper relationships with students, families and community partners, so that we can provide even more meaningful support and opportunities. I want to focus on creating enriching experiences for students through academic programs, community events or cultural activities and helping them feel confident and valued. I hope to expand partnerships with local businesses and organizations, creating more ways to give back to the community, like we’ve done with a Back-to-School Drive, Thanksgiving feasts and holiday drives. I also want to continue to grow within the organization with the guidance from our very supportive regional leaders, learning from their experiences and strengthening my skills so I can make an even greater impact. Ultimately, my resolution is to keep showing up with purpose, empathy and consistency. I hope to make 2026 a year of growth, opportunity and impact for the students and families we serve.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?

Outside of work, I really enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends and Christmas puppy named Shadow. Whether it’s going on outings or just laughing and making memories together, it’s something I cherish. I also take great pride in my work as a florist, where creativity, attention to detail and a genuine passion for design come together in every arrangement I create. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted from selecting the finest flowers to arranging them in a way that tells a story and evokes emotion. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every arrangement is not only visually stunning, but also meaningful and perfectly tailored to the moment it represents. Being a florist allows me to express my artistic vision while upholding a high standard of quality. I find true fulfillment in knowing that my work brings beauty, joy and lasting impressions to others. Lastly, outside of my work, I enjoy slowing down with a matcha drink and taking time to recharge. These moments of balance keep me inspired, energized and ready to bring my best self to my craft, work and life.

As Think Together continues to grow its impact across California, it is with pride that the organization celebrates the powerful stories that showcase the many threads that make up the fabric of Think Together and the heart of its mission. Each year brings an opportunity to create new moments of connection, innovation, and student success, so this year was no exception. From expanded partnerships to fostering new program milestones, Think Together’s work continues to evolve to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

To round out the successes this year brought, we want to highlight the top 2025 stories that reflect the influential work Think Together does every day to help students discover new possibilities, uplift dedicated staff and the meaningful partnerships that champion expanded learning.

Empowering Families Through Connection and Support

Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team serves as a vital link between families, school partners, and expanded learning programs, ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive.

Their impact shines through stories like that of FACE Coordinator Sara Orellana, whose extraordinary efforts to support a family experiencing a difficult time earlier this year captured the very essence of what Think Together provides for communities. She mobilized school staff, district leaders, and even the city to ensure the family had a safe path forward.

The FACE team strengthens community connections, advocates for expanded learning, and equips staff with training and resources that reach over 1,500 team members and distribute nearly 8,000 informational materials in the last year alone. With the impactful work they do, it’s no surprise that this powerful story rose to the top as Think Together’s most-read blog of the year.

She’s Beauty, She’s Brains – She’s Think Together Club Founder Esther

Esther, a Think Together student, now alumna, whose creativity and confidence led her to launch the popular Beauty and Brains Academy at Compton High School, fully represents Think Together’s commitment to supporting students in pursuing their passions.

Esther developed her idea of the Beauty and Brains Academy to create a safe space for beauty, self-expression, and confidence-building. The academy quickly grew into a well-attended cosmetology club with hopes of becoming a school-wide elective.

Esther’s journey reflects the impact of Think Together’s high school programs, which empower students to lead their own clubs, explore diverse interests, and build real-world skills. It’s a standout story that resonates with the communities Think Together serves and how the organization strives to pave a bright path for young minds.

Inspiring Growth and Impact Through Internships

Since 2023, Think Together’s paid internship program has given college students hands-on experience in fields like business, marketing, and program design, while providing a pathway to full-time careers.

Since its inception, the internship program has drawn over 742 applicants, supported 25 interns, and resulted in five full-time hires, underscoring the program’s effectiveness and career impact.  Strategic partnerships with universities such as CSUF, UCI, CSULB, and UCR have helped expand career opportunities in the nonprofit sector for young professionals.

Reaching students beyond high school graduation is a key goal for Think Together. The internship program supports that goal by fostering career pathways that create a pipeline for students at local colleges to gain meaningful work experience and transformative opportunities for success.

PNC Foundation and Think Together Help OC Families Get a Head Start on Literacy

Another of Think Together’s top blogs of the year highlights how partnerships can make a real difference in supporting young minds. In collaboration with the PNC Foundation through PNC Grow Up Great®, Think Together is helping Orange County families access affordable childcare and early learning opportunities.

Home-based providers like Elizabeth Lindsay, who has run a Santa Ana childcare center for 21 years, receive funding, materials, and guidance to help children thrive while empowering parents as their child’s first teacher.

These workshops have served 137 families representing 162 children. Through literacy initiatives, parent workshops, and professional training for early learning staff, Think Together serves hundreds of families and young learners. Partnerships like these demonstrate how, through collaboration, anything is possible to expand opportunities for children.

Think Together couldn’t have asked for a more impactful year filled with many moments that remind us of our “why.” Along with our exceptional staff and dedicated partners, we look forward to a new year of continued growth and even more opportunities to inspire and empower the students and families we serve.

It’s the holiday season, a time when Think Together and its corporate and community partners come together to spread joy and celebrate community with students across California. This year, alongside some of its most dedicated supporters, Think Together hosted eight volunteer events, bringing the holidays directly to school sites statewide. 

From donating Christmas trees and toys, to assembling holiday kits filled with pencils, stickers, crayons and coloring books, volunteers from across the state supported students in meaningful ways this holiday season.     

State Farm invited team volunteers who worked collaboratively to assemble more than 400 holiday kits for students, which were then donated to students at San Jose Unified School District’s Resource Fair. 

Continuing their commitment to giving back, Tustin Assistance League, Trinity United and the Santa Ana Rotary Club put together approximately 500 holiday kits and 60 early literacy kits, all funded by the Assistance League of Tustin. The Tustin Assistance League Assisteens helped put together 150 kits during their holiday kit build. 

At Magnolia Science Academy, You Run This Town Foundation donated 28 Christmas trees to support the school community. As a result, 17 families were able to brighten their homes for the holidays. 

Fifteen Nossaman volunteers collected nearly 75 toys to bring extra joy to families this season as well as organized nearly 500 kits for Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro region.

In Think Together’s Orange County region, the National Charity League Orange/Villa Park Chapter donated approximately 42 toys for early learning families, with volunteers also helping wrap each gift with care. And AO collected more than 25 toys that will be going to students at Palm Lane Global Academy in Santa Ana. 

Together, these efforts show the power of community and what’s possible when partners come together to support students and families. Think Together is grateful to the corporate partners, community organizations and volunteers who gave their time and generosity to help make the holidays brighter. With their help, we’re creating meaningful moments that will be felt well beyond this season. 

Take a look below and see the cheerful smiles made possible by Think Together’s corporate and community partners!

These holiday kits included pencils, stickers, crayons and coloring books!
State Farm volunteers worked together to assemble 400 holiday kits for students in San Jose Unified’s Resource Fair.
Think Together Area Vice President Coban Lopez and Senior Director Lawrence Gustafson smile as they prepare to distribute State Farm’s holiday kits at the San Jose Unified Resource Fair.
The team at AO donated more than 25 toys for students at Palm Lane Global Academy in Santa Ana.
Nossaman posing with their holiday kits!
The National Charity League Orange/Villa Park Chapter collected and wrapped 42 toys.
Think Together’s early learning students were filled with joy receiving gifts from the National Charity League Orange/Villa Park Chapter.
You Run This Town brought the holiday spirit to more than 17 families.
Tustin Assistance League, Trinity United and the Santa Ana Rotary Club assembled approximately 500 holiday kits and 60 early literacy kits, all funded by the Assistance League of Tustin.

Interested in learning how you can spread holiday cheer to more students this holiday season? It’s not too late to make a difference. Your donation helps us reach our year-end goal and ensures students have access to the enrichment, mentorship and academic support they deserve. 

Sharing Think Together’s Mission on CBS Los Angeles News 

Think Together’s Executive Director of Programs Joe Gallardo represented the organization on CBS Los Angeles News, emphasizing the value of expanded learning programs. His interview spotlighted Think Together’s mission and raised awareness about the importance of safe and supportive spaces for students. 

As we continue to expand across California, we look forward to providing students with the enrichment, mentorship and academic support they need to build a brighter future. 

Watch Joe’s interview here! Support Think Together’s mission and donate here.   

Think Together Partner Arts and Learning Conservatory Recognized in the Orange County Business Journal 

Congratulations to our partner, Arts and Learning Conservatory, on its recent feature in the Orange County Business Journal. Our partnership with ALC brings STEAM to the stage through Behind the Scenes, an interactive technical theater program that introduces students to the arts through hands-on learning. In the 2024-25 school year, more than 1,000 students participated in 70 hours of arts and engineering instruction for over 10 weeks. 

Read more about ALC in the full article here. 

Also mentioned in the Orange County Business Journal, Think Together was ranked No. 2 in revenue among nonprofits with operations and headquarters in Orange County with annual revenue above $500,000. See the full list of nonprofit rankings here.

Norton Science and Language Academy Scores a Feature with The Press Enterprise 

In November, nearly 200 Think Together students from Norton Science and Language Academy attended a story time with L.A. Dodgers alum Dennis Powell. In collaboration with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, students received their own Dodgers merchandise and enjoyed an inspiring reading of the book Abuela. 

We are grateful to be selected as one of 25 best photos of the month in November. Thank you to The Press-Enterprise for capturing this moment, highlighting the impact we strive to make and serving as a reminder of why Think Together’s mission matters.  

View the photo here. 

Think Together recently spoke with Robert Lee, president and CEO of Pioneer Circuits. Pioneer Circuits manufactures and assembles printed circuit boards and assemblies that support the defense and space sectors. For nearly a decade, Robert and his company have supported Think Together’s mission to change the odds for kids. 
How did you first learn about Think Together? 

I was introduced to Think Together through a friend, John Lee. He was on the board at the time and later became chairman. That is how I first got connected to the organization.

In what ways have you and Pioneer Circuits supported Think Together? 

For years our support has come through private donations. This past year we also sent employees to volunteer at the Spring Kit Build for the summer programs. They had a great time participating in that.

Why do you think programs like Think Together are important for kids? 

I have served in under-resourced communities, including ten years in Oakland while I was a pastor in the Bay Area. I have seen firsthand that public education is not as comprehensive as it used to be. Schools face many cuts and cannot always offer the full range of services students need. 

Supplementary programs are absolutely critical. Afterschool programs give students extra space to reinforce what they learn in the classroom. In under-resourced communities, students are less likely to receive that support at home. Organizations like Think Together fill that gap and provide essential, effective resources for kids.

Based on your community work, what other needs have you seen in under-resourced areas? 

Literacy support is a major need. Statistics show that some prison planning uses third grade literacy levels to project future needs. That is how foundational literacy is. I used to tutor first and second graders because schools can teach, but they often cannot offer enough reinforcement. 

Another need is simply having a safe environment where learning continues after school. Think Together creates that space. That is one of the reasons we continue to support the organization. They do their work effectively and consistently.

Think Together’s mission is to partner with schools to change the odds for kids. What would you say is your personal mission? 

My mission is to fuel the passions and possibilities of the next generation. For the last three decades we have offered internal scholarship programs for employees’ children to help open opportunities for them. 

Each generation should build on what the previous one has given. My family laid a foundation for me, and I believe it is my responsibility to pay that forward. If we have been given much, it should not stay within our own families. It should pour outward into the broader community. Supporting organizations that invest in future generations is one of the ways we try to do that.

What do you hope future generations will accomplish? 

I hope they fulfill their potential. That will look different for every person. Success in the arts, for example, looks different than success in science or business. What matters is that young people have the opportunity to develop their gifts to their full expression. Not everyone who receives opportunity will take advantage of it, but we have a responsibility to continue making those opportunities available.

What would you say to someone considering a donation to Think Together? 

Think Together has proven over its entire history that it knows how to steward resources at every scale. I used to think the best approach was always to give to the smallest organizations. Over time I realized there is also great value in supporting organizations that have demonstrated they can steward resources effectively. 

Think Together has done that time and again. Considering the communities they serve and the impact they have, it is a trustworthy and meaningful place to give. You can be confident your contribution will support good work. 

Think Together is one of California’s largest expanded learning service providers. With programs spanning the state, the organization understands the importance of developing strong leaders who can champion students every step of the way. In 2025, Associate Director of Program Excellence Jailene Paniagua was named a 30 Under 30 Honoree by Sen. Eloise Reyes Gómez, proving that her passion and commitment to service are making a measurable difference.  

Since 2021, Jailene has been working to bring better opportunities for Think Together students. She began her journey at Think Together as a program coordinator and quickly excelled, ultimately earning her current role as an associate director of program excellence for Rialto Unified School District.  

“I love providing Think Together students with enriching experiences that many of them may not have the chance to enjoy outside of our program,” said Jailene. “Although these experiences require thoughtful planning and preparation, I know the joy and learning they bring to our students make every effort worthwhile.” 

In her current role, Jailene works hand in hand with Rialto Unified School District, supporting after-school programs across 12 campuses and reaching more than 2,000 students each day. Her days are spent ensuring program quality, uplifting her staff, and creating enriching experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and growth in every student she meets. 

“I have grown tremendously throughout my journey here, and being part of this organization has shown me that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to,” said Jailene. 

During the summer, Jailene played a key role in supporting Think Together’s reading event with Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The event highlighted the importance of literacy and gave our youngest learners new opportunities to strengthen their skills, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading.  

With more than 30,000 students in Think Together’s San Bernardino region, leaders like Jailene help lay the foundation for success, building the bridge to better futures for the students we serve. 

Orange County Business Journal Recognizes Randy Barth in 2025 OC500 

It’s an honor to be recognized in Orange County Business Journal’s OC500. Being part of this list symbolizes the influence that Think Together has been able to have in Orange County for more than 25 years. Together, we have provided a safe, supportive space where students can grow and thrive. As we continue to expand, we look forward to reaching even more young learners across California, opening doors to brighter futures.  

Thank you to the Orange County Business Journal for this recognition! 

LA84 Foundation Awards Think Together with $130,000 Grant for San Bernardino and Riverside County Students 

The LA84 Foundation awarded a $130,000 grant to support Think Together’s competitive sports programs at 39 middle schools in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley. Sports play a big role in teaching our students the importance of teamwork and discipline.

This partnership brings competitive team sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball and flag football to Think Together middle school programs, each culminating with an exciting tournament that brings local schools together. Students will spend about an hour each day, four days a week, building their skills, connecting with teammates, and experiencing the joy of competition as each season wraps up with regional tournaments. 

Thank you to the LA84 Foundation for helping our students experience the grit, growth, and confidence that sports inspire.  Read all about this partnership here. 

Making an Impact in Rialto with 30 Under 30 Honoree Jailene Paniagua 

In Rialto, California, Associate Director of Program Excellence Jailene Paniagua has been selected as one of the 2025 30 Under 30 Honorees by Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes. This honor spotlights organizers, public servants, artists and professionals reshaping the region’s future.  

In her role, she partners with Rialto Unified School District to support Think Together programs at 12 sites, serving more than 2,000 students daily while empowering staff and enriching student experiences. Learn more about Jailene’s journey at Think Together here. 

Congratulations, Jailene! 

Think Together Students Discover the Power of Reading with LA Dodgers Alum Dennis Powell 

In collaboration with Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, nearly 200 Think Together students at Norton Science and Language Academy had front-row seats to a special story time with LA Dodgers alum Dennis Powell. Through Powell’s inspiring storytelling, students were transported into the colorful world of the book Abuela.  

These little readers also received LA Dodger’s merchandise such as hats and t-shirts, along with the chance to pick their very own book to take home and continue their love for literacy.  

Thank you to the San Bernardino Sun who attended and covered the event! Check out our blog to learn more. 

Think Together’s El Paseo Fashion Week Continues Finding the Spotlight 

For the young talent at Desert Hot Springs High School, bold student designs from the 2025 El Paseo Fashion Week once again owned the spotlight. Through a collaboration with the Fashion 2 class at DHSHS, Think Together helped bring 17 students’ creative vision to life. 

Thank you to Palm Springs Life Magazine for featuring the event and highlighting the importance of uplifting future designers as they stitch creativity into every step of their journey. 

Click here to read more. 

In partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Think Together hosted an LA Reads event for nearly 200 Think Together students at Norton Science and Language Academy (NSLA) in San Bernardino. Waiting for them at the event was a warm welcome from the LADF team, handing out team hats and T-shirts to everyone. 

As soon as the reading began, kindergarten through fifth-grade students sat in awe as Dodgers alum Dennis Powell brought the story, Abuela, to life, captivating them with each word. 

“I think it’s important to be able to emphasize the importance of reading. Reading is valuable. Reading is knowledge,” Powell said. 

Once the reading ended, these young readers cheered, their appreciation shining through smiles and applause for Powell’s inspiring storytelling. 

Principal Erika Agosta shared her appreciation for the event and the opportunities it opened for NSLA’s scholars.  

“This partnership with Think Together and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation brings opportunities to our kids that they would normally not have. We are so proud to be able to have this partnership that has the same ideals that we do, which are leadership and teamwork,” Agosta said. 

LA Reads is part of LADF’s broader literacy campaign, which includes the Dodgers Reading Champions challenge, a program that motivates young readers to develop their skills through fun, engaging literacy activities.  

Since 2015, Think Together and the LADF have teamed up to expand access to literacy programs, STEM initiatives and social-emotional learning opportunities. Through this ongoing partnership, LADF has provided more than $140,000 in support for Think Together students across California.  

With more than 30,000 Think Together students in the Inland Empire, events like these highlight the power of community partnerships to spark a passion for learning and open doors for student success. 

One iced café de olla, Doris Day singing in the background and a desire to support young minds is the combination needed to fuel powerhouse Site Program Manager for the San Gabriel Valley region, Brianna Hrisko. With seven years of experience under her belt, Brianna has created connections with students, led a team of 15 and become a leader for the Build the Bench program to help others exceed. Learn more about Brianna’s story and her coffee order below.

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.

What initially drew me to Think Together was my deep love for working with children. The desire to be a teacher has always been a part of me and I love every moment I get to work with young minds. I still remember driving my little pink battery-powered jeep through the neighborhood, gathering other kids to join me in arts, crafts and activities. Working with kids has always been my passion.

However, what truly inspires me is the vital role I play in the lives of so many students. Growing up in a large and nurturing family—surrounded by supportive parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins—taught me the profound importance of community. My circle of encouragement grew even larger as I got older, with a loving church family and friends who were always there to uplift and motivate me throughout my life.

I recognize that not everyone is blessed with such a robust support system, and it is an honor for me to help fill that gap through my work at Think Together. I aspire to be a source of strength not just for my students, but also for their families and my colleagues. Parents entrust us with their children, believing wholeheartedly that we will care for them, support them, encourage them and ensure their safety. Being part of this critical support community for these kids truly brings me joy and serves as my greatest motivation.

Throughout my journey at Think Together, I have had the privilege of positively influencing both adults and children. I’ve tapped into my creativity to adapt, embrace growth opportunities and provide mentorship and coaching. This experience has unveiled skills and passions within me that I never even knew existed. It’s heartwarming to witness the transformation that takes place—not only in the lives of the students and families I work with but in my own as well.

What is the theme song to your life? Why?

Growing up, my grandmother lived with us, and she always sang to me. One song that has resonated deeply with me is “Que Sera, Sera,” performed by Doris Day. It starts with a little girl asking her mother what her future holds. The mother reassuringly replies, “Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see.”  Whenever I find myself feeling stressed or anxious about what lies ahead or trapped in my own thoughts; I turn to this song. It reminds me that it’s natural to wonder if everything is going to go the way we planned, but we can’t spend our time worrying about things that are beyond our control. Life can be unpredictable; we can put in tremendous effort and plan every detail, yet sometimes things still don’t unfold as we hope. In those moments, I try to comfort myself with the understanding that “whatever will be, will be.” While there are certainly aspects of our lives we can influence, we must also accept that some things will remain outside of our control. It’s okay to feel this way—we’re all navigating life’s uncertainties together.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

I have had the privilege of working with many students who have greatly impacted my life, making it difficult to choose just one. However, one student stands out, as I was fortunate enough to have her in my program throughout her entire elementary school journey.

There was a day that sticks in my memory when I noticed something was off with her. She wasn’t her usual bubbly self, and as I took the time to talk with her and her mother, I learned that they were facing a heartbreaking situation. Their family was going to be separated from their father and husband for an extended period, leaving them with feelings of sadness, fear, and the hope that one day they would be reunited.

In that moment, I felt a deep sense of compassion for them. I made it my mission to check in on her daily, offering a listening ear and support. I reassured her mother that our program and staff were there to help, and to please let us know if there was anything we could do. My dedicated staff joined me in providing unwavering support to this family during those challenging two years of separation.

Then one day, the student rushed to me, bubbling over with excitement. “Guess what, guess what!” she exclaimed. Her joy was contagious as she revealed that her dad was finally coming home. The moment he arrived to pick her up from the program after their time apart was unforgettable. She ran to him, leaping into his arms, and I could feel the love and relief in that embrace.

Later in the year, her mother stopped by to thank me for all the support we had offered. She spoke of the comfort she had knowing that her daughter was safe, cared for, and happy during such a difficult time. It was incredibly touching to know that we could provide a sense of stability amidst their uncertainty.

Most heartwarming of all was when the student declared that she wanted to be just like me when she grew up, even announcing that one day she would come back to take my job. It reminded me that our presence and simple act of listening can make a world of difference in the lives of our students. I will carry that experience in my heart forever.

Why did you become involved in Build the Bench? What has been the best part of this experience for you?

As a Program Leader, I have completed the Build the Bench program twice and wholeheartedly believe in its power to unlock leadership potential and expand horizons for future roles. This program inspired my readiness to embrace my Site Program Manager (SPM) role. When I was offered the chance to serve as SGV’s Build the Bench Regional Lead this year, I embraced it with enthusiasm. It is a true honor to champion this remarkable development opportunity and to walk alongside the applicants as they embark on their journey toward becoming future SPMs and pursuing other roles.

Do you have a moment during your career at Think Together that has really made an impact on you?

Prior to working for Think Together, I worked in the retail business for many years. After being laid off, I decided to do something different and applied to my school district as a tutor. I loved helping and supporting students with homework. When Think Together was offered in my district in 2007, I applied and started my Think Together career at the Ontario Center School. One of my most impactful experiences at Think Together, was a visit to the Shalimar Learning Center with CEO Randy Barth to see where it all started. This visit brought back my past with my mom. I saw that this company’s roots were to support those families in need and that I was a part of the team that was carrying on that legacy. I was also inspired by Randy’s dream for the future of Think Together, which deepened my commitment to Think Together’s mission. Over the years, I have seen how Think Together is rapidly growing and throughout it all we keep support for students and families at the center of it all.

You have a staff of over a dozen; how do you stay connected and keep the team motivated?

I have a staff of 15 at my site, and building strong relationships is essential—far beyond just being everyday co-workers. Each person brings unique strengths, areas for growth and life experiences that enrich our environment. I invest time in getting to know them as individuals, not just employees.
I genuinely love my team and find joy in empowering them. Together, we celebrate birthdays and holidays, engage in fun challenges that motivate us, and support one another through tough times. My care for each member fosters a deep connection and drives us all toward our shared goals.

If another Thinker took a trip to your region, what is the one local spot (food/entertainment/park/shopping) you would take them to? Why?

I’ve been absolutely loving Mas Cafecito Coffee in Baldwin Park lately. It’s just a short drive from my school site, and I can’t get enough of their iced café de olla and abuelita latte—my favorites! If you’re in the area, treat yourself to some of their delicious coffee; you won’t regret it!

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?

When I’m not busy at work, I love hanging out with my family and friends! I get so much joy from baking delicious treats, cooking up great meals, diving into fun crafting projects, or getting lost in a good book. Every little moment brings a smile to my face! Oh, and I can’t forget my adorable pup, Mocha—she always brightens my day!

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