The Continuous Legacy of Herstory

Women’s History Month was founded by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) in 1980 in Santa Rosa, California, and has since worked toward creating a space to write women back into history. Every year, the NWHA selects a theme to celebrate women’s history and this year they’ve designated it as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” 

Please join Think Together in highlighting the many women who are inspiring generations to come to continue to break barriers!

The Beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Mary M’Clintock, Martha Coffin Wright, and Jane Hunt were the five women who organized the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 in New York. The convention was the catalyst that set off the suffrage era, when women fought for their social and civil rights. 

First Woman in Congress

As the suffrage movement was gaining traction, Jeanette Rankin was the first woman to be elected to Congress, representing Montana in 1916. She won her election to the House of Representatives by a margin of 7,500 votes and dedicated her term to advocating for women’s rights. Rankin was one of the founding members of the Committee on Woman Suffrage, which spearheaded the legislation to grant women the right to vote nationwide. 

Voting Became a Constitutional Right for Women

In 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified into the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Although minority women were discouraged from joining the national suffrage movement, many supported the amendment as they believed it was a step into the right direction for equality. The National Association of Colored Women Clubs (NACWC) was established in 1896 to create a space for Black women during the movement. 

The same year the 19th Amendment was ratified, over eight million women flocked to the voting polls across the U.S. to cast their votes during the election in November. It still took more than 60 years for all the states to ratify the 19th Amendment; Mississippi being the last state in 1984. 

Sky’s the Limit for Legendary Woman Pilot

American Aviator Amelia Earhart made history in 1932 when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Three years later, she became the first person ever to fly alone from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. Her Atlantic Ocean flight earned her the Distinguished Flying Cross, the first woman to receive that honor. Earhart is regarded as a pioneer for women in aviation, and to this day her tragic disappearance in 1937 while flying over the Pacific Ocean remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time. 

The “First Lady of Physics”

Dubbed the “First Lady of Physics,” “Queen of Nuclear Research,” and “the Chinese Madame Curie,” Chinese American particle and experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific field. In 1944, she became a vital member of the Manhattan Project, using her expertise as a particle physicist to develop the process for separating uranium into uranium-235 and uranium-238 isotopes by gaseous diffusion. 

Wu was also the first female instructor to join the faculty at Princeton University and is the first woman to receive a Doctor of Science from Princeton University.

A Little Girl Named “Annie Allen” Makes History

Gwendolyn Brooks poetry book “Annie Allen,” which is the story of an African American girl growing up into adulthood, received a Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 1950. Brooks made history as the first Black person to win the award and was also the first Black woman to serve as Consultant of Poetry for the Library of Congress. Much of her work revolved around telling the story of Black people and the injustices they faced. Brooks published her first poem, “Eventide,” when she was only 13 years old.

¡Si Se Puede!

Dolores Huerta was a leading force behind Latino activism in the late 1960s. She began her career as an elementary school teacher but resigned when she realized the devastating conditions her students lived in and the unfair treatment their parents received from being farm workers.

Huerta established various associations to support migrant farm workers in California, her biggest accomplishment being when she teamed up with fellow civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Together, they co-founded the national United Farm Workers of America Labor Union, which works toward helping migrant farm workers establish equal workplace practices in the agricultural industry to this day. The union’s famous slogan during protests being, “¡Si se puede!” (Yes, we can!).

Women Can Be College Athletes

Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink played a pivotal role in the passing of Title IX of the Education Act in 1972 which stated that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” She was the first Asian American and woman of color in Congress and was an advocate for breaking down barriers for all. Following her death in 2002, the Title IX act was officially renamed to the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act in her honor.

Title IX was mostly known for promoting gender equality in college sports, opening the door to numerous opportunities for women looking to pursue a college athletic career. It also banned discrimination based on sex in college courses such as science, technology, engineering, and math.

Women Establish Their Own Credit History

It wasn’t until 1974, when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was passed that women were finally able to apply for credit cards in their own name. Previously, banks required a man to be present to co-sign when issuing a credit card if a woman was divorced, widowed, or single. If married, she could take out a card in her husband’s name. Women were also bombarded with questions by banks when applying for a credit card before the ECOA was passed. They’d be asked about their marital status, number of children or if they planned to have children.

First Woman Supreme Court Justice

Sandra Day O’Connor was nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She went to serve on the nation’s highest court for 24 years and was part of many groundbreaking cases like Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education and Bush v. Gore. After her retirement, she became a frequent lecturer and in 2009 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

Women Taking Over Space

Dr. Mae Jemison flew into space in 1992 aboard the Endeavour on mission STS47, making history as the first African American woman to go into space. She started her career in the medical field as a general practitioner and led medical research projects on rabies and a Hepatitis B vaccine, among other groundbreaking discoveries.

She later made a career change to become an astronaut and was the first Black woman in the NASA astronaut training program. During the eight days she was in space, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness on the crew and herself.

Fast forward to thirty years later, space continues to be a place for women to reach for the stars. Astronaut Kellie Gerardi became the 90th woman to fly into space and is now set to lead an-all female space crew in 2026 aboard Virgin Galactic’s Delta class spacecraft.

The Notorious RBG

Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the second woman, and first Jewish woman to ever be appointed as a Supreme Court justice. She was a women’s rights activist and fought for gender equality in the eyes of the law, while also being the lead counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Women’s Rights Project. One of her most notable cases were when she wrote the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in United States v. Virginia in 1996. The case landed on the decision that the state-supported Virginia Military Institute could not refuse to admit women. Ginsberg was also the first female tenured professor at Colombia University.

Creating Healthier American Youth

In 2010, the Let’s Move campaign proposed by then First Lady Michelle Obama created a monumental impact to school lunches in the United States. With the goal of including healthier, well-balanced meals for children, the campaign was able to pass the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law in 2010. With this legislation, it set new standards for school meals requiring them to offer more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also limited the amount of sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats that could be in the students’ meals. It provided over 21 million low-income students with reduced-price school lunches.

Women Making Huge Strides in Sports

During the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, fencing athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad made U.S. history by being the first Muslim woman to wear a hijab while representing the United States at the Olympics. She was also the first Muslim American woman to win an Olympic medal when she won a bronze medal for the U.S. Saber Fencing Team. Because of her barrier breaking achievements, Mattel honored Muhammad by creating a Barbie doll in her honor and likeness. Her Barbie is the first to be made wearing a hijab.

Another honored win was in 2023 when American gymnast Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. She won the individual all-around title at the world championships for the sixth time. Today, she holds 11 Olympic medals, coupled with 30 World Championship medals.

Later in 2024, women achieved another accomplishment in sports when the National Hockey League named its first female assistant league coach, Jessica Campbell, for the Seattle Kraken team. This is a huge accomplishment as it’s reported that women hold fewer than 25% of senior leadership positions in professional sports leagues.  

Native American Representation in Congress

U.S. politicians Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids were sworn in at the 116th Congress in 2019, becoming the first Native American women to serve in Congress. Haaland is also the first Native American to be part of a president’s Cabinet. She was selected to be President Biden’s Secretary of Interior, which oversees the U.S. government’s treaties and legal obligations to 574 federally recognized tribes.

Hi Barbie!

The live action film “Barbie” took the world by storm when it premiered in 2023. It was a cultural reset for the way women viewed themselves in society and has since become a beacon for feminism and gender equality. Just three weeks after premiering, Warner Bros. announced that the movie “Barbie” had generated $1.03 billion at the global box office, making writer and director Greta Gerwig the first female to solely direct a billion-dollar movie.

Women Making History in Entertainment and Business

In 2024, Janet Truncale was appointed Global Chief Executive and CEO of EY, a Big Four accounting firm, the first woman to lead a Big Four company. Truncale started with the company in 1991 as an intern and has moved her way through the ranks.

For the entertainment world, American actress, singer, and host Keke Palmer made history at the 2024 Emmy award show when she won Outstanding Host for a Game Show. She is the first woman to win in 15 years and the first Black woman to be nominated and win in that category.  

Another groundbreaking accomplishment for women that has gained more coverage in 2025 is an all-female management team representing Eagles quarterback Jalem Hurts. This is revolutionary, as Hurts is the only player in NFL history to have an all-female team and only 23% of women are agents in the sports industry.  

Women have had a continuous impact in not just the U.S., but also worldwide. Let’s work together to continue the conversation beyond Women’s History Month and keep the learning going!

At Think Together, we strive to create equal opportunities and provide impacting support for all students, regardless of their background.

Explore the links below to continue to expand your knowledge on all the amazing contributions and milestones women have made in history!

Thanks to Think Together’s generous corporate and foundation partners, more elementary and middle school students have been introduced to hands-on STEM programming and learning opportunities. This growing demand underscores the importance of providing students with early exposure to STEM education. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM careers are projected to grow 8% by the end of 2029, compared to 3.7% of other occupations. With STEM careers in high demand, Think Together works with its partners to bring real-world STEM-based curriculum into its programs, allowing more students access to science and engineering career pathways. 

To make this possible Boeing, Edison International, Broadcom, and Honda have each helped enhance the opportunities in STEM that are offered to the students Think Together serves every day.   

Boeing Continues to Invest in STEM, Coding and Robotics for LA and OC Students 

Now in our sixth year of partnership, Boeing is investing in Think Together’s STEM, coding and robotics programs at 68 schools in Los Angeles and Orange County school districts, serving over 4,000 students.

Boeing’s continued support of Think Together’s Coding For All initiative enhances curriculum that focuses heavily on text-based code editing, rapid prototyping, STEM career explorations, Invention Adventures activities, and hack clubs for K-12 students. 

Students like Noemi, who developed a passion for coding through Compton High School’s drone program and stood out as the leader of the drone club on campus, have been able to flourish thanks to Boeing’s funding.

Edison International Powers STEM Programs in the Inland Empire

Longtime corporate partner Edison International brings STEM, coding, and robotics education to 900 students across 10 middle schools in Jurupa Valley, Perris, and Rialto. Students at Rialto Middle School engage in the Sphero robotics curriculum to activate BOLT robots, a STEM robot that empowers students to explore their creativity, coding skills, and inventiveness.

Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, has a 20-year history with Think Together with catalytic investments in our STEM programming for students in the Inland Empire.

Beyond financial contributions, they have participated as guest judges for the California Invention Convention, a statewide competition with more than 20,000 participants. Each year, 400 chosen school representatives are selected to showcase their innovative household inventions and earn recognition among their peers.

Broadcom Opens More Doors to STEM Opportunities

Since 2010, Broadcom has worked with Think Together to provide laptops and technology to students and staff across the state.

Over this period, Broadcom has donated close to 4,000 laptops to Think Together to help students prepare for highly competitive STEM related jobs in emerging industries that utilize technology.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadcom helped close the digital divide by donating laptops to students at Roosevelt Elementary School, as well as to students throughout the district.

Honda Joins the Race in Supporting STEM Programming

Honda started its partnership to support expanding STEM, coding and robotics programs for the first time in 2024. Launching in Paramount Unified School District, Honda’s support is impacting more than 900 elementary and middle school students at 15 schools with project-based STEM learning.

At Howard Tanner Elementary School, students engage with LEGO® STEM kits by creating their own functioning theme parks that cover coding and engineering principles. This interactive approach gives students a firsthand look at what it’s like to be an engineer, sparking curiosity and innovation.

Honda’s mission of giving back to students and education is evident in their philosophy of solving today’s problems for tomorrow’s challenges. With STEM education as a top priority, Honda and Think Together aim to create opportunities that inspire students to explore, innovate, and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce. 

Think Together is proud to work alongside these partners to create pathways to STEM careers. Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more exciting stories.  

“I’m enjoying the rhythm of it all.”

This is the positive outlook Maria Medina uses to describe both her life and her role as a Program Leader at Wilson Elementary in Lynwood. Her contagious and genuine love for her career over the past nine years has been the driving force behind her success. Read below to learn how Maria effectively bridges the gap between students, parents and teachers…all with a smile!


What continues to inspire your work at Think Together?

My students and team are a constant source of inspiration. I genuinely love coming to work each day, knowing we’re making a difference by helping students with their homework and providing them with a safe environment. Even though my days are long, and I am juggling multiple jobs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I especially appreciate Ms. White or as I know her, Shoma, and the trust she’s placed in me. She’s taught me so much, and I’ve grown tremendously in this role because of her guidance.

Would you rather be able to speak to animals or speak all languages fluently and which animal or language would you be most excited about?

 I’d love to speak other languages, even the language of animals! As a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, I often find myself translating and seeing the relief on people’s faces when I can bridge that communication gap. This truly brings me joy. It’s especially important to me because my parents only speak Spanish. I hope that if I’m not around, someone will be there to help them.

What has been your favorite project at Think Together?

One of my favorite projects was coaching the elementary school basketball team last year. Although I didn’t have much basketball experience, I dedicated myself to learning, using videos and working with a parent volunteer. It was amazing to see how the kids and I progressed. Our team was undefeated and took first place for the basketball season! Their happiness was contagious, and I was so proud of their hard work.

If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be?

Right now, my life’s theme song would probably be Cumbia Cusinela. I don’t understand the lyrics, but the rhythm is great. That’s how I feel about my life at the moment – I’m not entirely sure if I’m on the right track, but things are flowing smoothly, and I’m enjoying the rhythm of it all.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years and how?

Walt Disney’s quote, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them,” has been a guiding principle for me. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, I remember that the only way to know the outcome is to try. So, I offer a prayer, hope for the best, and take the leap. 

You have been with Think Together for almost 10 years, what has been your biggest takeaway from working at this organization and in the education field? 

My biggest takeaway is the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, no matter what the day brings. While some days will be better than others, our students are always watching us, and it’s crucial that we project positivity so we can support them in every way possible.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

I enjoy baking, shopping, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Think Together alumna Esther took the path of exploration far and wide to establish her widely popular Beauty and Brains Academy, a club at Compton High School. Creating a space that opens the door for many creative outlets is key for student expression and exploration.

Esther’s cosmetology club was born out of a desire to have a space where self-confidence and creativity could be cultivated by teaching various beauty tips and tricks, as a tool to make a great first impression!

Think Together gives high school students opportunities to grow by offering them the agency to establish and lead clubs that explore unique and diverse interests such as STEM, cooking, cosmetology, gaming, and many more.

Esther was only a high school sophomore when the idea to create the Beauty and Brains Academy came to her. The academy quickly gained popularity. There are regular student attendees and plans to become a school-wide elective at Compton High School.

In addition to being a club founder, Esther had already been involved in Think Together’s high school internship program where she shared the responsibility of supporting with leadership site visits, afterschool events, and tabling to invite students to join the program.

“I used to be really shy and quiet. Because of Think Together, I feel more confident. Like anything is possible,” shared Esther. When asked if she thought her interest in makeup could lead to a career path, she answered, “I didn’t even know it was a possibility, but now I know it could be.”

As the Beauty and Brains Academy continues to grow, so does the support it receives from people in the community. Many Los Angeles based influencers like Charis Smith have coordinated donations with other online influencers to gift unused beauty PR packages to Think Together cosmetology clubs like Esther’s!

“Growing up in L.A. it is so easy to fall down the wrong path, so nonprofits like Think Together are really changing that dynamic and helping guide these students to an amazing career path in the future,” says Charis.

Extracurricular activities help students build social connections, develop new skills, and explore different career paths. Think Together’s high school programs aim to provide academic support, college and career readiness, and leadership skills to unlock their full potential and flourish in college and beyond.

Esther is an example of the power of expanded learning and cultivating a safe space where students know they have the freedom to explore different interests and follow their passions.

At Think Together, we understand that education begins long before a child steps into a classroom and that affordable childcare is essential for working families to thrive.

However, access to affordable childcare and early learning isn’t always feasible. In Orange County alone, the median cost of childcare for kids under 2 years old is a staggering $19,097 while the household income for many families can be as low as $33,150 a year.

Think Together and the PNC Foundation, through PNC Grow Up Great® – the bilingual, $500 million initiative launched in 2004 to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life – are teaming up to support families with early childhood development, literacy and family education. Through a generous grant, they are funding literacy development initiatives with childcare providers and programs throughout Orange County.

One such program is led by Elizabeth Lindsay, who has operated a home-based childcare center in Santa Ana for the past 21 years. Think Together currently supports 33 providers like Elizabeth, ensuring they have the resources to help children and families thrive.

“Think Together has been really good for my program,” Elizabeth said. “They help me a lot with obtaining the materials and funding that I need, obtaining resources for parents and giving support when needed.”

These affordable childcare programs not only provide a supportive space for children to thrive but also offer parents and caregivers resources for their growing families.

Parents participate in engagement workshops, applying a research-based curriculum that equips parents with the tools to develop in their roles as their child’s first teacher and empowering them to strengthen their children’s math, language and literacy skills. Currently, these workshops have served 137 families representing 162 children, and parents have expressed gratitude for these resources.

In addition, PNC’s grant funds up to eight Think Together early learning staff with training that equips them with the strong understanding and ability to identify, apply and coach childcare providers with the Competencies, Foundations, Frameworks and EDI Domains and appropriately implement the 10 components of the Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) model. 

For 20 years, PNC Grow Up Great has helped young children discover their love of learning by collaborating with community-based nonprofit organizations, like Think Together. By supporting and delivering engaging programs, experiences and resources for families, children and educators, PNC Grow Up Great is helping to create a world of opportunities for the next generation and beyond.

“PNC’s support for early childhood education is a strategic investment to help broaden opportunities for social and economic mobility among at-risk children,” said Jarrod Ingle, PNC Bank regional president for Orange County and Inland Empire. “PNC Grow Up Great strives to eliminate barriers so that every child can succeed, and we are proud to work with partners like Think Together who are dedicated to serving our community through educational opportunities for our youngest learners.”

Think Together is proud to team up with PNC to bring exceptional literacy programs to Orange County families. For more stories, follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter

Where would you be without Think Together? For Andrea Suarez, she was enrolled in culinary school before finding her passion for education. Now Andrea is an Assistant Site Coordinator for Howard Tanner Elementary in the OC region where she strives for progress over perfection. Learn more about Andrea by reading below.

What are your professional goals for 2025 and how do you continue to stay inspired at Think Together?

As we start off a new year, I want to continue learning about all the great programs and learning opportunities Think Together has to offer students and their families. My professional goals are to grow into a new position where I can continue to share my creativity and passion for student success. 

What has been your favorite place that you have travelled to?

The Grand Canyon was the most amazing place I’ve visited. It was a quick stop my parents made while on a road trip to Chicago and even though we weren’t there for long, it’s been a treasured core memory. The views were unbelievable, and the air was so crisp and fresh. I was standing on land but at the same time walking on clouds. I would love to go back to the Grand Canyon and explore it with my kids so they too can experience the amazing feeling.

What has been your favorite/ most proud project to have been a part of while at Think Together?

It was putting a presentation together and leading a group of students in a LEGO STEM activity.  This project gave K-5 students the opportunity to learn about coding, movement, and engineering as they built a theme park with LEGOs. The students did an amazing job working together and adding their creativity into their theme parks. I felt so proud of everyone, and their projects were so cool I had to leave them up on display!

If you could be the lead singer in any band, past or present, which band would you choose and why?

I would be the lead singer for the band Train because whenever I listen to their music, I can’t help but feel happy. Their music is catchy and easy to sing along with and gives you a sense of hope and goodness. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others? 

Something I’ve been told and started to tell my kids and students I work with is “Progress over perfection.” Those three simple words have been a game changer for me when it comes to reducing stress. I don’t believe perfection exists because it looks different to everyone. Even when you think you have reached perfection, you find that there is still more you can do to make it better. However, progress is something anyone can notice and appreciate.

If you weren’t an Assistant Site Coordinator or in the education field, what career would you be pursuing?

I would be a pastry chef. Fun fact about me is I went to culinary school after high school before pursuing a career working in education.

You are someone who sees both sides of Think Together as an Assistant Site Coordinator and as a parent at Think Together. What can you share about this unique experience? 

Having the opportunity to do both roles is amazing. I not only get a chance to help our children learn and grow but I also get to share those opportunities with my own kids. They enjoy having me around and think it’s cool they get to call me Mrs. Andrea, instead of mom. I enjoy the Assistant Site Coordinator side because I see all the hard work that it takes to provide all the resources offered. As a parent, it just makes me feel extra thankful for the hard work that everyone puts in to bring the programs to the schools.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

 I like to relax at home with a family game night or movie night with my kids.

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Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team plays a pivotal role in bridging families and site program managers to resources they need to realize a student’s full potential, regardless of their background.

The team of 10 wears many hats within their roles including acting as a liaison to school support services, advocating for legislation that funds expanded learning and serving as a resource for school site and district partners.

They have trained over 1,500 Think Together staff members to better understand the needs of the communities Think Together serves. In 2024 alone, the FACE team delivered nearly 8,000 informational pieces across Think Together’s regions ranging from site event flyers to family resource brochures to newsletters.

Oftentimes, our Family and Community Engagement team develops close connections to both students and parents. For one Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Sara Orellana, that meant helping a family in dire need of assistance.

While Sara was representing Think Together at a booth at a school event, a mother approached her with a plea for help. The mother confided in Sara that she no longer had a safe place for her and her children to live and were moving from one place to another. Sara took immediate action and enlisted the support of the children’s Think Together school staff, school principal and even the city mayor to ensure the family had what they needed to start a new chapter.

“Having the city involved made me feel very inspired because it made the impossible possible,” shared Sara. “At one point, folks were telling the mother that she was going to have to spend a number of days on the street, but because she found our Think Together table, I was able to use my connections in the community to help her.”

Sara went above and beyond, by putting together a budget to help the family and organized a basket with essentials like clothes and basic household items.

In addition to connecting the family to resources, Sara created a safe space for the mother to share her feelings and emotions as she steered this challenge. To this day, Sara is grateful for the outpour of support she received from our school partners, site staff and the city.

“It meant the world as an educator and as a family and community engagement coordinator for a parent to show up for their kiddos,” added Sara. “She and her kiddos are in a better place. Mom now checks in regularly to see if there’s any volunteering she can do or anything she can donate to the program to support. That really goes to show that if you put your heart into the families, they’ll bring it back to you.”

If you or someone you know is facing any hardship, please explore the resources listed below for support.

It’s a very merry time at Think Together. From volunteering at book doctor events to assembling holiday kits and celebrating literacy wins, our partners’ generous support has made this holiday season one to remember. 

Dodgers Foundation Hits a Home Run for Reading 

To celebrate the love of reading, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation teamed up with Think Together to host two LA Reads events at Morris Elementary Environmental Literacy Academy and Ruth Grimes Elementary School in San Bernardino County.  

Nearly 400 students across the two schools eagerly listened to Dodgers great Dennis Powell read Ann Higginbottom’s book, Bigger Than Me. Each student received Dodgers swag and left home with a copy of the book.  

Ross Stores Patches Up Books at Book Doctor Event 

Ross Stores held a book doctor event where 15 volunteers collected, cleaned, and sorted books to be distributed throughout Think Together program sites for students to enjoy this holiday season.  

Since 2023, Ross Stores Foundation has generously supported Think Together’s STEM programs serving more than 1,000 students at ten elementary and middle schools in Perris and Moreno Valley with a focus on coding, robotics and environmental science.  

Ross Stores is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that help under-resourced youth with academic achievement, financial literacy and career readiness. 

Nossaman LLP Joins in the Holiday Cheer  

Joining in on the holiday fun, a dozen volunteers from Nossaman LLP conducted a book doctor event at their Los Angeles office. Roughly 250 books were collected, sorted, and patched up for distribution at Think Together sites throughout Los Angeles County.

Thanks to long-time Think Together board member Mary Lynn Coffee, an attorney with Nossaman LLP, who helped make this event happen! 

State Farm Spreads the Holiday Cheer  

State Farm is helping spread the holiday spirit early to Think Together students! Volunteers constructed 500 kits, each containing crayons, pencils, erasers, and coloring books inside. The kits will be distributed to elementary schools in San Jose. 

Assistance League of Tustin Builds Kits for The Holidays  

The Assistance League of Tustin chapter felt the holiday spirit and hosted a holiday kit build event at their Tustin headquarters. Volunteers assembled over 600 holiday themed kits that will go to Think Together students throughout Orange County.  

Think Together is proud to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, State Farm, Ross Stores, the Assistance League of Tustin and Nossaman LLP to bring exciting events and spread holiday cheer to the students we serve every day. Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more stories.  

As Think Together prepares to close the chapter on Shalimar at the end of 2024, we celebrate not an ending, but the fulfillment of a mission. We want to thank the generous organizations and partners that have supported our Shalimar community since it opened its doors 30 years ago.

Organizations such as the National Charity League (NCL), You Run This Town OC (YRTTOC), MVE+Partners and AO Architects brought holiday magic one last time this year to our Shalimar families with many events.

Read more about the holiday celebrations hosted for our Shalimar community this year below.

National Charity League Holiday Donation Drive and Thrift Party

For over 10 years, Think Together’s Shalimar Learning Center has partnered with the National Charity League Newport Chapter to host a Thanksgiving donation drive as well as a holiday party at their Ticktocker Thrift Shop.

For the Thanksgiving drive, Shalimar families received Thanksgiving staples, including side dishes, pies, a $40 gift card for a turkey, and a warm blanket for the chilly season!

Students from the teen center also organized a book drive, where families could select and take home books.

“I’m a Shalimar student leader, so I get to help plan and prepare the holiday events, which is very fun because I can see other families in the community participate. Shalimar has been like a second home to me. It has brought me more friends, mentors, and academic guidance,” shared high school student Sayuri.

At the NCL’s annual holiday thrifting party a couple of weeks later, students enjoyed a shopping spree where they picked out an item to gift to a family member or friend. They played games and had some sweet fun decorating their own sugar cookies. The NCL volunteers also gave students other trinkets to take home.

You Run This Town OC Christmas Tree Giveaway and Tamales with Santa

You Run This Town OC (YRTTOC) has once again brought the holiday cheer to the Shalimar community with their Christmas tree donation event.

This year, YRTTOC donated 30 Christmas trees to the families of Shalimar. Throughout the partnership, they have supported Shalimar teens with college and career readiness through life skills workshops on resume building and financial literacy.

Santa Claus was also there to take photos with Shalimar families while Shalimar’s Parent Advisory Committee handed out delicious tamales and hot chocolate for all to enjoy. A week later, YRTTOC also delivered some presents to Shalimar students!

“Every year we have been glad to be a part of this organization that doesn’t only fulfill us, it fulfills the community, and we do what we can to help,” said Founder and Board Chairman of YRTTOC Fred Noya. “The partnership and collaboration between Shalimar and You Run This Town Orange County has been phenomenal.”

Gifts, Games, and Community Spirit with Partners

Shalimar students ended the joyful season and the last day of program with a holiday party where they played games, signed their yearbook and received gifts from MVE+Partners, AO Architects, volunteer Ahmed Parekh, and Friend of Shalimar Committee member Khary Espy.

Think Together Shalimar alumnus Paolo Leon, who is a partner at AO Architects and a Think Together board member has spearheaded a majority of the gift donation drive throughout the years.

“Think Together has had a tremendous impact on me. It’s altered the course of my life for the better and I know my family and my children will be better off because of my involvement with Think Together,” Paolo said. “I am personally invested in making sure that the same opportunities are available to more kids like me.”

Shalimar’s light now shines across California in every school where a child’s dreams are nurtured in every community and is a reminder that big change starts small—with community, collaboration, and a shared vision for a brighter future.

Think Together is Ranked No.1 Nonprofit in Orange County by Orange County Business Journal 

For the second year in a row, Think Together has been ranked No. 1 in revenue in the Orange County Business Journal list of nonprofits. Although size doesn’t equate to impact, this recognition positions Think Together to serve more students and invest in innovations that can deepen our impact. 

Think Together is honored to be included in this list! 

Think Together and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Take a Swing to Boost Literacy 

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation held its final LA Reads event of the 2024 season in partnership with Think Together on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Ruth Grimes Elementary School in Colton Unified School District. 

Nearly 200 students at the school had the privilege of listening to former Dodgers pitcher Dennis Powell read a copy of Anne Higginbottom’s book, Bigger Than Me. Each student received Dodgers swag and an individual copy of the book.  

Thank you to The Sun, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Press-Enterprise, and Redlands Daily Facts for their coverage of this event! 

Leadership Promotions Put Think Together in the Spotlight 

Big congratulations to Holly Perry and Kecia Bailey Alexander who have both been recognized by HR Today for their recent promotions! Holly was celebrated for her recent promotion to Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Organizational Development, while Kecia was celebrated for stepping into her new role as Vice President of Human Resources. 

Both leaders have played an instrumental role in the growth of Think Together, guiding their teams to success and embodying what it means to be an odds-changer. 

We are delighted to see their success receive the recognition it deserves!