Celebrating the Faces of Change at Think Together
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator (FACE) Melanie Barraza Honored with the 2024 Randy Barth Leadership Award
Think Together is proud to recognize Melanie Barraza, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, as the 2024 recipient of the Randy Barth Leadership Award. The Family and Community Engagement team plays a critical role in strengthening the connection between families, schools, and communities.
In Palm Springs, Melanie has helped bridge many students and their families to valuable school-based and community resources. As a Randy Barth Leadership Award recipient, Melanie’s work reflects what it means to be both an exceptional and impactful leader. Her dedication, compassion, and collaborative spirit make her a standout individual who embodies these values. Thank you to Desert Charity News for highlighting Melanie’s big win! Read more about Melanie’s story or watch her award moment here.
Meet Think Together’s Impact Portfolio Team Who Will Advance Innovation in Education
Think Together is excited to announce the appointment of Matt Scharpnick as Chief of Innovation for the organization’s impact portfolio. He will lead the strategic development of technological solutions and bring a new suite of digital products designed to expand Think Together’s impact. Learn more about how Matt will bring about change to students across California here.
Along with Matt, comes a team of exceptional leaders who will help in making this change possible.
- Derek Lasher, Senior Vice President of Product
- Anthony Monahan, Vice President of Product Design
- Billy Cruz, Vice President of Software Engineering
- Johnny Santos, Chief of Staff
These key leaders will support Think Together’s Impact Portfolio by accelerating its efforts to deliver tech-forward education solutions. Read more about the Impact Portfolio team here.
Think Summer Fun Makes the Front Page of San Gabriel Valley Examiner
Our Think Summer program in Baldwin Park Unified School District (BPUSD) took the spotlight on the San Gabriel Valley Examiner! The incredible Think Together team at BPUSD created exciting, hands-on learning experiences that kept students engaged and inspired all summer long, helping them discover the joy of learning beyond the classroom.
For 15 years, Think Together students in Baldwin Park have experienced unforgettable moments due to the incredible partnership we share with BPUSD. Thanks to Superintendent Dr. Froilan Mendoza and Senior Director of Support Services and Title IX Coordinator Noreen Iwai-Ito, this collaboration has led to innovative ideas that help Think Together staff push the boundaries of what our students can experience.
Optima Tax Relief Strives to Make a Change with Book Donations Drive
Think Together’s partner, Optima Tax Relief, recently hosted their annual community donation drive, collecting 458 gently used books for students and families in Orange County along with other essentials! Through its company-wide initiative, Optima Cares, the program unites employees, leaders, and local partners around a shared mission: to uplift and support underserved communities through compassion, education, and direct service.
We’re incredibly grateful for partners like Optima Tax Relief, whose commitment to giving back continues to make a meaningful difference for students and their communities.
Read all about the event here.
Think Together’s Creek View Elementary School Team Receives Certificate of Recognition
At Creek View Elementary School in Mountain View School District, District Representatives Neha Upadhyaya and Roxanna Gracia visited Think Together’s Afterschool Program for their End of Summer Culmination Parade. Students proudly showcased their handmade crafts for peers, families, and staff to admire.
The outstanding Think Together team at Creek View Elementary also received a certificate of recognition for their commitment to providing students with enriching opportunities that set them up for success.
Congratulations to the Creek View Elementary Think Together staff for their dedication to changing the odds for students!
