Stefanie Lawson Assistant Director, Early Education, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Thousand Oaks, CA Who or what inspires you? The children and families that I serve in my community inspire me every day. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Integrity. You will never go wrong with quality of character. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life? My father is the person who has ...Read More

Melissa Perez ASES Programs Supervisor, Child Development Services, Fullerton School District, Fullerton, CA Who or what inspires you? My family, my faith, and my culture inspire me. My homegirl Frida Kahlo inspires me to be the best woman I can be for all women and little girls… to fight and advocate for and live passionately. This picture is one of my favorites. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? “Paz y Amor.” (Peace and love.) What is one characteristic t...Read More

Lissa Tsu Consultant, San Diego, CA Who or what inspires you? I am inspired by art and artists. The world would be a much less desirable and beautiful place if artists didn’t risk sharing themselves with the world. I admire both their capability to let us see into their soul and their artistic ability to create. I am always seeking out art and artist friends to ground myself. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? One quote that has gotten me through a lot of hard times is,...Read More

Marissa Serna Child Care Coordinator, Alta Loma School District, Alta Loma, CA Who or what inspires you? My family inspires me. I want to be the driving force for my children to do more than I ever have, as they have been my force to do more. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” -Eleanor Roosevelt What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Communication...Read More

Jeanaah Sampson Regional Manager, EduCare Foundation, Van Nuys, CA Who or what inspires you? My mom inspires me. She’s shown me how to be a strong, independent woman with focus. All I am today is a reflection of what I have been taught over the years. What would students be surprised to find out about you? That I can be shy and socially awkward at times. Whenever they see me I’m always so loud and talkative. They’d never think I was quiet and reserved. What is one characteristic that you believe...Read More

Frances Vasquez Vice President of Programs, arc, Torrance, CA Who or what inspires you? Young people! They are incredible, resilient humans. I want to make the world better for them. I had a lot of opportunities growing up, and I want to be able to give them as many opportunities as I can. I had some incredible people in my life who poured so much love into me. I want to do the same for others. How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization? I have a sign in my office that says,...Read More

ElizaBeth Phillips Senior Program Development Director, Child Development Centers, Sacramento, CA Who or what inspires you? My Grandma inspires me. She was a teacher for many years and believed in John Dewey’s learning theories. I would spend my school breaks, afternoons, and sometimes my mornings with her before school and she always had fun things for me to do. And lo and behold I always learned something too. But, she inspires me in more ways than just her teaching style. She has a true love ...Read More

Heather Williams Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, California Department of Education, Expanded Learning Division, Sacramento, CA Who or what inspires you? I’m inspired by many things, but if I’m particularly seeking inspiration there are a few places I go look. One is reading. Whether fiction, non-fiction, books, articles, research, in the information age and particularly with the internet, we have so much reading material at our fingertips. It doesn’t take long before I can ...Read More

Amira Resnick Healthy Communities/Strategic Partnerships Manager, California, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Los Angeles, CA Who or what inspires you? Last year I visited OST sites to share and demonstrate physical activity games that get youth and staff moving (literally and figuratively!) toward a healthier OST site. All I brought with me was a small tote bag of supplies and a big grin on my face. The kids warmed my heart with their eagerness to try a new game and release some energy, wh...Read More

Becky Shultz Director of Expanded Learning, WCSD – Reach For The Stars program, Whittier, CA Who or what inspires you? People who are looking for ways to be kind and help others inspire me. Why do you work in this field? I work in this field because it gives me the opportunity to give youth all of the things they don’t normally have access to. We have the privilege of being able to help produce globally responsible citizens who receive a well-rounded education. Can you name a person ...Read More