January Member SPOTLIGHT

"Our decision to join NAEF stemmed from our shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities and supporting educators and students in meaningful ways. Being a part of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and NAEF’s reputation as a leader in fostering innovation and collaboration within the educational foundation community made it an ideal partner for our organization.

We were inspired by the chance to connect with other entities striving for excellence in education, share our successes, and learn from the wealth of knowledge within NAEF’s network. Being part of this organization aligns perfectly with our mission to make a lasting impact in our community and beyond."

"The most rewarding aspect of being part of NAEF’s community is the opportunity to collaborate with passionate professionals who share a common goal of advancing educational excellence. The wealth of knowledge, resources, and support available through this network has been invaluable in helping us elevate our impact.

We truly appreciate the platform NAEF provides for exchanging innovative ideas, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges collectively. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a community that not only inspires but actively empowers its members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators."

"One significant challenge we faced was responding to the devastating impact of recent hurricanes on our community. Many of our educators, students, and families were left dealing with damaged homes, limited resources, and emotional distress. It became clear that we needed to act swiftly to provide support and restore a sense of normalcy.

To navigate this, we mobilized quickly by establishing emergency relief funds to assist teachers and staff directly affected by the storms. We worked closely with community partners to secure donations and supplies, ensuring they were distributed equitably. Communication was key—we reached out to stakeholders with transparency and urgency to rally support.

Through collaboration, persistence, and a focus on our mission, we were able to meet immediate needs while laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery. This experience highlighted the strength of our community and the importance of adaptability and teamwork during times of crisis."

"One challenge we encountered was realizing that many teachers in our district were unable to utilize our brick-and-mortar Free Tools 4 Schools teacher supply store due to its location. The distance made it difficult for educators from schools in outlying areas to access the free resources they needed to support their classrooms.

To address this, we worked closely with our community partners to develop an innovative solution—a mobile version of the teacher supply store. With their support, we transformed a bus into a fully equipped, traveling store that could bring supplies directly to schools across the district.

By bringing the resources to them, we ensured that all educators, regardless of their school’s location, could access the materials they needed. This initiative not only increased the number of teachers served but also strengthened our connection with the community and highlighted the importance of equitable access to educational resources.

This experience taught us the value of listening to the needs of those we serve and collaborating with others to create impactful solutions."

"What motivates me in both life and work is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others. Knowing that my efforts can create positive change—whether it’s supporting educators, improving resources for students, or fostering a sense of community—drives me to give my best every day.

At work, I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team of staff who inspire me daily. Their passion, dedication, and creativity make every challenge feel manageable and every success even more rewarding. Working alongside such talented and committed individuals motivates me to lead with the same energy and purpose they bring to our mission.

In life, I’m motivated by a desire to grow, learn, and contribute. Whether it’s through personal connections, new experiences, or community involvement, I find purpose in making a difference and leaving things better than I found them.

Ultimately, what keeps me going is the belief that every small action can lead to a larger ripple effect of positive change. That perspective, combined with the incredible support of my team, fuels my passion and determination in everything I do."