On Valentine's Day, our team joined the Valentine’s Amusement Fair and shared free lemon iced tea with kids and families throughout the day. Under the tent, children stopped by with bright smiles, parents paused for a quick conversation, and our booth became a small space of warmth in [...]
In this episode, we feature Gillian Calof, Senior Director of Finance at ClimateWorks Foundation and a longtime leader in nonprofit and philanthropy. With over 25 years of experience in mission-driven organizations, Gillian has dedicated her career to environmental protection, education, and community impact, guided by integrity, empathy, and long-term vision. Gillian’s leadership is rooted in sustainability, collaboration, and steady decision-making. [...]
In this episode, we feature Rebecca Hong, Head of School at Sequoyah School and a long-time advocate for progressive, student-centered education. With over 25 years of experience across K–12 and higher education, Rebecca has served as an educator, teacher trainer, equity facilitator, and curriculum developer, always guided by a deep belief in equity, belonging, and community. Rebecca’s leadership is rooted [...]
This holiday season, our team returned to Pacific Oaks College Children’s School for another meaningful Storytime Outreach — spending the morning with young learners through books, imagination, and connection. We gathered with the children on the classroom floor, opened picture books together, and shared stories filled with curiosity, kindness, [...]
In this episode, we feature Dr. Carolyn Stirling, an educator whose career spans both higher education and K–12 independent schools. Growing up across different states as part of a military family shaped her belief in belonging, connection, and helping others discover their purpose. With degrees from UC Irvine, UCLA, and USC, Carolyn brings both expertise and empathy to her work [...]
This Thanksgiving season, our team spent the afternoon at a local Family Pop-Up Market, where families parked their cars, opened their trunks, and transformed the parking lot into a lively row of handmade treats, crafts, and children’s booths. Amid the music and laughter, we set up our own table and shared [...]
Another year, another Thanksgiving season at Pacific Oaks — and our team was grateful to return for a morning of storytime, kindness, and community connection. We spent the morning reading picture books to preschoolers, sharing gentle stories about friendship, gratitude, and imagination. Tiny chairs, bright eyes, soft giggles — moments that remind us [...]
In this episode, we feature Angelica Lorenzi (b. 1990, Italy) — a Los Angeles–based artist and educator weaving ceramics and design into lush, speculative worlds. Her work imagines ecosystems where nature asserts its own agency — alive, unruly, and never ornamental. Surfaces swell with organic rhythms and mineral skins, transforming ornament into armor: beauty layered as both shield and [...]
This weekend, our team spent a meaningful morning at Pacific Oaks College’s 80th Anniversary Harvest Festival — a warm community gathering filled with families, laughter, and curious young learners. Kids ran up to our table for free candy, parents stopped to chat, and many took time to learn about [...]
In this episode, we feature Elena Phleger, a visionary leader in education and equity. As Director of Advancement at Sequoyah School, she has led transformative initiatives that expand student opportunity and access. Her impact reaches beyond the school walls. Through her role on the Board of Trustees at Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, she continues to champion progressive, inclusive [...]
