At the start of the 2025-25 school year, KIPP SoCal received a historic $24.5 million grant through the Community Schools Implementation Grant, funded by the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) through the CA Department of Education.
With this five-year grant, we will collaborate with community organizations and local government, aligning resources to enhance student outcomes through a holistic focus on academics, health and social services, youth development, and community engagement. To lead these efforts, all 20 of our schools have brought on a dedicated Community School Manager to transform our campuses into community engagement and support hubs.
As Community School Managers, they will be responsible for collaborating closely with families to build a coalition that unites families, staff, and community members in decision-making, introducing resources tailored to community-identified needs and priorities, and forging stronger partnerships with organizations that provide services and support our families value.
Community School Managers
Eduardo V. | KIPP Adelante Prep Academy
This role holds special significance for Eduardo, as it reconnects him with Southeast San Diego, the neighborhood that shaped his upbringing. With experience as a program director, teacher, volleyball coach, and school counselor, he brings both unity and empathy to his work. Passionate about empowering his community, Eduardo is committed to providing equitable resources and fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive, embrace self-discovery, and nurture self-love.
Jackie M. | KIPP Academy of Innovation
Jacquelin has been a dedicated part of KIPP SoCal since 2014—first as a founding Office Manager and then as a Founding Registrar. Proudly raising two KIPPsters of her own, she’s deeply committed to fostering a school community rooted in love, curiosity, grit, and excellence. Outside of work, Jacquelin cherishes family time, enjoys movie nights, and is an enthusiastic fan of the show “Friends.”
Prisma A. | KIPP Academy of Opportunity
Prisma has been a dedicated KIPP Academy of Opportunity team member since 2016, serving as an operations coordinator and working closely with families to provide exceptional service and support. She’s excited to continue offering the same high level of care while expanding her efforts to bring valuable resources and services to the community. Prisma is eager to make an even greater impact on families and students.
Jessica R. | KIPP Comienza Community Prep Lower School
Jessica has been part of the KIPP Comienza Lower School community for eight years, growing from an operations aide to a receptionist, operations coordinator, and registrar. She is also a proud KIPP Comienza parent who is passionate about supporting families and advocating for students. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, whether it’s enjoying the outdoors, visiting museums, or painting.
Fernando Z. | KIPP Comienza Community Prep Upper School
For the past five years, Fernando served as a dedicated KIPP Forward Counselor at KIPP Corazón Upper School and KIPP Comienza Upper School, guiding students toward their goals with a passion rooted in his own story. Born in Huntington Park and raised in Bell Gardens, Fernando’s connection to Southeast LA runs deep. Inspired by the dedicated teachers he had as a young student, Fernando has developed a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.
Tianna T. | KIPP Compton Community Upper School
Tianna brings a rich background in STEM education and fabrication lab technology to our team, with a strong belief in the power of community and family involvement in a child's education. Passionate about building strong connections, she is eager to collaborate with our families to bridge the gap between school, home, and the wider community. Tianna is committed to ensuring that everyone plays a vital role in supporting and driving student success.
Sheila D. | KIPP Corazón Academy Lower School
Sheila brings five years of experience working in elementary and middle schools across South LA. Born and raised in South Gate, Sheila has a deep connection to the Southeast LA community and is passionate about supporting families and students. Excited to return to elementary education, Sheila is dedicated to fostering an equitable and supportive environment for all.
Denise G. | KIPP Corazón Academy Upper School
Denise was born and raised in Lynwood and brings 10 years of experience working with families, students, and the community in Southeast Los Angeles. With a background in academic support, mental health advocacy, and family well-being, she has served as a Program Care Coordinator with Partners for Children South LA and as a Parent Partner with Children’s Institute Inc. Denise is passionate about connecting students to the resources they need to thrive both in and out of school.
Gloria M. | KIPP Endeavor College Prep
Gloria joined KIPP SoCal in 2022 as a Student Recruiter, quickly transitioning to a founding Registrar before becoming a founding Business Operations Manager. As a proud parent of two KIPPsters—one in 6th grade and the other in 1st grade—Gloria is deeply invested in our KIPP community. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her family, traveling to new places, and discovering cozy coffee shops where she can savor a vanilla latte while diving into a good book.
Alvaro M. | KIPP Empower Academy
Alvaro has over 15 years of experience serving South Los Angeles through community organizing and advocacy. At KIPP Empower Academy, his efforts have helped shut down nuisance motels in the Figueroa corridor, including one between KIPP Empower and KIPP Academy of Opportunity. His work also contributed to KIPP SoCal securing the historic $24.5 million Community Schools Implementation Grant. Alvaro is a proud father of four.
Morgan G. | KIPP Ignite Academy
Although this is Morgan's first year with KIPP SoCal, her passion for education, equity, and community engagement has been at the heart of her work for years. With seven years of experience as a 1st and 3rd-grade teacher, ELD interventionist, and Campus Engagement Coordinator, Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. She’s dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where students, families, and communities thrive.
Robert D. | KIPP Iluminar Academy
Robert’s journey in education began as an intern with the Boys and Girls Club, where he discovered the joy of nurturing the next generation. Passionate about connecting others to resources that help them thrive, Robert pursued a career in education to share the gift of knowledge. He has already started working closely with the Kindergarten team on sight word acquisition. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, watching sports, and spending quality time with his child.
Brenda G. | KIPP LA Prep
Many may remember her from her time at KIPP LA Prep between 2008 and 2018, where Brenda started as a tutor before joining the Operations team. After stepping away to serve in the Air Force in 2018, she is excited to return home and serve this incredible community again. Brenda was born and raised in downtown Los Angeles and still lives on the same block where she grew up. She enjoys attending games with her family as a proud Dodgers, Lakers, and Angel City FC fan.
Ashandi M. | KIPP Philosophers Academy
As a proud KIPP Philosophers Academy alumna, Ashandi has returned to her alma mater to give back to the Raptor community she loves. Last year, she began her journey as a “big Raptor,” serving as an Expanded Learning Instructor and PE teacher for 5th and 6th graders. Ashandi is excited to continue building on those experiences by supporting the entire school community. She believes working together can create a strong, supportive network that lifts up all Raptors, big and small.
Jazmine R. | KIPP Promesa Prep
Jazmine became part of the KIPP Promesa family just a year ago as a Special Education Assistant. In that time, she’s found a true calling in supporting the growth of our students and families—socially, emotionally, and academically. She’s driven by the joy of creating a welcoming, inclusive space where children and families feel loved, valued, and truly heard. Jazmine treasures time spent with loved ones outside of work, always eager to create lasting memories.
Vic C. | KIPP Raíces Academy
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and experience in community organizing and social services, Vic is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities. They have connected families facing homelessness to vital resources and worked with high school girls to create an art collective focused on self-expression and mental health education. Last year, Vic served as a Community Schools Manager in Boyle Heights, where they are proud to have made a meaningful impact.
Keyona W. | KIPP Scholar Academy
Keyona, born and raised in South Los Angeles, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having taught elementary school and middle school math and science over the past five years as a dedicated educator. Before her work in education, she served as a social work case manager and public health educator, and she was strongly committed to helping individuals and families in her community. With a strong foundation in education, social work, and public health, Keyona aims to foster inclusive community engagement while serving as an advocate and liaison for our students and families.
Joshua M. | KIPP Sol Academy
Joshua brings a deep passion for serving the East Los Angeles community where he was born and raised. Though new to the KIPP SoCal family, Joshua has over a decade of experience in social work, having served communities throughout Los Angeles County. He is eager to work collaboratively with students, families, and staff to ensure that each student has the bright future they deserve.
Eva B. | KIPP Vida Prep
Eva has been a proud KIPP SoCal Parent Ambassador for seven years and brought her passion for community to her role in operations at KIPP Vida, where she’s worked for the last three years. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Eva is deeply committed to uplifting Black and Brown communities. She loves camping, hiking, cooking dinners with her husband, and raising two wonderful daughters who attend KIPP Scholar.
Rhonda W. | KIPP Compton Community Lower School
Rhonda has been a dedicated member of the KIPP SoCal team since 2020, starting as a Regional Operations Associate managing Emergency Preparedness, Prop 39 schools, and Procurement. A proud Compton resident, she is passionate about breaking down barriers to social and economic mobility and creating opportunities for KIPPsters to thrive. Outside of work, Rhonda loves hosting dinner parties and reimagining traditional Southern recipes as a way to celebrate and connect with others.
Be sure to connect with your Community School Manager to learn more about how you can get involved and help shape your school’s future!
For more information about our regional Community Schools Implementation Grant efforts, please contact Esther Rhie, our Director of Public Programs and Community Schools, at erhie@kippsocal.org.