Board of Advisors
Nancy Marroquin, Chair
Nancy Marroquin is a dedicated individual working as an ERSEA Specialist for a local Non-Profit Organization in South Los Angeles. Her role revolves around implementing the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) process, ensuring that children from low-income families have access to quality early education services.
Nancy's journey toward her current profession began at the University of Santa Cruz, where she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Latin American & Latino Studies with a keen interest in Education and Migration. Her academic background equipped her with a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential for growth within underserved communities.
One pivotal experience during her education was a six-month Education Study Abroad Program in Santiago, Chile, South America. This immersive opportunity gave Nancy valuable insights into different educational systems and instilled a sense of cultural appreciation and sensitivity.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Nancy finds joy and fulfillment in giving back to her community. She actively volunteers with her congregation, dedicating her time and skills to the worship team as a lead vocalist and drummer. She connects with others through music, uniting them through shared spiritual experiences.
Another passion of Nancy's lies in spending quality time with her loved ones. Whether going for leisurely walks, enjoying movie nights, or engaging in meaningful conversations, she cherishes the bonds she has cultivated with her friends and family.
Additionally, Nancy thrives on mentoring college students. She recognizes the transformative power of education and strives to inspire and guide young individuals in pursuing their dreams. By sharing her experiences and offering her support, Nancy aims to empower the next generation to reach their full potential.
Dr. Cleo Raradza-Mutebi
Dr. Cleo Raradza-Mutebi embodies determination and empathy fueled by the experiences of her youth. Having worked tirelessly through long hours while attending school to make ends meet, her journey has shaped her passion for helping others in their most vulnerable moments. This very passion led her to embark on a career as a nurse, dedicating herself to aiding the sick during their lowest points.
However, Dr. Mutebi's quest for knowledge did not stop with nursing. Fueling her lifelong thirst for learning and an inherent curiosity about the impact of medicines on the human body, she pursued and achieved a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the prestigious Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston.
Born in Zimbabwe, Dr. Mutebi's journey as an immigrant has been intricately intertwined with the value of education. After homeschooling her two children and gaining expertise in programming, robotics, and engineering, she was deeply inspired to disseminate these 21st-century skills to children worldwide who lacked similar opportunities. Consequently, in the years spanning from 2017 to 2019, Dr. Mutebi took a sabbatical from her role at Blue Shield of California and, along with her husband and children, established an organization aimed at exposing kids and teens in Uganda and Zimbabwe to the wonders of programming, robotics, and engineering.
Dr. Mutebi's organization achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first to teach and empower deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Uganda to delve into the programming world. By embodying the essence of Mahatma Gandhi's famous adage, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world," she has dedicated herself to enhancing the lives of those around her.
When she isn't contributing her expertise and time to her community, Dr. Mutebi finds solace in reading and engaging in creative ventures such as building robots with her family. Moreover, she tirelessly imparts leadership and 21st-century skills to children, ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary to navigate an ever-evolving world.
Dr. Cleo Raradza-Mutebi's life goal encapsulates instilling hope in individuals, enabling them to envision a brighter future beyond their current circumstances. Through her unwavering encouragement and lending hands, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to empowering others, exemplifying the change she wishes to see.
Dana Woods
In 2019, Dana Woods and her fiancé made a life-changing decision to leave their familiar hometown of Chicago and embark on a new journey in the picturesque Northern California. Bringing with her a wealth of professional experience from various administration roles in the legal field and her time as a franchisee of a Subway restaurant, Dana's transition to the West Coast was filled with excitement and possibilities.
Even before she set foot in the Golden State, Dana's heart was always attuned to the needs of others. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to mentoring and volunteering at numerous organizations, nurturing her belief that helping people lead more fulfilling and productive lives was not just a noble calling but a personal obligation.
One particular organization that held a special place in Dana's heart was the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. As an esteemed member of this society, Dana took immense pleasure in volunteering for steam-powered train excursions that offered a glimpse into history and highlighted the power of community engagement. Her tireless efforts further showcased her remarkable ability to make a positive impact wherever she went.
But it is during the holiday season that Dana's altruistic spirit truly shines brightly. Every year, she delights in spearheading a fundraising toy drive for the Gifts Giveaway event. With unwavering dedication and contagious enthusiasm, Dana ensures that every child who partakes in the event has the joy of unwrapping a toy on Christmas morning.
When Dana isn't immersed in her professional endeavors or devoting time to making a difference, she finds solace and inspiration through her hobbies. As an avid reader, she indulges in literature that broadens her perspectives and encourages personal growth. Her love for cooking allows her to explore diverse flavors, create culinary delights, and bring people together through the art of food. Additionally, the ever-adventurous Dana spends her spare time meticulously planning her next travel escapade, embracing the joy of discovery and immersing herself in different cultures around the world.