Saltar al contenido

NUESTRA JUNTA

Nuestra Junta nos mantiene enfocados en lo más importante.

Nuestra Junta aconseja a la Presidenta de Flamboyán y provee gobernanza sobre los negocios, asuntos e impacto de la organización.

Rea Carey

Board Member

Rea Carey has served on the Flamboyan board of directors since its founding. She shares a vision for improved outcomes and excellence in public education for all children. Rea most recently served as the executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Currently, she is the Principal of Carey Forward, LLC providing consulting and strategic advice to executive leaders.

She has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit start-up, fundraising, and fiscal sustainability, program oversight, boards of directors, management, and leadership development. She has worked extensively in HIV/AIDS prevention for youth and young adults. Rea was the founding executive director of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition. In 1999, the Advocate named Rea one of its “Best and Brightest” for individual contributions to the LGBT rights movement.

In addition to serving on Flamboyan’s board since its founding, Rea currently serves on the board of directors of the Freeman Foundation and has served on the board of directors for the Alliance for Justice, and for Sapientis, advancing social and economic development in Puerto Rico by developing leaders who improve public education. She has also served as an advisor to individual major donors and foundations and has served on the advisory boards for such wide-ranging publications as Teen People magazine and the Georgetown University Journal of Gender and the Law. She earned her master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She lives in Washington, DC with her partner and daughter.

Kristin Ehrgood

CEO and Board Chair

Kristin Ehrgood is Flamboyan Foundation’s CEO and Board Chair. Since launching Flamboyan in 2008, Kristin has led the Foundation’s work to ensure a day where every child, particularly those most impacted by inequity, will have the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. An education advocate, Kristin oversees the Foundation’s efforts to ensure students are prepared to succeed in school and beyond, tailoring programs to meet the unique contexts in which the Foundation operates.

In D.C., Flamboyan is accelerating student learning by helping educators and school systems transform their relationships with families. In Puerto Rico, Flamboyan is ensuring students are reading in Spanish on grade level by third grade while building a thriving philanthropic and nonprofit sector. Flamboyan also created the Flamboyan Arts Fund in partnership with Lin-Manuel Miranda, his family, and the Hamilton musical to preserve, amplify, and sustain the arts in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane María. Flamboyan also works on a range of collaborative initiatives that allow the Foundation to flexibly meet the changing needs of communities as they arise.

Kristin’s commitment to championing educational equity began early in her career, from her time teaching in Baton Rouge and Trenton as a Teach for America (TFA) corps member to her promotion to Executive Director of the New Jersey region and on to Chicago and other locations around the country as the Director of New Site Development. After earning her Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, she began leveraging the adaptive leadership model to make strategic investments in public education. In 2002, she co-founded Sapientis, an organization that connected and engaged change agents in all sectors of Puerto Rico to improve public education. She went on to start Flamboyan in Puerto Rico in 2008 and opened the Washington, DC office in 2009.

Kristin is the founding board chair at DCSRN, vice-chair at Teach for America-DC and serves as a director at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation. She also sits on the investment committee at Education Forward DC and the neurosurgery advisory board at Johns Hopkins Medicine. She is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and a member of the International Women’s Foundation-DC. She previously sat on the Board of Directors at both Venture Philanthropy Partners and Stand for Children. For her work with Sapientis, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young in the area of Social Responsibility.

Kristin also holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University.

Vadim Nikitine

Board Member

Vadim Nikitine is the President of Commercial Centers Management, a holding company involved in 6 million square feet of commercial space in Puerto Rico, Florida, the Mid-Atlantic and the Midwestern United States. His companies are actively involved in all phases of the development of shopping centers, mixed-use projects, hotels, and mini-warehouses. In Puerto Rico, Vadim developed the first self storage facilities that rely primarily on solar energy. In the last several years, Vadim has continued to invest in the energy field, primarily focusing on efficiency and alternative energy sources.

Vadim is a graduate of Harvard University, where he obtained an undergraduate degree in economic development and sociology in 1989, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government in 2001.

Vadim is a co-founder of Sapientis, a non-profit organization committed to improving public education by mobilizing a diverse and informed network of change agents. Additionally, he is on the Board of Rare Conservation, an international environmental non-profit organization, and he has participated in the creation and preservation of a 580,000 acre national park in Peru.

In December 2001, Vadim was recognized in Caribbean Business as one of 40 people under the age of 40 having a significant and positive impact on the Caribbean. In June 2003, he received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst and Young in the field of Real Estate, Construction and Hospitality.

NUESTRO EQUIPO

Nuestra gente está al centro de todo lo que hacemos.

Cada miembro del equipo tiene una fortaleza única que comparte. Nuestro equipo vive todos los días los valores fundamentales de Flamboyán (Personas, Equidad, Impacto y Acción Catalítica) con una meta en mente: garantizar que los estudiantes más afectados por la desigualdad tengan lo que necesitan para tener éxito en la escuela y en otras facetas de sus vidas.

Coral M. Aponte Rivera

Managing Director, Policy and Partner Engagement

Coral works to promote the adoption of public policies and collaborations that ensure quality education for the children most affected by inequity in Puerto Rico. Daughter, granddaughter, niece and sister of teachers, as well as a student of the public system, Coral seeks to guarantee the fundamental right to public education in Puerto Rico.

Before joining Flamboyán, she worked as Director of the Office of Education and Community Relations of the Judiciary. From that role, she led the development of projects aimed at educating the community about their rights, duties, the court system and judicial processes. She strongly believes in the power of education to remove barriers to access justice and promote equity in our society.

Coral is a lawyer admitted to practice law in Puerto Rico. She completed her juris doctor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law. She also has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and a master’s degree in investigative journalism from Florida International University.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? I had excellent teachers in my schools. However, my high school Social Studies teacher was instrumental in my academic and social development. Carlos Pagán Durán not only taught me history. He was also the advisory teacher of the school youth cooperative. Through this additional role, he gave me invaluable entrepreneurship and leadership experience. He looked for opportunities for me on and off the island, encouraged me to take them, accompanied me and showed his pride.


En español

Coral trabaja para promover la adopción de políticas públicas y colaboraciones que aseguren una educación de calidad para los niños y las niñas más afectados por la desigualdad en Puerto Rico. Hija, nieta, sobrina y hermana de maestras, además de estudiante del sistema público, Coral busca que se garantice el derecho fundamental a la educación pública en Puerto Rico.

Antes de integrarse al equipo de trabajo de Flamboyán, trabajó como directora de la Oficina de Educación y Relaciones con la Comunidad del Poder Judicial. Desde ese rol lideró el desarrollo de proyectos dirigidos a educar a la comunidad sobre sus derechos, deberes, el sistema de tribunales y los procesos judiciales. Ella cree firmemente en el poder de la educación para eliminar barreras de acceso a la justicia y promover la equidad en nuestra sociedad.

Coral es abogada admitida a ejercer la profesión legal en Puerto Rico. Completó su juris doctor en la Escuela de Derecho de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Además, posee un bachillerato en periodismo de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras, y una maestría en periodismo investigativo de la Universidad Internacional de Florida.

¿Quién fue tu maestro favorito en la escuela? Tuve excelentes maestros y maestras en mis escuelas. Sin embargo, mi maestro de Estudios Sociales de escuela superior fue fundamental en mi desarrollo académico y social. Carlos Pagán Durán no solo me enseñó historia. También era el maestro consejero de la cooperativa juvenil escolar. A través de esa función adicional me brindó una experiencia de empresarismo y liderazgo invaluable. Me buscó oportunidades dentro y fuera de la isla, me animó a tomarlas, me acompañó y demostró su orgullo. 

Michael Brookins Jr.

Staff Accountant

At Flamboyan, Michael maintains a healthy financial environment by preparing basic financial statements and organizing account records for the Senior Managing Director of Finance. He also ensures Flamboyan is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Michael is committed to working in education because he believes it is the most effective way to help those who are less fortunate and marginalized.

Prior to joining Flamboyan Foundation, Michael was a contractor for 5 years in the world of accounting, finance, and banking. He worked at organizations such as Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, T. Rowe Price, and Tower Federal Credit Union in various roles. His educational background is in International Studies, and he received his Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Given his studies, his introduction to the workforce was at a for-profit International Development firm where he started as an Archivist. Additionally, Michael helped approve disaster loans for the US Small Business Administration during the heat of the pandemic.

Outside of Flamboyan, Michael finds great joy in serving Black and Brown communities and making an impact as a volunteer.


What was your favorite subject in school? Spanish, because I loved the idea of learning another language. It inspired me to choose the classes I would take in college years later where I studied Mandarin Chinese and Arabic as well. I watch countless YouTube videos of polyglots going overseas or to different communities in the US and engaging in their culture.

Jiesen Chen

Associate, Finance + Operations

At Flamboyan, Jiesen supports the organization’s financial, technical, and legal processes, establishing organizational systems and structures, and ensuring alignment with Flamboyan’s core values in both the Washington DC and Puerto Rico offices. Jiesen is committed to working in education because he believes that fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment is essential to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to educational opportunities and can thrive in a diverse and inclusive learning community. He believes this work is essential for promoting social justice and creating a more just and equitable society.

Prior to joining Flamboyan Foundation, Jiesen arrived in the United States as an international student. He completed his undergraduate studies in Computer Science at Auburn University and later obtained a Master’s degree in Finance from George Washington University. He also served as the campus leader for an international program.

Outside of Flamboyan, Jiesen enjoys spending his free time exploring antique stores and browsing through their intriguing collections of vintage items. He’s an avid snowboarder, a motorcycling enthusiast, and passionate about photography.

Connect with Jiesen on LinkedIn.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Professor Thomas Gross and Professor Faith Bradley during my master’s degree studies. They possessed an incredible knack for simplifying complex topics, making them accessible and easy to understand. They were always approachable, supportive, and genuinely cared about their students’ success both inside and outside the classroom. What truly set them apart was their willingness to provide valuable advice that extended beyond academics and could benefit you throughout your life.

Patricia Coral Ayala

Senior Director, Office of the CEO

At Flamboyan, Patricia provides comprehensive support to the CEO to ensure seamless execution of professional priorities and assists with special projects. She works in partnership with the CEO to design, implement, and manage all aspects of philanthropic giving from the CEO’s office in both Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Patricia believes education is a powerful tool for social transformation.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Patricia worked in the arts management, nonprofit, and education sectors as Director of Events at Politics and Prose, Program and Development Manager at Inprint, and as a consultant for several nonprofits and educational projects in Puerto Rico, Houston, and DC. She holds a BA in Hispanic Studies from Universidad de Puerto Rico, an MA in Spanish from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, and an MFA in Creative Writing from American University in DC.

Outside of Flamboyan, Patricia is a writer. In her free time, she leads workshops and writing community groups. Her first book is forthcoming in 2024.

Connect with Patricia on Linkedin.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? I had many inspiring teachers who made a positive impact in my life, but my favorite was Mrs. Carmen Molina, who taught me to love my country and its history, to think critically, and to be passionate about learning.

Toni Ann DeGuzman

Director, Creative + Visual Content

Toni helps grow Flamboyan’s profile by bringing its story to life through innovative graphic design, photography, and videography, and through managing Flamboyan’s website and email systems. Toni is committed to working in education because she believes all children, despite their socio-economic status, should be able to receive a fulfilling education while having the same opportunities and resources as others.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Toni worked mostly in the non-profit sector. With a background in web development, design, and new media, she began her career interning in web and digital production for organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, GMMB+, and the American Association of University Women. Most recently, she worked at The Engage Group, where she specialized in digital production for online fundraising — working with clients such as the Human Rights Campaign and WETA.

Outside of Flamboyan, Toni enjoys doing pottery, taking photos, reading, trying new foods, and traveling!

Connect with Toni on LinkedIn.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? My high school IB Biology teacher, Mr. Myzak. He never stopped believing that I had the ability to succeed and always encouraged me to be the best I can be.

Kristin Ehrgood

CEO + Board Chair

Kristin Ehrgood is Flamboyan Foundation’s CEO and Board Chair. Since launching Flamboyan in 2008, Kristin has led the Foundation’s work to ensure a day where every child, particularly those most impacted by inequity, will have the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. An education advocate, Kristin oversees the Foundation’s efforts to ensure students are prepared to succeed in school and beyond, tailoring programs to meet the unique contexts in which the Foundation operates.

In D.C., Flamboyan is accelerating student learning by helping educators and school systems transform their relationships with families. In Puerto Rico, Flamboyan is ensuring students are reading in Spanish on grade level by third grade while building a thriving philanthropic and nonprofit sector. Flamboyan also created the Flamboyan Arts Fund in partnership with Lin-Manuel Miranda, his family, and the Hamilton musical to preserve, amplify, and sustain the arts in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane María. Flamboyan also works on a range of collaborative initiatives that allow the Foundation to flexibly meet the changing needs of communities as they arise.

Kristin’s commitment to championing educational equity began early in her career, from her time teaching in Baton Rouge and Trenton as a Teach for America (TFA) corps member to her promotion to Executive Director of the New Jersey region and on to other locations around the country as the Director of New Site Development. After earning her Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, she began leveraging the adaptive leadership model to make strategic investments in public education. In 2002, she co-founded Sapientis, an organization that connected and engaged change agents in all sectors of Puerto Rico to improve public education. She went on to start Flamboyan in Puerto Rico in 2008 and opened the Washington, DC office in 2009.

Kristin is the founding board chair at DC School Reform Now and serves as a director at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation. She also sits on the investment committee at Education Forward DC and the neurosurgery advisory board at Johns Hopkins Medicine. She is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and a member of the International Women’s Foundation-DC. She previously sat on the Board of Directors at Venture Philanthropy Partners, Teach for America-DC and Stand for Children.

Kristin also holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University.

Rebecca S. Fadhel Carballo

Executive Assistant

At Flamboyan, Rebecca provides comprehensive administrative support to the PR Executive Director. She handles diverse tasks with precision and confidentiality to ensure the efficiency and success of the executive’s office and organization. Prior to Flamboyan, Rebecca worked in the private sector. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in painting from Syracuse University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in art history and the Visual Culture of the Caribbean.

Outside of Flamboyan, Rebecca is an artist. She spends her free time working on painting commissions, spending time with her friends, and playing pickleball with her family.


What was your favorite course of subject in school? My favorite course of subject in college was Performance Art as I learned how to use art in a non-traditional way. With this class I learned how to celebrate my individuality and self-expression, as well as confronting my fears and being vulnerable in front of an audience.


En Español

En la Fundación Flamboyán, Rebecca provee apoyo administrativo al director ejecutivo de Puerto Rico.  Ella maneja diversas tareas con precisión y confidencialidad para asegurar la eficencia y el éxito de la oficina ejecutiva y de la organización. Antes de unirse a Flamboyán, rebecca trabajó en el sector privado. Se graduó de Syracuse University con un bachillerato en artes plásticas con una concentración en pintura. Actualmente está cursando su Maestría en Historia del Arte y Cultura Visual del Caribe.

Fuera de Flamboyán, Rebecca es una artista. Durante su tiempo libre trabaja en comisiones de pinturas, pasa tiempo con sus amigos y juega pickleball con su familia.

¿Cuál era tu curso favorito en la escuela?

Mi clase preferida en la universidad fue Performance Art ya que aprendí a utilizar el arte de una manera no tradicional. En esta clase aprendí a celebrar mi individualidad y autoexpresión, además de enfrentar mis miedos y ser vulnerable frente a un público.

Luz N. Febres

Associate, Operations

As Operations Associate Luz Noelia supports the Director of Talent and Operations with everything related to human resources, organizational culture, and strategic planning in the Flamboyán Foundation office in Puerto Rico. She has previously worked assisting executives in the federal government, health insurance industry, and mortgage and commercial banking. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Processing and Office Administration from the Ana G. Méndez University System. Her professional experience ranges from managing incentive and retirement plans and coordinating training and corporate events. 

Luz Noelia’s work is essential so that the Flamboyán team can respond quickly to the needs of our children, our collaborators, and the community. She is proud to help advance the organization’s mission. 

She enjoys outdoor activities, practicing yoga, and food tasting. She is proud to be of African descent and expresses it by being a bomba dancer and ethnic-cultural model. In addition, she is a “Holistic Coach” and has a validation as a “Chartered Herbalist” granted by the Dominion Herbal College of Canada. 


What was your favorite subject or course in school? Music and art classes. Art is fundamental for the development of the human being. Being exposed to this discipline from an early age helps to stimulate ingenuity, relationships with others and to see the world in a wonderful way. Art does not expire and is a discipline you develop throughout your life. 


En español

Como Asociada de Operaciones Luz Noelia apoya a la Directora de Talento y Operaciones con todo lo relacionado con los recursos humanos, cultura organizacional y planificación estratégica en la oficina de la Fundación Flamboyán en Puerto Rico. Desde sus inicios, ha ocupado puestos asistiendo a ejecutivos en el gobierno federal, seguros de salud, banca hipotecaria y comercial. Tiene un Bachillerato en Procesamiento de información y Administración de Oficinas del Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez. Su experiencia profesional va desde el manejo de planes de incentivos, manejo de planes de retiro, coordinación de adiestramientos y eventos corporativos, entre otros.   

El trabajo de Luz Noelia es esencial para que el equipo de Flamboyán pueda responder de forma rápida a las necesidades de nuestra niñez, nuestros colaboradores y de la comunidad. Le llena de orgullo ayudar a impulsar la misión de la organización. 

Como estilo de vida Luz Noelia disfruta de actividades al aire libre, practicar yoga y de la degustación. Vive orgullosa de ser afrodescendiente y lo expresa siendo bailadora de bomba y modelo étnico-cultural. Además, es “Coach Holístico” y posee una validación como “Chartered Herbalist” otorgada por la Dominion Herbal College de Canadá.  

¿Cuál era tu materia o curso favorito en la escuela? Las clases de música y arte. El arte es fundamental para el desarrollo del ser humano. Estar expuesto a esta disciplina desde temprana edad, ayuda a estimular el ingenio, las relaciones con los demás y a ver el mundo de una forma maravillosa. El arte no caduca y es una disciplina que desarrollas durante toda tu vida.   

Hilary Tone Forslund

Managing Director, Communications + Public Affairs

Hilary elevates Flamboyan’s profile and expands engagement with the organization by strengthening its local and national brand, broadening its visibility, and attracting partnership support to advance its strategic goals. A proud product of California’s public schools, she is passionate about ensuring equity for those furthest from opportunity.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Hilary led the Communications Team at the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and oversaw press, digital, strategic, and crisis communications for the broader school district and in support of its 116 schools. Before DCPS, she served as an editor and program director at Media Matters for America, and in communications roles advancing human rights at the Equal Rights Center in Washington, DC and Border Action Network in Tucson, Arizona.

Hilary holds a Master’s degree in Public Diplomacy from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Spanish Studies from Santa Clara University. When she’s not advancing Flamboyan’s mission, she is a dancer and dance instructor specializing in tap. She lives in the DC area with her husband, two children, and rescue cat. Connect with Hilary on LinkedIn.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? My favorite teacher was my 11th grade English teacher, Mrs. Haren. She had a captivating sense about her, and an unconventional way of teaching. She held us to high standards but celebrated our individuality in a way I’d never experienced. I felt so challenged and fulfilled in her class!

Shoko Fox

Managing Director, School + District Partnerships

Shoko supports school districts across the country to embed family engagement practices that are responsive to the specific needs of their communities. She is committed to education because she deeply believes that education can empower individuals and communities and is an essential part of creating a more just world.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Shoko began her career as a middle school science teacher at a charter school in Washington, DC. After several years in the classroom, she became the Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction at a non-profit organization in the Boston area that provided out-of-school-time supports for middle and high school students and teacher training for the next generation of educators. After seven years in Boston, she returned to the DC area and joined DC Public Schools to help schools implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure that all students received high-quality instruction and the supports they deserved.  As someone who has worked with middle school students her entire career and as a parent herself, Shoko sees firsthand how critical family engagement is to student success.

Outside of Flamboyan, Shoko is the proud parent of a toddler who both makes her laugh and teaches her patience every single day. She spends as much time as she can outside and aspires to one day live on a farm with too many dogs.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mr. Jones, my AP US History teacher. He not only made history engaging but got to know me outside of the classroom and gave me advice and a space to just talk.

Maricruz Freytes

Managing Director, Talent + Operations

Maricruz directs talent and operations related to human resources, culture, and strategic planning in Flamboyan’s Puerto Rico office to ensure a high-functioning organization with effective systems and programs.

Maricruz is passionate about transforming people’s lives in the workplace. Before joining Flamboyan, she worked as a senior professional for two global consulting firms and oversaw their responsibilities in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. She also served as a senior talent development consultant and professional coach supporting executives and professionals in their strategic plans and organizational changes in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Florida. She has managed projects in leadership development, assessments, and coaching, and has assisted hundreds of professionals in world class companies at all levels of their career.

Maricruz is an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management’s National and Puerto Rico Chapters (SHRM). She holds a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. She is also certified as a talent coach by the International Coaching Federation (IFC), and in Hogan Assessments by Hogan International. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for her family, running, and playing with her three Poodles. Connect with Maricruz on LinkedIn.

What was your favorite subject or course in school? Sciences because I very much enjoyed knowing and having a sense of the existence of the world.


En Español

Maricruz dirige el área de talento y las operaciones relacionadas con los recursos humanos, la cultura y la planificación estratégica en la oficina de Flamboyán en Puerto Rico de modo que se pueda garantizar una organización de alto funcionamiento con sistemas y programas efectivos.

A Maricruz le apasiona transformar la vida de las personas en el lugar de trabajo. Antes de unirse a Flamboyan, trabajó como profesional senior para dos firmas consultoras globales y supervisó sus responsabilidades en Puerto Rico y el Caribe. También se desempeñó como consultora senior de desarrollo de talento y coach profesional apoyando a ejecutivos y profesionales en sus planes estratégicos y cambios organizacionales en Puerto Rico, República Dominicana, Jamaica y Florida. Ha gestionado proyectos de desarrollo de liderazgo, evaluaciones y coaching, y ha ayudado a cientos de profesionales en empresas de clase mundial en todos los niveles de su carrera.

Maricruz es miembro activo de los Capítulos Nacionales y de Puerto Rico de la Sociedad para la Gestión de Recursos Humanos (SHRM). Tiene una Maestría y Doctorado en Psicología Industrial y Organizacional de la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. También está certificada como coach de talentos por la International Coaching Federation (IFC) y en Hogan Assessments por Hogan International. En su tiempo libre, le gusta cocinar para su familia, correr y jugar con sus tres perros. Conéctese con Maricruz en LinkedIn.

¿Cuál era tu materia o curso favorito en la escuela? Ciencias porque disfrutaba mucho el conocer y tener un sentido de la existencia en el mundo.

Emily Garcia

Senior Managing Director, Program

Emily leads Flamboyan’s Program team, overseeing the organization’s work to expand REAL Family Engagement with partners both locally and nationally. Emily is deeply committed to education because she believes that as a product of public education, all students should have access to high-quality education and opportunities, regardless of their background.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Emily spent more than a decade working at DC Public Schools – both at the district level overseeing the redesign of the teacher selection model and recruitment process, and as a school-level administrator. She began her career in education with TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project) supporting Prince George’s County, MD and the state of Delaware with alternative route teaching programs. Emily is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland and was introduced to the education world more than 15 years ago as an intern with DC Public Schools during the summer of 2007.

Outside of Flamboyan, Emily is an avid reader who is always looking for book recommendations. She and her wonderful husband Fredy live in Maryland with their dog and backyard chickens.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mrs. Trebilcock – my 10th grade US History teacher. She created an environment where you felt safe to take risks – both academically and socially. She not only knew your name, but your story and that made each student feel seen.

Jessica S. González Hernández

Senior Director, K-3 Reading

As Senior Director of K-3 Reading, Jessica is dedicated to integrating educational content into innovative strategies to increase the number of students achieving grade-level reading. She leads the daily collaborative efforts of the Flamboyán Foundation with the Puerto Rico Department of Education and other members of the educational ecosystem, offering technical assistance in the planning and implementation of K-3 Essential Reading Practices. In addition, she focuses her efforts on ensuring that all initiatives integrate an equity perspective, firmly supporting the fundamental belief that all students are capable of learning to read.

Previously, Jessica served as a professor in the Early Childhood Education bachelor program at the Interamerican University and at the Ana G. Méndez University in Puerto Rico. As an educator, she participated in the development of the Preschool Education curriculum of the CeDIn Laboratory School. In this role, she implemented project-based learning for integration with nature and social-emotional well-being, which she presented at conventions of the National Association for the Education of Early Childhood (NAEYC) in Puerto Rico, Texas, and Florida. Additionally, she has worked as a CDA Career Development Specialist with the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC, and as a Career Advisor at Sacred Heart University. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Preschool Education and a master’s degree in the Teaching of Reading and Writing at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

As an educator, Jessica feels a genuine commitment to the country’s education and firmly believes that family participation and socio-emotional well-being are essential for the comprehensive development of students. Her passion lies in promoting play, reading, and fine arts integration, providing opportunities that encourage a love of learning from an early age.


Who was your favorite teacher? Fortunately, I had excellent teachers along my way, but I especially highlight Professor Radamés O. Colón, teacher of Ethics and Theater. He taught me the true meaning and value of service through humanitarian missions in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. These experiences showed me the transformative power we all possess to change other people’s lives. His influence lives on in me as a constant reminder of the importance of serving with a meaningful purpose.


En Español

Como Directora Senior de Lectura K-3, Jessica se dedica a integrar contenido educativo en estrategias innovadoras con el objetivo de aumentar el número de estudiantes que alcanzan el nivel de lectura correspondiente al nivel de su grado. Lidera los esfuerzos diarios de colaboración de la Fundación Flamboyán con el Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico y otros integrantes del ecosistema educativo, ofreciendo asistencia técnica en la planificación e implementación de las Prácticas Esenciales de Lectura K-3. Además, centra sus esfuerzos en que todas las iniciativas integren una perspectiva de equidad, respaldando firmemente la creencia fundamental de que todos los estudiantes son capaces de aprender a leer.

Anteriormente, Jessica se desempeñó como profesora en el programa de bachillerato en Educación Temprana en la Universidad Interamericana y en la Universidad Ana G. Méndez en Puerto Rico. Como educadora, participó en el desarrollo del currículo de Educación Preescolar de la Escuela Laboratorio CeDIn. En este rol, implementó el aprendizaje basado en proyectos de integración con la naturaleza y el bienestar socio-emocional, los que presentó en convenciones anuales de la Asociación Nacional para la Educación de la Niñez Temprana (NAEYC) en Puerto Rico, Texas y Florida. Además, ha trabajado como especialista CDA en Desarrollo Profesional con el Concilio para el Reconocimiento Profesional en Washington, DC, y como Asesora de Carreras Profesionales en la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Completó un bachillerato en Educación Preescolar y una maestría en Enseñanza de Lectura y Escritura en la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras.

Como educadora, Jessica siente un compromiso genuino con la educación del país y cree firmemente que la participación de las familias y el bienestar socio-emocional son esenciales para el desarrollo integral de los estudiantes. Su pasión radica en promover el juego, la lectura y la integración de las bellas artes, brindando oportunidades que estimulen el amor por el aprendizaje desde una edad temprana.

¿Quién fue tu maestro favorito? Afortunadamente, tuve maestros excelentes en mi camino, pero destaco especialmente al profesor Radamés O. Colón, maestro de Ética y Teatro. Él me enseñó el verdadero significado y el valor del servicio a través de misiones humanitarias en la República Dominicana y en Puerto Rico. Estas experiencias me mostraron el poder transformador que todos poseemos para cambiar las vidas de otras personas. Su influencia vive en mí como un recordatorio constante de la importancia de servir con un propósito significativo.

Mamie Elizabeth Hall

Director, School Support

Mamie helps school leaders and teachers improve student outcomes by creating immediate and sustainable REAL Family Engagement. After 20 years as a teacher and school leader, she is committed to continuously working in education because all children deserve a secure space to learn and grow.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Mamie taught middle school for 10 years in North Carolina before starting a Personalized Learning STEM High School in Research Triangle Park. She also worked with the Hope Street Group Teacher Voice Network to amplify constructive teacher-led conversations around education policy that most benefits students.

Outside of Flamboyan, Mamie can be found spending time with her family and their tiny dog, reading both frivolous fiction and provocative prose, or playing one of her collections of over two hundred board games.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? My high school English teacher, Mrs. Mammi. She taught me that books are powerful tools to help us better understand the perspectives of others.

Tenea Harris-Nance

School Partnership Coach

Tenea coaches a portfolio of Flamboyan’s partner schools that includes DC public and public charter schools. She coaches these schools to ensure REAL Family Engagement practices are embedded within the school’s culture and systems. Tenea is committed to working in education because she wants to help cultivate the next well-rounded leaders of tomorrow.

Before joining Flamboyan, Tenea began her career as an after-school camp teacher for a private school in Washington, DC where her love of teaching began. Shortly after, she became the assistant camp coordinator and wanted to have her own classroom. She decided early childhood was her niche, so she became a pre-school teacher at a charter school in Washington DC and soon after, a Mentor teacher for first year lead teachers earning their Master’s in education.

Through this position, she discovered the importance of family engagement and how it was a critical factor in students’ success. After 10 years and earning her Master’s in Education Administration with a concentration in Early Childhood, she knew that her next calling would be coaching other teachers on this knowledge and practice.

Outside of Flamboyan, Tenea is the proud parent of a toddler who has been a true blessing to her and her husband. She is also a dog mom to a yorkie named Dolce who has been the apple of her eye for 12 years. She loves to travel and explore as much of the world as she can with her family, and hopes to one day open her own early learning center for toddlers.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mrs. Thompson, because she was the only teacher that prepared me for what it would take to succeed in college and didn’t allow me to stay comfortable in just doing enough to pass. She always challenged me because she saw that I was advanced and was not being challenged academically.

Sierra Hennessy

Executive Assistant

At Flamboyan, Sierra provides comprehensive support to the DC Executive Director and ensures seamless execution of her professional priorities. She helps manage the ED’s projects, works closely with internal stakeholders to strengthen and retain staff culture, and support the ED’s external profile through preparation and coordination with external partners. Sierra is committed to working in education because she wholeheartedly believes that a well-rounded education and supportive relationships within school systems are crucial to students successfully navigating their personal and professional lives.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Sierra received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech and went on to work in social and health science research for several years. She started her career working at the ANGST Lab in the Psychology department at the University of Minnesota, where she collaborated on projects related to fear-associated learning, memory, and decision making. Most recently, Sierra served as a Health Science Specialist in the research department at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare system, where she focused on a project investigating mindfulness-based interventions to treat chronic pain in Veterans.

Sierra sees herself as empathetic and enjoys deeply connecting with her work and the people she interacts with. Outside of Flamboyan, Sierra also enjoys nature and spending time outdoors. Connect with Sierra on LinkedIn.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? Creative Writing in college with Aileen Murphy. She made all her students feel so comfortable and created a safe environment for us to get vulnerable and explore multiple avenues of creativity. I also took a higher-level writing course with her in which students would go out into local public schools and bring creative writing activities to classrooms of varying ages. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.

Kimberly Hooper-Twumasi

Senior Director, Data + Learning

As Senior Director of Data + Learning, Kimberly leads Flamboyan’s listening, learning, and measurement efforts. Through this work, Kimberly ensures the organization’s commitment to understanding our impact and providing support that is responsive to educators, students, and families. Prior to joining Flamboyan, she worked for both the New York City Department of Education and Alexandria City Public Schools, in Alexandria, Virginia, supporting equity, inclusion, and family engagement programs. 

Nelson Mandela once said, » Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,» and Kimberly believes this with all her heart. She is committed to her work in education understanding that access to quality, no-cost education, regardless of race, creed, nation of origin, home language, ability, or socioeconomic status is the great equalizer. 

Outside of Flamboyan, Kimberly enjoys baking, going through old cookbooks, and trying new recipes. She also enjoys tutoring and mentoring with organizations including the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and The Fresh Air Fund. Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Dr. Jeffery Chapman, he was my graduate school microeconomics teacher. He was a funny, brilliant, and highly skilled economist who taught me to have a critical eye when developing and implementing public policy.

Isabel Huston

Senior Director, Training + Product Design

Isabel “Izzy” Huston oversees Flamboyan’s training program. She designs training sessions on REAL Family Engagement for school partners in addition to managing and developing the parent-teacher trainer cohort that leads each session.

Isabel is committed to working in education because she feels that it is the place where systems are reborn. She believes in an equitable public education system where all students feel loved and affirmed, where the seeds for a greater world are planted.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Isabel spent a decade in the education space largely focused on developing equity-centered policy and advocacy leaders. Most recently, she served as the Director of Career and Leadership Development at DC Public Schools where she launched the design of a new talent development career ladder.

Outside of Flamboyan, Isabel is an aspiring writer and artist, and published her first poetry collection in 2020. When she’s not at work, writing, or reading, Isabel can be found traveling or playing ice hockey. Connect with Isabel on LinkedIn.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mrs. Solomon because she held a high standard for her students and provided us the tools to meet it. In her AP Composition class, I had the chance to write a one act play that was professionally produced, and it was the first experience I had of feeling like I had a voice that truly mattered.

Joshua Jones

School Partnership Coach

Josh coaches a portfolio of Flamboyan’s partner schools to ensure that the REAL Family Engagement model is embedded within the school’s culture and way of being. He coaches teams of educators on this framework to help his schools sustain these family engagement practices on their own. Josh is committed to working in education because educational equity and access is his form of social justice. He believes our students deserve to grow, to be curious, and to succeed. Serving schools to build strong relationships with families to produce positive student outcomes is one layer of support.

Before joining Flamboyan, Josh was a Fourth-Grade STEM Teacher in DC for three years. Since 2021, he pivoted to working with organizations and non-profits that support schools around academic support (math intervention) by coaching tutors and interventionists in DC Elementary and Middle Schools.

Outside of Flamboyan, Josh is a Video Content Creator and Photographer in his spare time. He also loves working out, curating music playlists, and cooking for others. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mr. Harris, my AP English Teacher, was a no-nonsense educator. He pushed us to produce our best work, to ask questions, and to be authentic in the classroom. Mr. Harris modeled how to push student thinking (productive struggle) while giving us the opportunity to take risks and sometimes fail in a safe environment.

Epernay Kyles

Director, Training + Facilitation

At Flamboyan, Epernay leads in-person and virtual facilitation for all of Flamboyan’s REAL Family Engagement training for Pre-K -12 educators, education leaders, and community non-profit family engagement practitioners. She also assists with the development of content, resources, and products. Epernay is committed to working in education because she comes from a family of educators, so it came as no surprise when she became a teacher and saw firsthand the power of education and the impact it can make not only on a child’s life, but how it can impact an entire community.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Epernay taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in DC Charter and DC Public Schools for more than a decade. She served as a family engagement team lead and Flamboyan Teacher Trainer for seven years. Since 2020, Epernay has been a faculty member with Moreland University instructing in the teacher preparation program.

Epernay is originally from Memphis, TN and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill so she loves all things related to UNC sports and the Memphis Grizzlies. Outside of Flamboyan, she loves to travel and explore new restaurants in DC.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Every pre-school teacher I had at Idlewild. They were so loving, so caring, so patient, and gave me such a strong foundation for starting elementary school. The impact was so profound, I spent my first seven years teaching Pre-K.

Nicole Magnani

Senior Managing Director, Finance + Operations

Nicole oversees all finance, operations, and reporting activities for the organization, and ensures that Flamboyan has the systems and procedures in place to support its programs and operations. She believes that all children have a desire to learn and deserve support to remove any barriers to their education.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Nicole was the Associate Director of Finance at Capitol Technology University (CTU). In this role, she supported the CFO in all issues relating to finance, budgeting and accounting, and performed the day-to-day financial functions for the University. She also served as secretary and controller of the CTU Foundation, managing a relationship between The Foundation and a development company to build and manage new residence halls for students.

Nicole holds an MBA from Capitol Technology University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Delaware with Minors in International Business and Italian. In her free time, she is leveraging her Italian language background to re-learn Spanish. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? My favorite subject was Science. I loved learning how the natural world worked, and experiments and demonstrations were always so fascinating to me!


 

Rachel Marston

Senior Director, Communications

Rachel is Flamboyan’s expert in-house storyteller, responsible for developing and implementing communications strategy. As Senior Director, Rachel leads a broad range of communications activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization. She believes a meaningful education helps empower future generations and wants to ensure all students are equipped with what they need to succeed.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Rachel supported cooperatives and state associations with their communications goals. She assisted clients through the creative process to ensure their needs were met from strategic planning to campaign execution. Since starting her career more than 15 years ago, Rachel has worked in editorial, public relations, marketing, and strategic communications, with an emphasis helping service-oriented organizations.

Outside of Flamboyan, Rachel enjoys spending her free time with her family at the local library or traveling the world.

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.


What was your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject in school was orchestra. It nurtured my artistic spirit. I loved being a part of a team where each orchestra member had an important role to create a beautiful musical story.

Iris A. Medina Torres

Director, Revitalizing in Education

As Director, Revitalizing in Education, Iris works to strengthen Flamboyan’s philanthropic investments, initiatives, and alliances, thus contributing to revitalizing Puerto Rico through education. She seeks to strengthen Flamboyan’s collaborations with other organizations and contribute to the philanthropic ecosystem in Puerto Rico with a focus on education.

Iris comes to us with a long and diverse career in project management, program design/development, and administration. She has extensive work in the nonprofit and government sectors in Puerto Rico. In past years, as the Administrator of the Salon Literario Libroamérica P.R. / Festival de la Palabra, a literary cultural festival, she both led the work and then pivoted the community outreach and partnerships in response to Hurricane Maria. She has extensive work in key areas including justice, health, and community development. She is a published writer, poet, musician, and a self-taught techy.

Iris has more than 20 years of experience collaborating with non-profit organizations in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In the last decade, she has worked with various non-profit organizations as a consultant, administrator, and coordinator in poverty elimination strategies, asset building, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness awareness programs.  Iris has also worked with Arizona State University as part of the Learning Enterprise team which leads the field in giving underserved community youth, access to a college education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Certificate in Public Policy Implementation from the University of Puerto Rico.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? History! I have always been fascinated by it. For me, it’s amazingly interesting to study and see how things have come to be. I believe that if we know our past and we look at it with an honest eye, we can build on it better and stronger. In my opinion, history is the premise of the universe of knowledge and I fell in love with it at a very young age.


En español

Como Directora, Revitalización en Educación, Iris trabaja para fortalecer las iniciativas y alianzas filantrópicas de la Fundación Flamboyán y así contribuir al ecosistema filantrópico de Puerto Rico y a la revitalización del archipiélago puertorriqueño a través de la educación.

Iris cuenta con una carrera larga y diversa en gestión de proyectos, diseño/desarrollo de programas y administración. Tiene un extenso trabajo en los sectores gubernamentales y de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro en Puerto Rico. En los últimos años, se desempeñó como Administradora del Salón Literario Libroamérica PR / Festival de la Palabra, un festival cultural literario donde dirigió el trabajo y luego coordinó los esfuerzos del alcance comunitario y las asociaciones en respuesta al huracán María. Tiene un extenso trabajo en áreas claves que incluyen justicia, salud y desarrollo comunitario. Es escritora, poeta, música y autodidacta en tecnología.

Tiene más de 20 años de experiencia colaborando con organizaciones sin fines de lucro en San Juan, Puerto Rico. En la última década, ha trabajado con varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro como consultora, administradora y coordinadora en estrategias de eliminación de la pobreza, creación de activos, programas de concientización sobre el VIH/SIDA y la falta de vivienda. Iris también laboró con la Universidad Estatal de Arizona como parte del equipo de Learning Enterprise, que lidera el campo en brindar acceso a la educación universitaria a los jóvenes de la comunidad desatendida. Tiene un bachillerato en Ciencias Políticas y un Certificado en Implementación de Políticas Públicas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico.

¿Cuál era tu asignatura o curso favorito en la escuela? ¡Definitivamente, historia! Siempre me ha fascinado. Para mí, es increíblemente interesante estudiar y ver cómo han llegado a ser las cosas. Creo que, si conocemos nuestro pasado y lo miramos con honestidad, podemos construir sobre él mejor y más fuerte. En mi opinión, la historia es la premisa del universo del conocimiento y me enamoré de ella desde muy joven.

Laura Navarro Rosado

Managing Director, Education

Laura is responsible for directing a team of professionals to achieve the results of our programmatic efforts in education, including the strengthening of K-3 reading and to revitalize the education of K-12 in Puerto Rico. Daughter and niece of teachers, in addition to being a student of the public system, her work is to supervise the implementation of the strategies so that children can read at their grade level in Spanish.

Before joining the Flamboyán team, she worked as an educational project manager in the non -profit organization Boys & Girls Clubs in Puerto Rico. From that role she designed, development, implemented and supervised the Academic Pillar of the organization, which includes the Educational Program and Post-secondary Program, guaranteeing the opportunity for children and young people to have other learning opportunities that strengthen their skills.

Laura is a teacher by profession and vocation. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Education K-3 with a specialty in Language Arts at the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in Teaching at the Interamerican University. She then worked at the Cap Cana Heritage School International College, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where she specialized as a teacher of literacy and creative writing in grades K-3, knowledge that she wanted to bring to Puerto Rico to continue contributing to education. Currently, she is doing her doctoral studies in Psychology with a specialty in Consulting, Research and Teaching at the Carlos Albizu University. She also has certifications of cognitive neurosciences applied to education and as a mindfulness teacher of preschool children.


Who was your favorite teacher? I had many teachers on the way that helped me to be a better person, but I remember with great affection Ms. Marrero, dance teacher at the elementary school, who gave me the opportunity to belong to the school’s dance group when I was in sixth grade. I was in full transition from private education to public education. Through that experience, I discovered my talent for dance and used that space to channel my emotions, feel safe, strengthen my self -esteem and establish group relationships. I am faithful believer that the Fine Arts must be part of the integral development of every human being.


En Español

Laura es responsable de dirigir un equipo de profesionales para lograr los resultados de nuestros esfuerzos programáticos en materia de educación, incluido el fortalecimiento de la lectura de K-3 y para revitalizar la educación de K-12 en Puerto Rico.  Hija y sobrina de maestras, además de ser estudiante del sistema público, su trabajo es supervisar la implementación de las estrategias dirigidas a que los niños y niñas lean a nivel de su grado en la materia de Español.

Antes de integrarse al equipo de Flamboyán, trabajó como Gerente de Proyectos Educativos en la organización sin fines de lucro Boys & Girls Clubs de Puerto Rico.  Desde ese rol diseñó, desarrollo, implantó y supervisó el Pilar Académico de la organización, que incluye el Programa Educativo y Programa Post-Secundario en horario luego de la escuela, garantizando la oportunidad a niños, niñas y jóvenes de tener otras oportunidades de aprendizajes que fortalezcan sus habilidades y les brinden visión de futuro.

Laura es maestra de profesión y vocación. Completó su bachillerato en Educación K-3 con Especialidad en Artes del Lenguaje de la Universidad de Puerto Rico y una maestría en Enseñanza de la Universidad Interamericana.  Trabajó en el Colegio Internacional Cap Cana Heritage School, en Punta Cana, República Dominicana, donde se especializó como maestra de Lectoescritura y escritura creativa en los grados K-3, conocimiento que quiso traer a Puerto Rico para seguir aportando a la educación.  Actualmente cursa estudios doctorales en Psicología con especialidad en Consultoría, Investigación y Docencia de la Universidad Carlos Albizu. También cuenta con certificaciones de Neurociencias Cognitivas aplicadas a la Educación y como Maestra de Mindfulness de niños preescolares.

¿Quién fue tu maestro favorito? Tuve muchos maestros en el camino que me ayudaron a ser una mejor persona, pero recuerdo con mucho cariño a Ms. Marrero, maestra de baile de la escuela elemental, quién me dio la oportunidad de pertenecer al grupo de baile de la escuela cuando estaba en sexto grado. Me encontraba en plena transición de educación privada a educación pública.  A través de esa experiencia, descubrí mi talento para el baile y utilicé ese espacio para canalizar mis emociones, sentirme segura, fortalecer mi autoestima y establecer relaciones de grupo.  Soy fiel creyente que las Bellas Artes deben ser parte del desarrollo integral de todo ser humano.    

Cristty E. Ortiz Colón

Director, Communications

As Director of Communications, Cristty finds ways to convey the right message to the diverse audiences of the Flamboyan Foundation in Puerto Rico. She promotes the mission, impact, and initiatives of the organization to the world, through strategies that authentically connect and generate support for our programs to drive the transformation of lives and communities through the power of education.

Cristty is not your typical enthusiast behind a keyboard; she is a storytelling expert who has been crafting stories throughout her life through journalism, digital marketing, and advertising. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA in digital marketing, her career has been an exhilarating journey. As she navigates the intricacies of media, she leaves her indelible mark on local and international brands with her dedication to promoting equity.

When she’s not creating captivating strategies or stories, you’ll find her traveling, exploring diverse cultures, and savoring culinary delights from around the world. Cristty is a food enthusiast who loves to document her culinary adventures in writing.

She resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with her two children and two dogs. Connect with Cristty on LinkedIn and learn more about her exciting journey.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? Spanish, because it allowed me to explore the world through words and imagination.


En Español

Como Directora de Comunicaciones, Cristty busca maneras para transmitir el mensaje correctos a las audiencias de la Fundación Flamboyán en Puerto Rico. Promueve la misión, impacto e iniciativas de la organización con el mundo, utilizando estrategias que conecten de manera auténtica y generen apoyo para nuestros programas, impulsando así la transformación de vidas y comunidades a través del poder de la educación.

Cristty no es la típica entusiasta detrás de un teclado; es una experta en “storytelling” que ha creado historias a través del periodismo, marketing digital y la publicidad. Armada con un bachillerato en periodismo y un MBA en marketing digital, su carrera ha sido un emocionante viaje. Se ha movido en las complejidades de los medios y ha dejado su huella indeleble en marcas locales e internacionales con su dedicación a promover la equidad.

Cuando no está creando estrategias o historias cautivadoras, la encontrarás viajando, explorando diversas culturas y saboreando las delicias culinarias del mundo. Cristty es una entusiasta gastronómica que le encanta escribir sobre sus aventuras culinarias.

Reside en San Juan, Puerto Rico junto a sus dos hijos y dos perros. Conecta con Cristty en LinkedIn y conoce más sobre su apasionante trayectoria.

¿Cuál era tu asignatura o curso favorito en la escuela? Español, ya que me permitía explorar el mundo a través de las palabras e imaginación.

Paola Marie Perea Flores

Manager, Program

Paola manages the office atmosphere, creating a pleasant and efficient environment where every team member in Puerto Rico has what they need to do their best work. She spends time fielding calls, welcoming guests, completing administrative tasks, and supporting the Operations Manager and Executive Director.

Paola has no doubt that education is the basis for producing lasting change in our generation and for those who follow. She is dedicated to education because she believes it is the solution to problems and that society must provide youth with the tools necessary for personal development.

Paola has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico in Audiovisual Communication. She’s pursuing her Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Teaching, with a subspecialty in learning technologies. Her goals is to create inclusive educational resources using technology as a learning tool and virtual learning environment.

Paola is an educator for life. Not only does she see herself teaching students, but she also instructs educators. Her goals is to help students learn through an art, playful lens. Her role as a teacher trainer gives her a platform to teach over 400 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educators.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? Spanish and art. Both were spaces of learning that allowed for self-discovery, reaffirmed my interests, social perspectives, and developed my skills from a semiotic perspective.


En Español

Paola asiste en el manejo de la oficina, creando un ambiente agradable y eficiente donde cada miembro del equipo en Puerto Rico tiene lo que necesita para hacer su mejor trabajo. Pasa tiempo atendiendo llamadas, dando la bienvenida a los invitados, completando tareas administrativas y apoyando al Gerente de Operaciones y al Director Ejecutivo.

Paola no tiene ninguna duda de que la educación es la base para producir un cambio duradero en nuestra generación y las siguientes.  Se dedica a la educación porque cree que es la solución a los problemas y que la sociedad debe brindar a los jóvenes las herramientas necesarias para su desarrollo personal.

Paola tiene una licenciatura de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Comunicación Audiovisual. Está cursando su Doctorado en Currículo y Enseñanza, con una subespecialidad en tecnologías de aprendizaje. Su objetivo es crear recursos educativos inclusivos utilizando la tecnología como herramienta de aprendizaje y entorno de aprendizaje virtual.

Paola es educadora para toda la vida. No solo se ve a sí misma enseñando a los estudiantes, sino que también instruye a los educadores. Su objetivo es ayudar a los estudiantes a aprender a través de un lente lúdico y artístico. Su papel como formadora de profesores le brinda una plataforma para enseñar a más de 400 educadores de ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas (STEM).

¿Cuál fue tu asignatura o curso favorito en la escuela? Español y arte. Ambos fueron espacios de aprendizaje que permitieron el autodescubrimiento, reafirmaron mis intereses, perspectivas sociales y desarrollaron mis habilidades desde una perspectiva semiótica.

Cynthia Phillips

Managing Director, Administration + Learning

Cynthia ensures our programmatic operations are maximized and our organization fosters a culture of learning. The Administration and Learning Team is charged with three functions: program operations, data and learning, and knowledge management.

Cynthia’s passion for education is rooted in her desire for students to have the supports they need to overcome barriers. Her hope is for committed educators to work together to move the needle to ensure there is greater equity and opportunity for all students.

Before Cynthia joined Flamboyan, she served as Vice President of Operations for The Heart of America Foundation, where she oversaw organizational processes, strategic planning, Human Resources, and IT. Cynthia also worked as the Director of the National Book Program for Reading Is Fundamental. During the earlier years of her career she supported Education Sector programs as a bilingual liaison for the Peace Corps Inter-America Region.

Cynthia’s love for operations is tied to her love for puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, and anything that teases the brain.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Ms. Ponko was my high school biology teacher and she managed her classroom with enthusiasm and ease. She made biology approachable, meaningful, and fun.


 

Karima Raharjo

Program Associate

At Flamboyan, Karima supports the Program team around operations and logistics, such as communicating with partners and assisting with programmatic events. She helps ensure that the team can focus on increasing access to and sustaining REAL Family Engagement in DC and across the country.

Karima believes that everyone has potential to contribute knowledge, solutions, and kindness to the world. A quality education facilitates an environment for students to maximize their potential, and she believes that we would all benefit with access to that opportunity.

Karima graduated with degrees in Elementary Education and Cognitive Studies/Psychology from Vanderbilt University. While in school, she worked at the Building Knowledge Lab, where she studied psychology around learning, knowledge, and misinformation in 5-10 year old children.  Karima then went on to work as an elementary school teacher at DCPS for two years. The students she taught in DC and Nashville, TN continue to motivate her work in education.

Outside of Flamboyan, Karima loves reading books and watching TV, because she loves stories and understanding people’s thinking and motivations. She also loves sports and board games for the friendly competition.

Connect with Karima on Linkedin.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Ms. Wendy Herring, my second-grade teacher, who sent us letters in the mail and invited my immigrant mom to speak to my class.

Rosiris A. Ramos Meléndez

Manager, Visual and Digital Communications

Rosiris spends her time managing Flamboyan’s website and creating written and audiovisual content – videos and photos – to help communicate our programmatic work and the organizational aspiration towards a better education for students in Puerto Rico. Rosiris works with staff in our Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. to ensure Flamboyan’s audiences are informed about the positive impact our programs and services have on students most impacted by inequity.

Rosiris deeply believes that there is only one path to real success – nurturing every person’s life with the acquisition of knowledge because education is the key to overcome inequity. Rosiris has worked to improve and shed light on inequities throughout her career. Before joining Flamboyan, Rosiris served as Programming Coordinator at the only public and education centered TV station in Puerto Rico – Sistema TV, Canal 40. She also worked at Prensa Comunitaria, an organization centered on the social journalism. There, she assigned and covered news on some of the most disadvantaged communities on the island.

Rosiris spends a lot of time admiring the beauty of nature on the island, where any short trip leads to mountains, caves, rivers, and amazing beaches.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? History. It is fundamental for every generation to have the opportunity to know the struggles, suffering, and conquers of the people who lived before us.


En Español

 

Rosiris dedica su tiempo a manejar la página web de Flamboyán y a crear contenido escrito y audiovisual – videos y fotos – para ayudar a comunicar nuestro trabajo programático y la aspiración organizacional hacia una mejor educación para los estudiantes en Puerto Rico. Rosiris trabaja tanto con el personal en Puerto Rico como en  Washington, D.C. para garantizar que nuestras audiencias estén informadas sobre el impacto positivo que nuestros programas y servicios tienen en los estudiantes más afectados por la desigualdad.

Rosiris cree profundamente que solo hay un camino hacia el éxito real: nutrir la vida de cada persona con la adquisición de conocimientos porque la educación es la clave para superar la inequidad. Rosiris ha trabajado para mejorar y arrojar luz sobre las desigualdades a lo largo de su carrera. Antes de unirse a Flamboyán, se desempeñó como Coordinadora de Programación en la única estación de televisión pública y educativa de Puerto Rico – Sistema TV, Canal 40. También trabajó en Prensa Comunitaria, una organización centrada en el periodismo social. Allí, asignó y cubrió noticias sobre algunas de las comunidades más desfavorecidas de la isla.

Rosiris pasa mucho tiempo admirando la belleza de la naturaleza en la isla, donde cualquier viaje corto conduce a montañas, cuevas, ríos y playas increíbles.

¿Cuál fue tu asignatura o curso favorito en la escuela? Historia. Es fundamental que cada generación tenga la oportunidad de conocer las luchas, sufrimientos y conquistas de las personas que vivieron antes que nosotros.

Franchesca E. Rivera Cintrón

Director, K-3 Reading

Franchesca is responsible for helping members of the educational ecosystem understand and apply the K-3 Essential Literacy Practices, to ensure that students in Puerto Rico can read in Spanish at grade level. In her role as Director of Education Programs, she seeks opportunities to bring the voices of teachers and families and collaborates to expand the access that schools in the Puerto Rican archipelago have to resources, learning, and the effective use of the best literacy practices. 

Before coming to the Flamboyán Foundation, Frachesca worked as a preschool, kindergarten, and primary grades teacher in public and private spaces. She has worked with 2-generation educational models, integrating families and communities in educational processes. She also specializes in the teaching of reading, offering individual interventions to students with dyslexia or reading problems. Franchesca sees childhood as the most important project that a country has and education as a mechanism to achieve social justice. As an educator, her greatest satisfaction has been developing lifelong learners; avid and successful readers; providing safe, fun learning spaces, and creating meaningful connections with students and their families. 

Franchesca loves children’s literature and has a vast collection. To her, books have the power to open doors to new worlds, and serve as mirrors where we can see ourselves reflected. 

She attended the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Communications, studied foreign languages ​​, and completed a Master’s Degree in Early Education. She is certified as a Reading Teaching Specialist by Orton-Gillingham. 


Who was your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher was Miss Lili, my English teacher in elementary school. She integrated music, games, and art into learning, making it fun and interesting. It got us fully involved and provided a space where we felt safe to explore another language. She was a loving teacher and was undoubtedly an inspiration for my work as an educator. 


En Español

Franchesca es responsable de ayudar a los integrantes del ecosistema educativo a comprender y aplicar las Prácticas Esenciales para la Enseñanza de la Lectoescritura, cuya meta es garantizar que los estudiantes en Puerto Rico puedan leer en español al nivel de su grado. Desde su rol como Directora de Programas en Educación, busca oportunidades para traer las voces de los maestros y las familias y colabora para ampliar el acceso que tienen las escuelas del archipiélago puertorriqueño a los recursos, al aprendizaje y al uso efectivo de las mejores prácticas de alfabetización.

Antes de llegar a la Fundación Flamboyán, Frachesca trabajó como maestra de Preescolar, Kínder y grados primarios en espacios públicos y privados.  Ha trabajado con modelos educativos de 2 generaciones, integrando a las familias y comunidades en los procesos educativos.  Se desempeña, además, como especialista en la enseñanza de la lectura, ofreciendo intervenciones individuales a estudiantes con dislexia o problemas de lectura.  Ve la niñez como el proyecto más importante que debemos tener como país y a la educación como mecanismo para alcanzar justicia social.  Como educadora su mayor satisfacción ha sido desarrollar aprendices de por vida; lectores ávidos y exitosos; proveer espacios de aprendizaje seguros, divertidos y crear conexiones significativas con los estudiantes y sus familias.

Franchesca ama la literatura infantil y posee una vasta colección.  Considera que los libros tienen el poder de abrirnos puertas hacia nuevos mundos, a la vez que nos sirven de espejos donde nos podemos ver reflejados.

Asistió a la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras, donde obtuvo un bachillerato en Comunicaciones, estudió lenguas extranjeras y culminó una Maestría en Educación Temprana.  Está certificada como Especialista en la Enseñanza de la Lectura por Orton-Gillingham.

¿Cuál fue tu maestro favorito? Mi maestra favorita fue Misis Lili, mi maestra de inglés en la escuela elemental.  Ella integraba música, juegos y arte en el aprendizaje, haciéndolo divertido e interesante. Lograba que nos involucráramos completamente y nos proveía un espacio donde nos sentíamos seguros para explorar otro idioma.  Fue una maestra amorosa y sin duda fue inspiración para mi labor como educadora. 

Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre

Executive Director, Puerto Rico

As Executive Director, Carlos shapes, implements, and oversees all aspects of the Foundation’s mission-driven work and programmatic strategy in Puerto Rico.

Carlos believes education is one of the most important tools we have to achieve a more just society and disrupt barriers of inequity.

Before joining Flamboyan, Carlos was an engineer and business strategist focused on solving complex operations and logistics challenges faced by Fortune 500 companies. Prior to that, he supported sales, finance, operations, and federal regulatory compliance for Univision Communications, Inc. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has a Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law. Carlos is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico, a member of the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Surveyors (CIAPR), and a member of the Puerto Rico, Florida and Washington, D.C. BAR.

Carlos likes traveling. Getting to know other countries and its peoples broadens his perspective and develops his empathy.


What was your favorite course of subject in school? Literature. It reignited the love I felt for reading when I was a kid.


En Español

Como Director Ejecutivo, Carlos da forma, implementa y supervisa todos los aspectos del trabajo impulsado por la misión y la estrategia programática de la Fundación en Puerto Rico.

Carlos cree que la educación es una de las herramientas más importantes que tenemos para lograr una sociedad más justa y romper las barreras de la desigualdad.

Antes de unirse a Flamboyán, Carlos era ingeniero y estratega de negocios enfocado en resolver operaciones complejas y desafíos logísticos que enfrentan las compañías Fortune 500. Antes de eso, apoyó las ventas, las finanzas, las operaciones y el cumplimiento normativo federal para Univision Communications, Inc. Obtuvo una licenciatura y una maestría en ingeniería industrial del Instituto de Tecnología de Georgia. Tiene una Maestría en Administración de Empresas (MBA) de The Wharton School en la Universidad de Pennsylvania y un Juris Doctor de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Carlos es un Ingeniero Profesional con licencia (PE) en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico, miembro del Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (CIAPR) y miembro del BAR de Puerto Rico, Florida y Washington, D.C.

A Carlos le gusta viajar. Conocer otros países y sus gentes amplía su perspectiva y desarrolla su empatía.

¿Cuál fue tu asignatura favorita en la escuela? Literatura. Reavivó el amor que sentía por la lectura cuando era niño.

Garvin Sierra

Manager, Graphic Design

In his role at Flamboyan, Garvin supports the Foundation’s products and resources through graphic design. By producing visuals for social media, infographics, and conceptualizing publications and reports, Garvin’s artistic work complements and highlights the messages the External Affairs team communicates to Flamboyan’s audiences.

Garvin is a renowned graphic artist in Puerto Rico, capable of translating concepts and ideas into powerful images. He has spent many years designing exhibitions for galleries and museums. Through his artistic work, he is able to show his commitment to creating a better Puerto Rico so that new generations have a future where learning and education are a priority.

Before joining Flamboyan, Garvin worked as a graphic artist at a cultural and artistic institution, and he also creates as a visual artist. Garvin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. In his free time, he donates his artistic work to contribute to the island’s agenda of social change specifically to promote the importance of a barrier-free public education.

Who was your favorite teacher in school? My favorite teacher was my Technical Drawing teacher, Juan Carlos Velázquez. He gave me the push I needed to formally study art at the university.


En español

En su puesto en Flamboyán, Garvin se encarga de apoyar de manera gráfica los productos y recursos que produce la Fundación. Ya sea en la creación de visuales para redes sociales, infografías o incluso en la conceptualización gráfica de publicaciones e informes, el trabajo artístico de Garvin complementa y realza los mensajes que el equipo de Comunicaciones y Asuntos Externos desea comunicar.

Garvin es un reconocido artista gráfico en Puerto Rico, capaz de plasmar en un visual conceptos, ideas o luchas. También se ha dedicado por años al diseño de exhibiciones. Por medio de su disciplina, muestra su compromiso – de aportar a construir un mejor país para que las futuras generaciones tengan un porvenir donde la enseñanza y la educación sean una prioridad.

Antes de comenzar a trabajar en Flamboyán, Garvin se desempeñó como artista gráfico de una institución cultural y artística. En lo personal, también se ha dedicado a ejercer su obra como artista plástico. Garvin cuenta con un bachillerato en Artes Plásticas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras. En su tiempo libre, usa su disciplina para ayudar a construir un mejor país donde la educación sea libre y no tenga fronteras ni barreras.

¿Quién fue tu maestro favorito en la escuela? Mi maestro favorito en la escuela fue Juan Carlos Velázquez, maestro de dibujo técnico. Fue la última gota de agua del empuje que necesité para adentrarme a las artes como estudio universitario.

Sanjay Singh

Senior Director, District Support

In his role at Flamboyan, Sanjay supports school districts nationally in crafting a strategic plan to improve their family engagement and scaling out from plans to practice. Additionally, he supports Graduated District Schools that have become self-sustained after finishing their initial fellowships with Flamboyan. 

Sanjay is committed to working in education because he comes from a family of educators. His wife is a principal, and they are both dedicated to improving the education landscape for their sons and their people. 

Sanjay began his educational journey 20 years ago as a Teach For America Corps Member in Washington, DC. He met his wife Danielle at his placement school and they have worked in DC for the last two decades to improve the educational landscape for students in grades Pre-K(3) through 12th Grade. Prior to joining Flamboyan, he served in various roles, ranging from Instructional Coach and IB Coordinator to Assistant Principal and Principal. 

Sanjay is equally passionate about food and loves to cook. He creates intimate in-home dining experiences in his free time. 

Connect with Sanjay on LinkedIn. 


My favorite teacher in school was… Mrs. Helen Del Vecchio. She helped me transition from a smart student to a dynamic and critical thinker. 

Jasper Sutherland

Front Desk Administrative Associate

At Flamboyan, Jasper oversees operations of day-to-day administrative and reception duties in service for both Flamboyan and CCM in the Washington, DC office. They provide operational support through various forms of administrative work, internal organization, and coordinating with the team to ensure all the operations needs are met – all with a welcoming and positive attitude!

Jasper is committed to working in education because they believe that every child should have access to quality education, especially those in marginalized communities where resources may be limited. They are proud to be part of an organization that puts so much time, commitment, and passion into the community, and they couldn’t be happier aiding all staff around the office. Jasper is passionate about interpreting social issues and how aspects of ourselves such as race, gender, sexuality, and age make an impact in our day-to-day lives, no matter how subtle it may be, which makes them excited about Flamboyan’s mission.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Jasper graduated from the University of Maryland in the Spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. During their time in school, they took various courses that helped train them to use resources for quantitative research and programs such as Stata and Excel. They were also trained to maintain accuracy and consistency in task completion, independent and team goal achievement, and acute attention to detail.

Outside of Flamboyan, Jasper is an artist and loves that the Flamboyan Arts Fund is dedicated to revitalizing arts and culture and making it accessible for people. They believe that art is enriching and that being exposed to it can lead to a fulfilling life.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? My high school Japanese teacher who I managed to take for all four years. She was a firm, yet kind and understanding woman who took the time to listen to her students about their concerns and offered support to those who needed it. During that time in my life, I was going through major difficulties, and she still inspires me to this day.

Neeltje Headshot

Neeltje L. van Marissing Méndez

Senior Managing Director, Communications + External Affairs

Neeltje plays a critical role to increase the profile of Flamboyan’s work to revitalize Puerto Rico.

Neeltje believes in the transformative power of education. She’s also passionate about promoting reading and literature and spent the earlier years of her career as a Manager of the Children’s Literature Room of Puerto Rico’s National Library and as General Coordinator of the Festival de la Palabra, a yearly literary event that brings together 50 international and local writers and more than 20,000 visitors.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, she worked as Executive Director of the University of Puerto Rico Press. She oversaw the publishing, sales, and marketing initiatives of this prestigious academic publisher. She also worked at Santillana, an international Spanish publishing house that specializes in K-12 educational materials where she held three roles as Children’s Literature Editor, General Interest Books Division Director, and Communications Director. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages and Literature from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and speaks four languages.

Neeltje has also been a volunteer at Proyecto Enlace’s Literacy Program for adults. Connect with her on LinkedIn.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? My favorite courses were always History and Literature. I was very lucky to have wonderful and committed teachers in these two disciplines. In addition, the division lines between reality and fiction and how these translate into the written word fascinate me. 


En Español

Neeltje desempeña un rol fundamental en darle visibilidad al trabajo que hace Flamboyán en Puerto Rico en las áreas de educación y arte y cultura.

Neeltje cree en el poder transformador de la educación. También es una apasionada de la promoción de la lectura y de la literatura. Ha fungido como gerente de la Sala de Literatura Infantil de la Biblioteca Nacional de Puerto Rico y como coordinadora general del Festival de la Palabra, evento literario que reunía anualmente a 50 escritores internacionales y locales y más de 20.000 visitantes.

Antes de unirse a Flamboyán, se desempeñó como directora ejecutiva de la Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, donde supervisó las iniciativas de publicación, ventas y marketing de esta prestigiosa editorial académica. También trabajó en Santillana, una editorial española internacional que se especializa en materiales educativos para los grados K-12. Allí ocupó tres puestos, fue editora de literatura infantil, directora de la división de libros de interés general y directora de Comunicaciones. Neeltje tiene un bachillerato en Lenguas y Literatura Modernas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras y habla cuatro idiomas.

Conéctate con ella en LinkedIn.

¿Cuál fue tu asignatura o curso favorito en la escuela? Mis clases favoritas siempre fueron Historia y Español (Literatura). Tuve la suerte de tener maestras maravillosas en esas dos disciplinas. Además, las líneas divisorias entre realidad y ficción y cómo se traducen en la palabra escrita me llaman mucho la atención.

Thedra White

Managing Director, Training + Development

Thedra leads the training and product development initiatives at Flamboyan, ensuring that educators have the training, resources, and products they need to grow and sustain their family engagement practice. She is committed to education because she feels that education opens the door to see the world in a new way, helps you figure out how you fit in the world, and gives you the power to fight to make the world a better place.

Thedra has more than 15 years of experience in developing, implementing, and leading global training programs. Prior to joining Flamboyan, she developed continuing education programs, both online and in-person, for healthcare professionals. She has also held positions in marketing and finance, and as a high school teacher. Thedra received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

In her spare time, Thedra is an avid tennis player. She also loves traveling the world and enjoys spending time with family and friends.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mr. Hamlin, my high school math teacher. He helped me work through the negative self-talk I had about my ability to conquer math by working with me after school to review math problems, step by step, and show me I could do it. With his help, I moved on to calculus and enjoyed it.

Lindsay Wright

Managing Director, Strategy Management

Lindsay is the right-hand to Flamboyan Foundation’s Senior Leadership Team and functions as their liaison to the DC and Puerto Rico teams, spending time working from both the Foundation’s regional offices. As Managing Director of Strategy Management, Lindsay lives out her commitment to advancing educational equity through her work developing, guiding, and monitoring Flamboyan’s strategic priorities. As the in-house leader for all things related to planning and strategy, she builds and implements systems and processes to remove barriers to collaboration, maximize efficiency, and steward a high-functioning, equity-driven internal culture.

Lindsay believes that all children should have access to a high-quality education no matter their background or life circumstances. Prior to her tenure at Flamboyan, Lindsay began her career in the non-profit sector at NewBridges Immigrant Resource Center in Harrisonburg, VA. There, she managed client casework and developed bilingual communication resources. She also interned at the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and developed content related to CDF’s policy priorities.

Lindsay speaks Spanish fluently and looks for opportunities to use her language skills whenever possible. Connect with her on LinkedIn.


What was your favorite subject or course in school? English. I love the way language and stories open us up to new realities and help us make sense of the world.

Youval Yadlin

Manager, Training + Product

Youval oversees and tracks the operation of Flamboyan’s training program, including supporting the organization’s parent and teacher trainers. She is committed to education because she believes that every young person has immense potential, and it is through education and holistic support that they can be enabled to thrive.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Youval worked in the youth leadership development space, supporting LearnServe International’s social entrepreneurship fellowship program. Her background is in conflict transformation, understanding the ways young people are both impacted by conflict and working to address conflict in their community.

Outside of Flamboyan, Youval’s favorite place to relax is out on her back porch, reading a book while her cat rolls around in the dirt.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Ms. Malkin (Global Cultures and AP Gov), she made history and politics come alive in powerful ways and made every student feel their contributions were valid.

Marci Young

President + Chief Operating Officer

Marci oversees Flamboyan’s overall strategy, program, and operations. Her work ensures that the foundation is maximizing its cohesion, effectiveness, and sustainability across its offices in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

A nonprofit management veteran with more than twenty years’ experience, she started her careers as a kindergarten teacher in Maryland and has always believed education is the foundation for young people to live their best lives and achieve their dreams. Marci is a “fierce fighter” on behalf of students, especially those who are most marginalized and has spent her career fighting at the local, state, and national levels to improve the lives of children and youth of low-income families. Marci’s track record includes having been a Partner at Venture Philanthropy Partners, Vice President of Impact at United Way Worldwide, and having held leadership roles at Pew Center of States and the Center for the Child Care Workforce. She has served on numerous local and national boards and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University and a master’s degree in early childhood education with a specialization in policy and administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Marci is inspired by the connections and community we share because our shared humanity is a powerful and positive force.


Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mrs. Cleveland believed in my success even when I doubted myself. She always pushed me to do my best and overcome challenges (in the classroom and beyond).