San Francisco, CA (November 7, 2023) – The Institute for Applied Tinkering (IAT), a nonprofit organization that brings collaborative, hands-on educational experiences to children, is pleased to announce the selection of Qi Lopez Diaz as its first full-time Executive Director, effective September 14.
"The Board is thrilled to welcome Qi as our new Executive Director," said Olivia Teich, Board Chair. "Qi shares our deep belief in the power of curiosity, relationships, and student agency in learning. His passion for kids solving real problems with real tools and his breadth of experience across different models of education make him a wonderful steward for the IAT's next phase of growth."
Mr. Diaz brings an extensive background in education and fundraising to IAT, with a track record of growing programs and revenue by significant margins. He has led organizations through periods of strategic growth, developed curricula for international distribution, provided professional development for educators, and formed strong strategic partnerships with school districts. Most recently, he served as Executive Director at DreamCatchers Inc, where he increased development goals by 150% and doubled services provided to students. Experienced in project-based and social-emotional learning, Diaz is certified as a STEAM and Design Thinking Trainer. He holds a BA in English from University of California Irvine (Honors) and a Masters of Education from Grand Canyon University, with an emphasis on curriculum and technology.
"All of our programs are a hub for creativity, exploration, and transformation,” said Diaz. “We welcome anyone who shares our vision of revolutionizing education to engage with, support, and learn from our programs.”
IAT develops, practices, and shares educational methods that challenges and support all children to engage deeply in their learning via real interests and real tools. Thousands of children, parents, and educators have experienced the lasting impact of the 21st-century model of education that IAT is building through its day camps, after-school programs, and teacher workshops.
Dedicated to supporting education transformation globally, IAT’s mission extends beyond its own campus. It inspires through its programs, offering valuable resources and providing support and programming to educators, families, and organizations who seek to partner with children in innovative ways.
Qi Diaz was selected as IAT’s next Executive Director after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the IAT board of directors and facilitated by Envision Consulting.
Extensive Search and Recruitment Process Led by Envision Consulting
Torrance, CA (DATE) – Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay), a nonprofit organization providing more than 200 free support programs each month for cancer patients and their families, is pleased to announce the selection of Jillian Van Leuven as its new Executive Director/CEO.
“I join my fellow board members in welcoming Jillian Van Leuven,” said Board President Kelli Viewed. “She brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience and unparalleled passion to our mission. We have every confidence that she will bring CSC South Bay to even greater heights.”
With an accomplished background spanning over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Van Leuven most recently held the position of Executive Director of MERCI, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit serving the developmentally disabled community. She has a proven track record of facilitating progressive organizational growth through the development of new service lines, mentoring and developing staff, and fostering robust stakeholder connections. Van Leuven holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from San Francisco State University and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management from California State University, Northridge. Having recently lost her best friend to lymphoma, CSC South Bay’s mission is particularly close to her heart.
“CSC South Bay’s mission and vision connect to me on a deeply personal level,” said Van Leuven. “The work that this organization does is vital for those affected by cancer. I am thrilled to be joining the team, to leading in CSC South Bay’s growth and extending its reach to serve an even wider community.”
Van Leuven succeeds Interim Executive Director/CEO Jackie Suiter, who effectively led the organization during the transition period following the departure of Joey Shanahan earlier this year. Suiter will continue to serve as CSC South Bay’s director of development. This transition in leadership follows last year’s pivotal name change and relocation to Torrance’s Rolling Hills Plaza after 34 years on the Redondo Beach Pier.
The goal of CSC South Bay is to help as many cancer patients as possible recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer to the greatest extent possible. Services include drop-in networking groups, weekly support group programs, Kids Support Community, Teens Connect program, informational brochures, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle activities, educational lectures and workshops on nutrition and treatment. Offering what is considered to be the gold standard of psychosocial support, all programs at CSC South Bay are derived from evidence-based psychosocial oncology and mind-body research.
Jillian Van Leuven was selected as CSC South Bay’s next Executive Director/CEO after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the CSC South Bay board of directors and facilitated by Envision Consulting.
Extensive Search and Recruitment Process Led by Envision Consulting
Los Angeles, CA – EXP, a nonprofit organization in Southern California that believes every student should have equal access to education and career opportunities to help them reach their full potential, announced that Mary Tran has been hired as their new CEO.
Tran brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for students to her new role as CEO, including a record of accomplishments in career technical education, highlighting her dedication to unlocking the potential of every student and ensuring they are well-prepared for their futures.
“I am humbled to step into the role of CEO for EXP. My heart overflows with anticipation and enthusiasm as we embark on the next evolution of EXP, deepening its relationships in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Barstow and growing its transformative journey in Orange County,” Tran said. “With ‘EXPerience, EXPloration and EXPanding’ opportunities at our core, we can unleash boundless potential in every student, fostering a future where equity and opportunity thrive. I am honored to lead the way.”
Previously the executive director for High School Inc. Academies Foundation, Tran led the organization through evolution by transforming its strategic direction, forging vital partnerships, and elevating program efficiencies and effectiveness. Her leadership increased the organization’s impact, serving over 1,700 students annually with an average graduation rate of 98%. In recognition of her unwavering dedication to uplifting the community, the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce recognized Tran among its 2023 Difference Makers as the Small Nonprofit Leader of the Year.
“Mary brings with her an unparalleled passion, dedication and a proven record of spearheading profound evolution. She embraces innovative educational strategies and adapts adeptly to the dynamic needs of students,” said Telebah Woods, chair of the EXP board of directors. “Mary understands the importance of college and career readiness and has extensive expertise in workforce development. She will use her knowledge to help ensure that EXP remains at the forefront of preparing students for triumph in an ever-evolving world.”
EXP is changing how society prepares students for life and bringing genuine opportunity to young people from underserved communities. Partnering with 13 Orange County high schools across 5 districts, EXP’s programs help schools deliver an innovative, career-based curriculum that makes learning relevant and exciting. By empowering students to thrive in an evolving world, EXP helps young people gain experience, unlock doors, and build the confidence they need to succeed in school, career, and life,
Mary Tran was hired as EXP’s next CEO after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the EXP search committee in collaboration with Envision Consulting.
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision-making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
Extensive Search and Recruitment Process Led by Envision Consulting
Los Angeles, CA – Discovery Cube, Southern California, a nonprofit museum that inspires and educates young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits, announced that Jen Granger has been hired as their new Vice President of Development in Orange County, effective July 10th.
Ms. Granger has spent over twenty years serving nonprofit organizations, leading development efforts at Girl Scout Council of Orange County, Whittier Law School, and St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, where she secured a $1M gift to support both the hospital’s capital campaign and annual fund. Most recently, she served as Director of Advancement at Sherman Library & Gardens, where she led fundraising efforts for a multi-phase capital campaign. She brings significant experience in donor stewardship, capital campaign management, and organizational sustainability.
“I am passionate about STEM education as well as hands-on learning outside a traditional classroom. It is a privilege to build upon the Discovery Cube’s success over the past 25 years and be part of the team that helps create the next generation of innovators.”
With locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, Discovery Cube has delighted children, educators, and caregivers since 1998, instilling a passion for the sciences in millions of lives. Discovery Cube’s exhibitions and programs create high-quality science learning experiences to propel young scientists forward as the innovators of the future.
Jen Granger was hired as Discovery Cube’s next Vice President of Development in Orange County after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the Discovery Cube search committee in collaboration with Envision Consulting.
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
Extensive Search and Recruitment Process Led by Envision Consulting
DENVER, June 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunger Free Colorado, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all Coloradans, has announced Theo Shaw as its new Chief Operating Officer. Shaw, an equitable systems leader, has spent the past decade fostering community relationships and disrupting inequitable systems in education. His previous role was Director of Equity and Community Partnerships in the Jeffco Public School system.
Expressing his commitment to eliminating food resource barriers and eradicating food insecurity, Shaw states, "Access to quality food is a human right that must be guaranteed for everyone in our state and nation. The opportunity to lead boldly in a bold organization has been my passion. It will be my honor to partner and lead alongside a human-centered organization lead with and for the people of Colorado."
Marc Jacobson, CEO of Hunger Free Colorado, believes that Shaw's dedication to combating inequity and promoting community collaboration makes him an ideal addition to the team. "We can't think of a better person to join us in the fight against food insecurity," says Jacobson. The organization aims to build a community-centered food system and address structural racism in institutions and governmental policies to ensure equitable access to nutritious food and culturally relevant food for all Coloradans.
The appointment of Theo Shaw followed an extensive search and recruitment process led by Marc Jacobson and the HFC search committee, in collaboration with Envision Consulting. Envision is a nonprofit consulting firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, and leadership transitions. Envision has been recognized as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy and a Top 60 Executive Search Firm Serving the Nonprofit Sector by Hunt Scanlon in recent years.