Rainbow Chefs Academy
Meet Our Amazing Team
At Rainbow Chefs Academy, our experienced team of experts in nutrition, wellness, technology, and education is dedicated to supporting your community’s health and wellness goals. With a shared passion for education and impact, our support team and advisory board bring the knowledge and experience needed to empower students and schools through hands-on learning.
Get to know the leaders behind Rainbow Chefs Academy and discover how we’re making a difference—one Rainbow Chef at a time!
Svetlana Elgart
Founder & CEO
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It all started in her own kitchen.
Born in Ukraine and raised on wholesome, home-cooked meals, Svetlana Elgart carried her passion for nutritious eating with her to America, where she raised her own children. Concerned by the growing health and nutrition crisis among the nation’s youth, she set out to make a difference and impact the lives of our next generation and our community.
In 2011, she founded Les Petit Chefs, teaching children the importance of healthy eating through the simple yet powerful concept of “Eat the Rainbow.” Recognizing the need for a broader impact, she soon rebranded—Rainbow Chefs was born.
Svetlana’s innovative approach to health and wellness education quickly gained traction. She developed an engaging and interactive Common Core curriculum tailored for young learners, emphasizing hands-on experiences and real-world applications.
By 2012, her work caught the attention of the San Mateo School District, leading to the creation of enrichment programs and instructor training. That same year, she partnered with the Highlands Recreation Center, launching summer camps and chef-themed parties in response to parent demand. As Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) joined forces with Rainbow Chefs, the program expanded even further and a few schools started to offer Rainbow Chefs to their students.
By 2019, Rainbow Chefs had reached over 30,000 children across 1,800 schools. The curriculum extended into middle and high schools, incorporating Chef Boxes to empower teachers with hands-on resources.
In 2020, Dr. Ed Bauman, a pioneer in holistic health and nutrition, joined the team, further enriching the program’s depth and impact.
With a vision to revolutionize K-12 education through CORE, STEAM/STEM, CASEL, and NGSS alignment, Rainbow Chefs evolved into Rainbow Chefs Academy, a leader in health, wellness, and nutrition education.
What began as one woman’s passion for healthy eating, cooking, and nutrition education has evolved into a transformative movement, shaping the future of children’s health nationwide. Through innovative education, hands-on experiences, and a deep commitment to wellness, Svetlana Elgart is redefining how young generations understand and engage with food. Her mission is to empower every child with the knowledge and skills to create their own healthy meals, fostering lifelong habits that support a healthier, brighter future.
Spencer V. Shearer
Chief Technology Officer
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Spencer V. Shearer is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Rainbow Chefs Academy, where he oversees the development of scalable digital platforms to support the company’s rapid growth. He brings a wealth of experience in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and cybersecurity, gained through leadership roles in various sectors, including financial technology and global services.
Before joining Rainbow Chefs Academy, Shearer founded Vellitas LLC, a consultancy specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions. He has worked closely with Fortune 100 companies, advising on the use of emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop innovative applications. His career also includes executive roles at companies such as Yext and Lucidworks, where he played a key role in driving business growth through data-driven strategies and customer success initiatives.
Shearer is also a recognized expert in cybersecurity, holding multiple U.S. patents, including one for digital certificate security. His work in this area has been instrumental in developing secure solutions for various industries.
At Rainbow Chefs Academy, Shearer focuses on ensuring the platform can scale to meet the company’s expanding needs while using his security expertise to safeguard the site and its users. He is committed to creating a secure, reliable platform that supports the academy’s mission of providing a modern, tech-driven educational experience.
Scott Hickson
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Scott brings a wealth of financial expertise and leadership experience to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Rainbow Chefs Academy.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, he has consistently demonstrated a talent for driving growth and operational success across diverse industries.
In 2008, he co-founded Funding Capital Advisors, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate complex business landscapes.
His tenure as Chief Financial Officer at Illuminate Education, Inc. starting in 2011 honed his skills in managing finances for mission-driven organizations, a thread that continued when he joined Custom Business Solutions as CFO in 2019.
That same year, he expanded his operational leadership as Chief Operations Officer at Horizon Education.
In 2020, as CEO of GradeCam, Scott further solidified his reputation as a dynamic leader capable of steering organizations to new heights.
Scott holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Southern California, earned between 2002 and 2004, which underpins his strategic approach to financial management.
At Rainbow Chefs Academy, he is poised to leverage his extensive experience to support our mission of empowering students through innovative culinary and wellness education, ensuring the organization’s continued growth and impact.
Richard F. Klemmer
Director of Partnerships
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A seasoned sales executive with 18 years of consistently exceeding quotas and goals, achieving 100%-200% of targets. Recognized for exceptional performance with multiple US Sales honors from 1999 to 2016.
Possessing 11 years of specialized experience in the search and navigation software industry, successfully competing against giants like Solr, Endeca, Google, Verity, Autonomy, Vivisimo, Fast, and Recommind. Demonstrated expertise in growing new market segments, increasing customer base by 1800%, and boosting revenue by 2500% between 2004 and 2008.
A large account management specialist, known for securing contracts ranging from $50K to $1.2M within 9 months at CA and expanding Lockheed Martin’s engagement from a single department to three divisions in just 18 months. Proficient in strategic solution selling to Fortune 1000 companies, federal and state governments, SMBs, and through channel/partner development.
Highly skilled in identifying, negotiating, and closing 6 and 7-figure enterprise solution contracts with high-profile clients such as Lockheed Martin, Computer Associates, American Express, Eli Lilly, NASA, Fannie Mae, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Hewlett Packard, Yahoo, the State of Florida, Hoovers Online, Federal Express, Mitsubishi, UW Healthcare, Wells Fargo, Honeywell, Zenefits, Robert Half International, and Pepsi.
Expertise in penetrating, identifying, and capitalizing on new market segments and business drivers across various domains, including search, mobility, mobile security, mobile app and device management, green computing, call centers, corporate communications, eCommerce, Enterprise 2.0, cloud computing, SaaS, business and competitive intelligence, analytics, blockchain, edge computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, 360 customer experiences, Salesforce Service and Community Clouds, supply chain, automation, and IIOT.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence C-level executives, VPs, and directors effectively.
Connor Griffith
Partnership Specialist
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Before embarking on a career in education, Connor discovered a passion for culinary arts during his junior year of high school, a fun and practical skill he continues to enjoy today.
His journey began in Chongqing, China, where he taught English to preschoolers in an immersive language environment.
After completing his contract, he moved to Shanghai to work in after-school programs, teaching children from a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
After spending two years in after-school education, Connor pursued a role in sales development, where he connected with companies of all sizes, scheduling meetings and building relationships.
Eager to expand his horizons, Connor transitioned into marketing, freelancing for an HVAC company where his efforts drove increased opportunities and boosted sales.
Now, Connor has joined Rainbow Chefs Academy, combining his passion for culinary arts and nutrition with his marketing and sales expertise to help transform health and wellness both in schools and at home.
Monica Chen
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Monica works hand-in-hand with school partners and other educational organizations to bring engaging culinary and wellness education to students. With a deep-rooted passion for helping students grow and thrive, Monica is dedicated to ensuring teachers have the tools they need to empower young learners with essential life skills around nutrition, health, and well-being.
Monica began working with students during her college years and has since built a career centered on educational impact. In 2018, she entered the ed tech space, where she helped schools implement innovative programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Through her work with multiple school districts across the country, Monica has supported educators in integrating engaging, future-forward curricula that foster critical thinking and real-world skills.
Her experience spans program implementation, customer success, and partnership development, always with a focus on creating meaningful experiences for both teachers and students.
At Rainbow Chefs Academy, Monica is excited to combine her background in education with her enthusiasm for wellness and nutrition, helping schools cultivate environments where students can explore food in fun, creative, and educational ways.
Outside of work, Monica enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local culinary spots, and staying active in her community. She believes that strong partnerships and a shared commitment to student wellness can spark lifelong habits that lead to healthier, happier lives.
Viana Elgart
Operations
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Viana Elgart joined Rainbow Chefs in early 2020 as a Chef Instructor while pursuing her educational goals.
Rainbow Chefs provided an opportunity for Viana to combine her best skills, such as working with children, applying her leadership skills, and her passion for enriching the lives of others.
Viana adopted the company’s goal of promoting nutrition and education, which aligns with her personal values and excites her to share her knowledge with others.
Through previous experience in Tutoring, Early Childhood Development, and her current role as a Head Instructor, Viana learned the importance of patience and compassion when working with others.
Viana’s ultimate goal is to continue her education at the highest level possible while creating a fun, safe, and exciting learning environment for both children and adults to discover the benefits of eating a diverse range of colorful and healthy foods, also known as “eating the rainbow.”
Lawrence August
Advisory Board Member & Director of Business Development
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Lawrence has worked in the Health and Nutrition industry for over two decades.
He is a Certified Youth Nutrition Specialist through AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates), bringing his unique approach to children’s health to help further the efforts of Rainbow Chefs Academy.
Amassing more than 8,500 consultations, Lawrence had the distinction of being the sole Nutrition Counselor at The Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana, California, where he also Co-Managed the practice’s Natural Pharmacy.
The Center is run by Dr. Michael Hirt, MD and is currently the busiest private solo medical practice in Los Angeles County.
Along with private nutrition consultations through his company Kids Get Healthy, Lawrence sits on the Board of Directors for Accept The Challenge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating childhood obesity and preventing the major dietary and lifestyle related diseases currently plaguing our country.
We are thrilled to have Lawrence as a member of our team!
Gabby Grinberg
Legal / Investment
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Gabby is a strategic executive and general counsel with experience developing and scaling business operations.
She has spent almost a decade advising companies on business strategy and legal matters with a strong focus on finance structuring, international growth, investor relations, employee retention and partnership opportunities.
To date she has helped her clients raise over a billion dollars from investors, structured complex credit solutions and established dynamic partnerships enabling achievement of growth targets.
Shelene Herrera
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Shelene works closely with school site partners to ensure the success of their wellness and nutritional education programs. Her role involves both day-to-day program management and long-term vision planning, helping schools create shared paths to student wellness.
Her work ensures that students not only make healthier food and activity choices but also develop life-long skills that foster well-being.
With a background as a former School Administrator, Shelene understands the essential link between food security and academic success.
She previously served as a NSLP Partnership Manager, working to expand access to school meal programs. Her passion for food security extends beyond the school day, advocating for stronger community ties with local organizations and government agencies.
Shelene’s work took on new significance during the COVID-19 pandemic when she helped develop a drive-through meal program in partnership with the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County Department of Education, ensuring families had access to nutritious meals during uncertain times.
At Rainbow Chefs Academy, Shelene is excited to support schools in rethinking student nutrition education. She works closely with school leaders to implement creative, sustainable programming that empowers students to make healthier choices.
Through her work, she hopes to expand the number of schools served while making a lasting impact on students’ well-being and their communities.
Outside of her professional work, Shelene is deeply passionate about community and social advocacy. She enjoys participating in local events that foster connection, such as live music performances, farmers markets, and makers markets.
A strong advocate for equitable experiences for all, Shelene is committed to using her voice to help create positive social change. Although as a mother of two, with four fur babies, you are most likely to spot her on the sidelines of a soccer game or walking a near-by trail.
Cindy Adams
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Cindy is self-motivated with a strong sense of personal responsibility and a passion for adventure.
You might find her skiing down a mountain in the winter, riding a bicycle in the summer, and baking cookies anytime!
After graduating from San Diego State University with a BS in Business Marketing, she embarked on a career as a real estate asset legal assistant.
Eventually, her path led her to become a stay-at-home mom, where she honed her skills in preparing nutritional meals and involving her children in the process.
Returning to outside work, Cindy spent the past 7 years in the California wine and agriculture industries, creating a link between the food on our tables and its source.
She looks forward to inspiring students, fueling bodies, and nourishing souls.
Sarah Tan
Delivery Logistics
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Sarah has a diverse professional background.
As a CRM consultant, she played a key role in optimizing client relationships and refining business strategies.
With experience in analyzing customer data and driving engagement, Sarah built a strong foundation in understanding clients’ unique needs and delivering effective solutions.
After a decade in information technology, Sarah’s personal passion for health and wellness inspired her to pursue a certification in Precision Nutrition.
In her previous role as a nutrition coach, she was instrumental in assessing clients’ dietary needs and providing tailored advice on healthy eating habits.
Combining knowledge with empathy, Sarah helped clients navigate their health journeys with confidence and achieve lasting success.
Motivated by a desire to make a positive impact, Sarah is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.
Sharon Covello
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Sharon is a dedicated public servant, passionate community advocate, and seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in public service.
As a mother of three, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sharon deeply values family, and her life’s work reflects this commitment.
A former Vice President of SEIU Local 1021, Sharon has held key leadership roles, including retiring as a Child Support Supervisor and serving as the Assistant Director at the Northeast Community Center.
Her expertise spans strategic planning, program implementation, and performance measurement, ensuring that the communities she serves thrive.
Outside of her professional life, Sharon enjoys exploring the beautiful state of California, camping in her camper van, kayaking, and preparing nutritious, delicious meals for her family.
She is also passionate about supporting youth and families and is currently leading a local community garden initiative to provide residents with a space to grow and connect.
Sharon’s dedication to improving lives and fostering community wellness remains at the heart of all her endeavors.
Gina Thackrey
Curriculum Specialist K-12
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Gina Thackrey is an expert in program design, content development, curriculum/learning experience, user experience, marketing, and strategic planning.
She has built and grown programs and products for EdTech Startups, educational technology companies, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, non-profit organizations, schools, districts, county and state departments of education.
Her primary goal is to create experiences that empower independent, intrinsically-motivated, and self-directed learners with the development of lifelong, future-proof skills that ensure their success.
In her free time, she enjoys playing board games with family, reading, and going for walks along the beach.
Kelly Chambers
Curriculum Specialist K-12
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Kelly Chambers has earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Park University in Parkville, MO and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University in AZ.
Kelly holds a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education – Birth to grade 3 and K-12 Cross Categorical Special Education.
Kelly has taught in a local school district in both traditional classroom and online formats supporting students of all needs.
She has taught in multiple capacities in special education Kindergarten – 6th grade, Traditional Kindergarten, Online Kindergarten and Preschool.
Kelly came to teaching to help support her son’s educational development while understanding his medical, learning and developmental needs, and has continued to serve as an advocate for students with special needs.
Kelly brings an amazing skillset to the Rainbow Chefs Academy team!
Dr. David Reed, PhD
Accreditation Specialist
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Dr. David Reed earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Education from Arizona State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, also from ASU.
Dr. Reed holds a teaching certificate in Arizona with an area of concentration in Career Technical Education with endorsements in Business and Marketing, Cooperative Education, and Structured English Immersion.
He also holds a Principal Certificate in Arizona. For the past 25 years, Dr. Reed has specialized in the development of nontraditional education models for the traditional district, public charter, and private secondary schools.
He has also been instrumental in the development of blended and virtual education models for traditional district, charter, and private secondary schools.
Since 2007, Dr. Reed has presented on nontraditional education programs and the benefits and implementation of blended and online learning programs at numerous state and national level conferences.
From 2014 to 2021, Dr. Reed served as an Educational Administrator for Educational Management Organization operating a Drop-out Recovery Program and a private international virtual high school in Arizona.
He is currently serving as a Senior K-12 Educational Consultant on accountability, accreditation, school improvement, and blended and virtual public and private secondary programs. Dr. Reed has also been a member of or has chaired accreditation review teams for Cognia, Middle States Regional, and Accreditation International.
Dr. Robert H. Lustig, MD, MSL
Advisory Board Member
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Dr. Robert H. Lustig is Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology and a Member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF. A renowned neuroendocrinologist, Dr. Lustig specializes in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition.
As a leader of the “anti-sugar” movement, Dr. Lustig is transforming the food industry to reduce human suffering and environmental harm. Since retiring from clinical medicine, he has devoted himself to reforming the food supply.
Dr. Lustig graduated from MIT in 1976 and earned his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1980. In 2013, he obtained a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Fat Chance (2012), The Hacking of the American Mind (2017), and Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine (2021).
Dr. Lustig serves as Chief Science Officer for Eat REAL and holds Advisory Board positions with the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health, the Center for Humane Technology, Simplex Health, Levels Health, and ReadOut Health. Additionally, he is Chief Medical Officer for BioLumen Technologies, Foogal, Perfact, and Kalin Health.
Dr. Andreas Blüthner, PhD
Advisory Board Member
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Dr. Andreas Blüthner is a globally recognized expert in health, nutrition, and agriculture. As the former Director of Nutrition for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he led the development of innovative strategies to improve maternal, infant, and child nutrition, school feeding programs, and the production of affordable, nutritious food.
Before his time at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Blüthner served as Director for Strategic Partnerships at BASF SE Nutrition & Health, contributing to the global nutrition and health community for over two decades.
His experience also includes roles with the UN World Food Program, the German government, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). He has spoken at prestigious events such as the UN General Assembly, the World Economic Forum, and the African Union. In February 2023, Dr. Blüthner founded his strategy and impact advisory firm, Dr. Bluethner & Partner, which operates out of Seattle and Frankfurt to address health, nutrition, and agriculture challenges worldwide.
Dr. Blüthner earned a doctorate in international economics and human rights from the University of Mannheim, a business administration apprenticeship degree from Robert Bosch, Stuttgart, and a bachelor’s degree in public health from City College of New York.
He also mentors social entrepreneurs and start-ups as an Ashoka Globalizer and is a founding board member for the WFP Innovation Accelerator.
Lane Rankin
Advisory Board Member
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Lane Rankin is the Founder of Illuminate Education, Inc., where his visionary leadership and passion for education and technology have made a significant impact. With over 30 years of experience, he has applied his leadership and problem-solving acumen in both the education and business communities.
As President and co-founder of Achieve! Data Solutions, LLC, Lane led the development of DataDirector, a highly acclaimed data and assessment management system for the K-12 market.
Following the sale of Achieve! Data Solutions to Harcourt, Lane held executive roles at Harcourt and Riverside Publishing Company, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lane has a distinguished career in education, recognized as Educator of the Year by the California League of Middle Schools. His roles include mentor teacher, department chairperson, district technology coordinator, school site administrator, university professor, and county office administrator, leading initiatives like CTAP and the STEP project, a multimillion-dollar NASA grant.
Lane’s reputation as an innovator and his proven track record of bringing revolutionary products to market make him a valued advisor to Rainbow Chefs Academy.
Jennifer Clary
Advisory Board Member
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Jennifer Clary is an accomplished entrepreneur and advisor with a deep commitment to equitable education and innovation. She co-founded and served as CEO of The Baby Box Co., providing over 2 million families with infant supplies and resources before its acquisition in 2019.
Jennifer is also the founder of Gobble Green, the first nationwide plant-based meal delivery service in the U.S., and Jenkev Productions, where her feature film The Silent Thief was distributed by HBO.
Currently, Jennifer sits on the Board of Directors for Predict-Align-Prevent, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child maltreatment, and is the COO and founder of GoKidGo and Never Ever Productions. Her expertise in innovation and leadership makes her an invaluable advisor to Rainbow Chefs Academy.
Dr. Gregory Spencer, EdD
Advisory Board Member
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Dr. Gregory Spencer is an educational leader and advocate with a lifelong commitment to health, literacy, and community empowerment. Born in Mississippi and raised in Oakland, CA, Dr. Spencer overcame significant challenges in his youth to become a teacher, principal, school board president, and superintendent within Los Angeles Unified Schools.
For over 25 years, Dr. Spencer has worked to eliminate illiteracy, promote health and wellness in families, and support underrepresented communities. He is a lifetime member of the NFL Alumni Association, recognized for his volunteer trauma counseling, health, and education initiatives.
Dr. Spencer is an accomplished author with four books, including an Amazon Best Seller. He serves as a volunteer Advisory Board Member at Rainbow Chefs Academy, championing childhood nutrition and health equity for underserved communities.
Dr. Ed Bauman, PhD
Advisory Board Member
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Dr. Ed Bauman has been a pioneer in holistic health and nutrition for over 50 years. He holds a PhD in Community Health Promotion from the University of New Mexico, an MS in Nutrition from Heartwood College, and an MEd from the University of Massachusetts.
Dr. Bauman is the founder of Bauman College: Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts and the creator of the Eating for Health approach, which forms the basis of his professional and community nutrition programs. He also founded the National Association of Nutrition Professionals and Bauman Wellness, a nonprofit focused on healing through food, arts, and community learning.
An accomplished author, Dr. Bauman has co-authored numerous books, including Holistic Health Handbook, Affordable Nutrition, and Ways to Be Well. He inspires through his integrative wellness practices and continues to champion health and nutrition education at Rainbow Chefs Academy.
Tom Davis
Advisory Board Member
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Thomas Aurelio Davis is a bilingual educator, administrator, and advocate for equitable education. As the founder of Net4EdAccess, an education consulting firm, Tom focuses on mentoring and supporting underrepresented communities, STEAM education, and technology for teaching and learning.
Tom serves as Director of Business Development at the Center for Educational Innovation in New York and has held similar roles with the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) and the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). He is a board member of Computers 2 Kids San Diego and an Advisory Board Member for Project Tomorrow.
A lifelong learner and athlete, Tom represented Mexico on the Over 64 National Basketball Team at the FIMBA World Championships in 2019. His dedication to education equity makes him an integral part of Rainbow Chefs Academy.