We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elsa Chagolla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elsa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) is dedicated to supporting the dreams and aspirations of students from Lynwood, an underserved community. Since its establishment, LPEF has been committed to enhancing educational opportunities for students in the Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD).
LUSD’s student population is predominantly Latinx (94%) and African American (5%), with 35% being English language learners and most eligible for the federal free and reduced-price meal program. Many students will be the first in their families to attend college. We serve a diverse and vibrant community facing significant barriers related to poverty, racism, housing and healthcare access, transportation, and chronic under-resourcing in Southeast Los Angeles.
One particularly inspiring story is that of a 2017 graduate who, despite an unstable home environment and living on his own, moved into UC Merced with our support for his dorm deposit and transportation. Today, he works as a computer science engineer on the East Coast. Stories like his highlight the impact of our work and the resilience of our students.
Since 2015, LPEF has raised over $1,000,000 to ensure LUSD students receive the best public education possible. We have provided college scholarships, emergency grants, teacher and school grants, STEM programs, food pantry support, and COVID-19 relief. These efforts have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of Lynwood students and their families, opening doors to a brighter future.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Since childhood, I’ve been acutely aware of inequity and injustice, largely due to growing up in a working-class immigrant household and translating for my Spanish-speaking mother. These formative experiences ignited my passion for empowering underserved communities through the nonprofit sector. I was fortunate to be identified as gifted in elementary school, which set me on the right academic track, eventually leading to college. I am proud to be one of the first in my family to earn a college degree.
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science in Public Policy from the University of Southern California. These achievements laid the foundation for my more than 20-year career in the public and nonprofit sectors. I have held leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Education, LA Promise Fund, PowerMyLearning, Inquilinos Unidos/United Tenants, the Glendale Educational Foundation, and currently, I serve as the Executive Director at the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked at every level of a nonprofit organization—from outreach worker and program coordinator to program director, chief operating officer, and for the past decade, executive director. Each role has taught me invaluable lessons and allowed me to contribute significantly. Nonprofit work is often a labor of love, with limited resources and dedicated staff who are deeply committed to their mission. I have a reputation as an executive director who can create something remarkable out of limited resources.
For those who may not know me, I want you to understand that my work and my brand are deeply rooted in a commitment to equity and justice. My story is one of resilience, education, and the relentless pursuit of positive change. I hope it inspires others to believe in the power of determination and the difference we can make together.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within the nonprofit market is a blend of dedication, integrity, a deep passion for the work I do, and a good sense of humor. Growing up in a community that faced significant challenges gave me a firsthand understanding of the issues that underserved communities face. This personal connection drives my unwavering commitment to making a real difference.
An important aspect is my focus on building strong, genuine relationships. Whether it’s with team members, community partners, or stakeholders, I truly believe in the power of collaboration and trust. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, I’ve been able to build a supportive network that amplifies our efforts and impacts.
I also believe that a little bit of humor goes a long way. Injecting fun into our work environment not only boosts morale but also fosters creativity and stronger bonds among team members. After all, tackling serious issues doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the journey and share a few laughs along the way!
Lastly, transparency and accountability are at the heart of my approach. Being open about our challenges and successes helps build trust and credibility. People know that when I make a commitment, I follow through. This integrity, combined with a touch of humor and a lot of heart, has helped solidify my reputation in the nonprofit market and fostered strong, lasting relationships.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes, several resources have impacted my management and entrepreneurial philosophy, with Peter F. Drucker’s work being influential. Drucker, known as the father of modern management, has shaped much of my approach to leadership and organizational effectiveness.
“The Effective Executive,” one of Drucker’s most popular books, has been important to my leadership approach. It emphasizes time management, decision-making, building on strengths, and prioritization. Two quotes stand out to me. The first is “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” The second quote is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” These principles have guided me in focusing on what truly matters and shaping the future through strategic actions. These practices have been crucial in my role as an executive director, helping me streamline operations and align our efforts with our mission to empower underserved communities.
Another influential book by Drucker is “Managing the Nonprofit Organization.” This book offers practical advice tailored to the unique challenges of nonprofit management. Drucker’s quote, “The ‘non-profit’ institution neither supplies goods nor services. Its product is a changed human being,” perfectly encapsulates the work we aim to achieve at the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation. His guidance on balancing stakeholder needs and focusing on mission-driven outcomes has been instrumental in my leadership approach.
Together, these books have provided a strong foundation for my leadership style, emphasizing effective management, strategic thinking, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Drucker’s principles have influenced how I lead and grow the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lynwoodedfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynwoodedfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynwoodEdFoundation
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lynfoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynwoodedfoundation
