ECS Head Start Attends the NHA Block Party

(From left to right) Heidi Avent, Head Start Family Engagement Specialist, and Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education and Family Services. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO – June gloom may have hung around San Diego too long, but that didn’t stop ECS from having a blast at the Neighborhood House Association’s (NHA) Block Party. The event occurred at Snapdragon Stadium and brought together dozens of community collaborators and over 2000 families for festivities and community resources. From games and crafts to former Los Angeles Chargers signing autographs, it was so much fun - it felt like a bright summer day!

Head Start staff members at ECS’ Block Party booth. June 2023.

ECS’ booth was filled with activities, Head Start resources, and enthusiastic staff eager to partake in the festivities. Connecting with other San Diego nonprofits like NHA makes for a memorable day, and witnessing multiple collaborators come together to help the community is a blessing. ECS was happy to participate and looks forward to next year. 

ECS Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education and wraparound services to qualifying families at no cost. The program empowers families by equipping them with the necessary resources for a successful future. Additionally, ECS offers services that enhance mental health, address substance use disorders, and supports those navigating homelessness.

For more information, visit Episcopal Community Services (ecscalifornia.org). 

ECS Head Start Jumps into Frog Street Conference

SAN DIEGO – ECS Head Start made some waves last week at Frog Street’s 2023 Splash Conference. The annual event occurred in Dallas, Texas, from July 20-22. Early childhood educators from all over the world came together for a weekend of learning and fun before leaping into the new school year.

Splash creates a space for educators to network, brainstorm, and dive into new perspectives and practices that aim to enhance early childhood education. The weekend included inspirational keynote speakers, quality curriculum training, collaborative breakout sessions, educational exhibits, and more. Frog Street, an early childhood learning solutions company, hosts the event annually. 

Several ECS Head Start staff members attended to receive new information and ideas. The educational experience will help the Head Start staff maintain high-quality education for its students. 

ECS Head Start, a federally funded preschool program, serves children aged 0-5. Offering not only early childhood education but also family education and wraparound services, this program is available at no cost to eligible families. Recognizing the crucial role early childhood education plays in a child's development and the challenges life can present, ECS Head Start commits to meeting the unique needs of students and their families through the services they provide, paving the way to a brighter future.

Learn more about ECS Head Start here.

ECS Head Start staff poses for a group photo at the conference. July 2023.

ECS Head Start staff enjoying the activities at Splash. July 2023.

ECS Announces New Board President and Welcomes New Board Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ECS Announces Megan Costello as New Board President
and Welcomes New Board Members
Ana Lozano, Masada Ellis, and Shana Medley

 San Diego, CA – Jul. 20, 2023 – Episcopal Community Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Costello from Board Secretary to Board President and the appointment of Ana Lozano, Masada Ellis, and Shana Medley to its Board of Directors. Each of these professionals brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to our board.

July 2023.

 Megan Costello brings more than 15 years of experience in building and scaling teams within SaaS – Software as a Service – companies across diverse sectors, including healthcare, social media, education, and nonprofits, which will provide a strong foundation for her new role. Known for her unwavering dedication to social causes, Costello has been actively involved with political campaigns and the San Diego chapter of the International Rescue Committee.

 Ana Lozano, a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry, has dedicated her career to supporting underserved communities in San Diego County. With more than seven years of experience at Molina Healthcare of California, Lozano is adept at forging community connections and addressing the needs of low-income families. Her commitment to enriching lives is reflected in her current role as a community representative for the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs Policy Committee for ECS.

Masada Ellis is a vibrant force in the arts and business sector. The CEO of NotApologeticStudiosLLC, Ellis combines professional expertise in finance, shipment management, and database programming with a powerful passion for music. An advocate for individuality and self-expression, Ellis not only contributes to the community as a chess instructor for elementary school children but also holds the chairman position for several parent committees, including NHA, ECS, and Zamorano Elementary School.

Shana Medley brings to the board her extensive experience in integrated marketing, event management, public relations, and business development. As the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Century Club of San Diego, she is instrumental in the success of the city's annual PGA TOUR event, the Farmers Insurance Open. Her career spans diverse industries, and in addition to her professional pursuits, Shana's personal passion for sports and fitness brings an energizing dynamic to any role she serves.

"We're incredibly excited for Megan’s presidency and for Ana, Masada, and Shana to join our board," said Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS’ Chief Executive Officer. "Their expertise and commitment to community service will undeniably strengthen our board with new insight and innovation.”

Megan Costello, the newly appointed board president, added, "Our board is full of passionate individuals from all parts of San Diego County who are committed to making our community a place where all people can thrive, and I'm excited about what lies ahead for us this year."

Please visit www.ecscalifornia.org/leadership to learn more about our new board members and the impactful work of ECS.

Media Contact:
Adrienne Wilkerson
ECS Communications Director
awilkerson@ecscalifornia.org. ###

ECS Recognized at SDBJ 40 Under 40 Awards

SAN DIEGO — On July 18, the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ) held its award ceremony for its 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under Forty 2023 awards. The 40 Under 40 awards highlighted the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and innovators in the San Diego community.

ECS was thrilled to have three finalists make SDBJ’s list; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education & Family Services; Leslie Manriquez, Para Las Familias Program Manager; and Angel Ibarra, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Government Affairs, who was also selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40 award winners!

Congratulations to our outstanding finalists and winner. ECS is proud to have such talent within our organization, and we look forward to seeing these professionals continue to thrive in their careers and inspire community change.

Angel Ibarra, Assoc. Director of Strategic Partnerships & Government Affairs, poses with his 40 Under 40 award. July 2023.

(From left to right) Leslie Manriquez, PLF Program Manager; Stacie Perez, VP of Programs; Angel Ibarra, Assoc. Director of Strategic Partnerships & Government Affairs; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education & Family Services; and Tim Whipple, Development Director at SDBJ’s 40 Under 40 award ceremony. July 2023.