Spotlight: Early Childhood

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We’ll be spotlighting one of our programs each month and in March, we focused on Early Childhood. We want to acknowledge not only our Early Childhood programs – from Head Start, Early Head Start to our Home-Based services, but also our incredible staff who change the lives of each child, day in and day out.

Here are highlights of the work we do for our youngest ones:

For more information and to enroll in our early childhood programs and services, check out our website here: Early Childhood – Ages 0-5

 

Martine Speaks at LA Business Journal’s Nonprofit Awards

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On March 20, 2025, the Los Angeles Business Journal hosted their annual Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, celebrating the outstanding contributions of nonprofits and corporate citizens across our community. ​

We were so enthused to have Martine Singer, our President & CEO, as a featured panelist in the “Managing & Fundraising in Evolving Times” session where she shared insights into navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership during challenging times. The insights were eye eye-opening and the dialogue amongst panelists were thoughtful and engaging.

Events like these highlight the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in strengthening our communities. In addition to nonprofit leaders like Martine, there were several executives from corporations – including Amazon, the Los Angeles Chargers, City National Bank, and many more represented on stage.

Kudos to Martine and all the dedicated leaders who are driving positive change.

What a pleasure it was to meet and share the stage with: GEOVANNY RAGSDALE, MIB, CFRE, Bee Rarewala, Molly Ann Woods, CFRE, David Ambroz, Heather Birdsall, Milton Dellossier, Nakeya T. Fields, LCSW, Michael Flood, Marcia Mayeda, CAWA, Lauren Plichta!

Deskside Chat with the Board: Megan Smith

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Thank you for visiting us today, Megan, and thank you for joining our board of trustees. We are thrilled to have you here and are excited for our communities to get to know you better. To start off, could you please tell us about yourself, highlighting key milestones throughout your life, both personally and professionally, that have shaped who you are today?

I was born and raised in Grand Rapids Michigan, which is the second largest city in Michigan. It feels more like a small town, though, compared to Los Angeles. I’m the youngest of four girls and grew up in Michigan but left when I was 18 years old to attend Duke University in North Carolina, where I studied history and public policy.

After graduation, I moved to New York City to attend law school. I would say that moving to New York was one of my first major milestones. Living there radically changed the perception of who I was in the world. In Michigan, I grew up in a homogenous community. It was a wonderful place to grow up because it was very safe – all my friends, their parents and even our grandparents knew each other. We were the fourth generation in our church and in the community I grew up in. Similarly, Duke was also set in a smallish city.

In New York, I was exposed to so many different people from all over the world, interacting with them day-to-day in the sea of eight million people. Being an extrovert, I loved being around people, but I also loved the anonymity of living in a big city. It breaks the self-centeredness that follows teens and people in their early 20s. It also opened my eyes to my privilege in a way that I did not fully grasp. There’s a great level set in New York. It doesn’t matter if you live in a penthouse or in a cardboard box, you’re all stepping on the same trash and taking the same subway. For me, it helped me grow – through meeting people and interacting with people who were very unlike me, which I didn’t have the exposure to as a child growing up in Michigan.

After New York, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, for a federal clerkship, which was a great opportunity career-wise. At the same time, it felt like moving back to Michigan. Nashville was a segregated city in terms of class and privilege and I quickly decided that that was not the place I wanted to raise my kids. I really wanted to raise my future family in a place where they would be exposed to different ideas and different people and I wanted to practice where I could grow as a person, which is how I ended up in Los Angeles in 2015.

What aspect of our North Star specifically resonates with you and why? (North Star = we believe in the abundant potential of all children & families in achieving educational success and emotional well-being, which build pathways to economic mobility and lifelong health)

There are two things that speak to me:

  • Children’s Institute’s focus on safety. I’m a parent of a three-year-old son so creating safety is very important for me so that he can be who he wants to be while being safe.
  • The emphasis on creating opportunities. It’s spectacular seeing a child come into their own and to grow into their own personality. What I look for is the opportunity for children to be exposed to new things and to discover their passions while cultivating the talents that they were naturally born with.

What I’ve learned is that those things are very hard to do – no matter where you live – and I say that coming from a place of privilege. Not all families have those privileges and what makes Children’s Institute’s North Star special is that it’s meant to achieve both. Children’s Institute provides children, parents and families a safe place where they are encouraged to discover new things and cultivate those talents and goals within a safe community. These are things that without Children’s Institute, may not be achievable.

You have a beautiful 3-year-old son. What about motherhood inspires you to give back to your community?

One of the things that surprised me about being a mother is how other parents have each other’s backs. You become “a member of the club.” Once becoming a parent, people become much more compassionate and there’s a different level of understanding for other human beings including for other people’s children who are crying on the airplane or the mom who needs to go to the bathroom but needs her kid to be watched at the park while she looks for the nearest bathroom.

It sounds like a cliché, but it really does take a village to raise a child. What inspires me about Children’s Institute is that it’s the embodiment of the village cliché. Children’s Institute says, here’s our village, come meet us at 10200 Success Ave and we’ll help provide you with your needs.

What do you wish for all families with young children in Los Angeles?

My wish for every child in Los Angeles is that they have a safe place to grow into who they are and to find themselves. That’s what sets apart adults who are successful members of their community – people who know themselves and are comfortable in their own skin.

This starts in childhood but it grows into successful adulthood.

Your law firm, O’Melveny, has very generously provided pro bono legal services to Children’s Institute for decades. Is it important for you that your employer supports the work of many worthy nonprofits?

It’s very important to me that O’Melveny provides pro bono services and that it is committed to service. I’m so proud to work at O’Melveny, where I’ve been a partner for a few years and worked there for a total of 15.

O’Melveny takes very seriously the commitment to community service. Not just providing pro bono legal work but also, encouraging its staff to be a part of the communities they work and live in.

As one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles and working with over 200 nonprofits, we also dedicate a ton of time, money and resources to provide pro bono services and partaking in community service to make Los Angeles a better place to live.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m so grateful to be a part of Children’s Institute. My intention here is to be fully committed to my role as a board member but I also want to involve my family in this organization. I want my young son to be involved in Children’s Institute as a child of Los Angeles and reap the benefits of the safety and community that this place brings – from Watts, Echo Park and to the rest of Los Angeles.

Early Childhood Top 10 Takeaways from SXSW EDU

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This past week, I had the opportunity to experience SXSW EDU from both sides of the stage – as a speaker and as an attendee. Immersing myself in numerous sessions and roundtable discussions, all focused on the future of education, I found myself inspired and quite frankly, in awe. The caliber of speakers and the depth of discussions affirmed how critical education is in shaping the future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) dominated the conversation across almost every category (nearly half the sessions offered were about AI and/or edtech). At times, it felt more like CES than an education conference. However, one thing that stood out was the fresh perspective on early childhood education – a topic that, even in this space, found itself intertwined with discussions of AI. One session even explored “AI in Early Childhood Education” which I believe reflects the rapid introduction & proliferation of AI and technology, in general.

A standout moment came during a roundtable discussion led by Michelle Kang, CEO of NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children. The session sparked passionate discourse on the current and future state of early childhood education. Drawing from those conversations, here are my top 10 takeaways from SXSW EDU, specifically as they relate to the early childhood years (birth to five years):

1. Early Childhood Education Is Gaining Traction

For years, early childhood education has taken a backseat (“almost nonexistent” as other attendees pointed out) at SXSW EDU, but this year marked a shift. Its growing presence at the conference reflects a broader recognition of the field’s significance, perhaps an acknowledgment that the first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development.

2. “It Takes a Village”

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” remains as relevant as ever. Education extends beyond the classroom – every interaction a child has, whether with a doctor, a family member, a religious leader or a community member, plays a role in their development and growth. This perspective reinforces the idea that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. It’s an ongoing process shaped by many different people and experiences.

3. Early Childhood Education Is a National Issue, Not a Partisan One

Michelle Kang emphasized that early childhood education must be seen as an integral part of the entire education system, not a separate entity. A national movement needs to challenge antiquated ideas to ensure that early learning is prioritized (in education policy, reporting, funding, etc.) and that there’s no room to politicize the issue.

4. Early Childhood Educators Deserve Better Pay and Respect

Educators working with children aged 0-5 are often undervalued, frequently mistaken for babysitters rather than trained professionals. This perception contributes to low wages and workforce shortages. Addressing this issue isn’t just about equity, it’s about improving outcomes for the students.

5. Early Education as an Anti-Poverty Strategy

Investing in early childhood education is one of the most effective long-term anti-poverty strategies. Research shows that a strong foundation in the early years can significantly reduce the likelihood of unemployment, incarceration and poor health outcomes later in life (just to name a few).

6. The Funding Dilemma: STEM in Early Education

Investing in STEM education at the high school level yields immediate returns on investment, making it attractive to funders. However, research suggests that introducing basic STEM concepts early on in a child’s life (even during preschool years), plays a crucial role in future academic success. Despite this data point, early STEM education remains significantly underfunded.

7. The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

One of the most effective ways to push for change in early education is by amplifying and sharing success stories. Every community issue can, in some way, be traced back to early childhood education so it’s a relevant issue for all. Communicating these connections is essential in garnering public support and investment.

8. Mental Health Should Be a Priority

While awareness of the importance of mental health in early childhood education is growing, resources remain scarce, especially in rural areas. Additionally, some mental health professionals hesitate to work in early education settings due to liability concerns so addressing these gaps (while destigmatizing mental health/social emotional learning) is important to support the emotional well-being of our youngest learners. At Children’s Institute, we understand this, so we invest in mental health supports for all our early childhood programs – in the classroom and for the family.

9. Bridging the Gap Between Policymakers and Educators

A recurring frustration among attendees was the disconnect between classroom educators and policymakers & administrators. Teachers on the ground often feel unheard when policies are developed without considering the realities of their daily experiences. Ensuring that educators have a seat at the table is key to creating meaningful dialogue. Here in California, Head Start Advocacy Day will take place in Sacramento on March 18, where all sides will have an opportunity to share from their perspectives.

10. AI in Early Childhood Education?

The idea of integrating AI into early childhood education is met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. While AI has the potential to personalize learning experiences especially for neurodivergent students and language learners, its implementation should be guided by ethics. Establishing a framework for responsible AI use in early education is imperative as the technology continues to evolve.

SXSW EDU 2024 made one thing clear: early childhood education is critical in offering the best start for future success. With more awareness of its impact, the field seems to be gaining momentum, but significant challenges remain. Addressing issues of funding, compensation, mental health and policy alignment will require continued advocacy, investment and innovation. If this year’s conference is any indication, the conversation is one we can’t ignore. For more information on our approach to early childhood education, please visit www.childrensinstitute.org/early-childhood/.

 

Building Hope in the Community Through Community Health Workers

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How Children’s Institute’s Community Public Health Workers, Emiliana Gallardo and Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, Made a Difference for Laura Sandoval

In a moment of despair, Laura Sandoval found herself living in her car with her three grandchildren after being evicted from her home. But with the intervention of two compassionate Community Health Workers, Emiliana Gallardo and Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, her story took a turn for the better.

Laura first learned about the Community Public Health Team (CPHT) when a team member knocked on her door during outreach efforts. Despite her overwhelming circumstances, she found hope in their offer to help. She recalls how she broke down during her first interaction with the team, releasing emotions she had held back for too long. This emotional release marked the beginning of her journey toward stability and healing.

Addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges

The CPHT provided Laura with critical support, connecting her to resources she desperately needed. They helped her secure financial assistance for rent and deposits, preventing her from falling deeper into homelessness. They also arranged therapy sessions, offering her emotional relief and mental health support during an extremely trying time. For Laura, this assistance transformed her life. Her story is one of resilience and the impact of thoughtful, community-centered care. Emiliana and Alejandra provided not only practical help but also emotional support, treating Laura and her family with dignity and respect. “They were like my guardian angels,” Laura said, reflecting on their timely intervention.

Through referrals to various organizations, Laura gained access to furniture, essential household items like a microwave and air conditioning, and ongoing care management through Enhanced Care Management (ECM). These resources allowed her to create a stable and nurturing environment for her grandchildren. Her journey underscores the importance of programs like CPHT in bridging gaps for underserved communities. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges, Emiliana and Alejandra enabled Laura to move forward with confidence. Today, Laura is settled in her new home, and she expresses profound gratitude for the team’s unwavering support.

Laura’s story serves as a testament to the power of community health initiatives and the individuals who dedicate themselves to creating positive change. Emiliana and Alejandra’s efforts not only transformed one life but also set an example of what compassionate care can achieve.

Interview by: James K Miller Jr., Department of Public Health

 

Construyendo Esperanza en la Comunidad

En un momento de desesperaciĂłn, Laura Sandoval vivĂ­a en su automĂłvil con sus tres nietos tras ser desalojada de su hogar. Sin embargo, gracias a la intervenciĂłn de dos trabajadoras comunitarias de salud compasivas, Emiliana Gallardo y Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, su historia dio un giro hacia algo mejor.

Laura conoció al Equipo Comunitario de Salud Pública (CPHT, por sus siglas en inglés) cuando una integrante del equipo tocó a su puerta durante labores de alcance comunitario. A pesar de sus circunstancias abrumadoras, encontró esperanza en su oferta de ayuda. Recuerda cómo rompió en llanto durante su primera interacción con el equipo, liberando emociones que había reprimido durante mucho tiempo. Este momento marcó el comienzo de su camino hacia la estabilidad y la recuperación.

El CPHT brindó a Laura el apoyo crítico que necesitaba desesperadamente. La ayudaron a obtener asistencia financiera para el alquiler y los depósitos, evitando que cayera aún más en la falta de vivienda. También organizaron sesiones de terapia que le ofrecieron alivio emocional y apoyo para su salud mental en un momento extremadamente difícil. Para Laura, esta ayuda transformó su vida.

Su historia es de resiliencia y del impacto del cuidado comunitario centrado en las personas. Emiliana y Alejandra no solo ofrecieron ayuda práctica, sino también apoyo emocional, tratando a Laura y su familia con dignidad y respeto. “Fueron como mis ángeles guardianes”, dijo Laura al reflexionar sobre su oportuna intervención.

A través de referencias a varias organizaciones, Laura accedió a muebles, artículos esenciales para el hogar como un microondas y aire acondicionado, y manejo de cuidado continuo a través del programa ECM (Enhanced Care Management). Estos recursos le permitieron crear un entorno estable y acogedor para sus nietos.

Su historia destaca la importancia de programas como CPHT para cerrar brechas en comunidades desatendidas. Al abordar tanto las necesidades inmediatas como los desafíos a largo plazo, Emiliana y Alejandra ayudaron a Laura a avanzar con confianza. Hoy, Laura está establecida en su nuevo hogar y expresa una profunda gratitud por el apoyo constante del equipo.

La historia de Laura es un testimonio del poder de las iniciativas de salud comunitaria y de las personas que se dedican a crear un cambio positivo. Los esfuerzos de Emiliana y Alejandra no solo transformaron una vida, sino que también establecieron un ejemplo de lo que puede lograr el cuidado compasivo.

James K Miller Jr., Department of Public Health

Children’s Institute’s Resource Guide for Immigrants

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Children’s Institute is committed to ensuring that all our community —regardless of immigration status—have access to the essential resources, guidance, safety, and support they need during these challenging times. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we stand firmly with our immigrant children, families, and neighbors, and our commitment to them remains steadfast.

We will continue providing mental health services, early childhood programs, and health navigation support to all those in need. In addition, we will share timely updates, resources, and announcements on our website and other platforms to support immigrant families in our programs. Please be sure to check for updates regularly.

Click links below for resources and information.

Preparedness:

Know Your Rights:

Legal Assistance:

Mental Health:

Additional Resources:

A Note of Gratitude from Martine – 6th Annual Cape & Gown Gala

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Thanks to the generosity of our Children’s Institute donors, we raised over $820,000 for our children, families and communities last night.

Far beyond dollars, though, these donations represent the hope, love and commitment we share for the 30,000 children and families across Los Angeles served by CII each year. Your contributions create opportunities, thriving communities and healthy futures for generations to come.

At last night’s gala, we honored four incredible champions:

  • TIM DISNEY, introduced by President of CalArts, Ravi Rajan, received the Children’s Champion Award for his decades of unwavering advocacy for children and families.
  • ERIN WESTERMAN, introduced by actress, singer and producer, Naomi Scott, accepted the Children’s Champion Award for her support of youth mentorship programs and the health and wellbeing of pregnant and parenting mothers.
  • DEPUTY CHIEF EMADA TINGIRIDES & PHILLIP TINGIRIDES, introduced by CII Trustee, Gena Brooks, received the Community Champion Award for their groundbreaking approach to community-based policing.

Emcee and actor/comedian, Lil Rel Howery brought his signature humor to the evening. We were inspired by Tondalia Chandler, who underscored the critical importance of CII’s services to her family; you can read her story here. Additionally, here are two heartwarming videos that were shared last night: Project Fatherhood and Emotional Wellbeing.

The evening opened with a performance by the CalArts ensemble, Sirena and featured a live auction hosted by Emmy-winning broadcaster Liam Mayclem. For a recap of the event, check out our social media post here.

On behalf of everyone at Children’s Institute, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who sponsored, supported and participated in our gala. Your generosity truly makes a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve and in communities across Los Angeles.

With deep gratitude,

Martine Singer

 

Thank you to our gala supporters:
Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc., Bill & Maura Haney, Johnny Carson Foundation, Susan Disney Lord, Roy P. Disney & Abigail Disney, O’Melveny & Meyers, Lauren & Chuck Diamond, Megan Smith & Garrett Doherty, Cindy & Alan Horn, Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg, Bel Air Investment Advisors, Burnham Benefits, Cal Arts, Gallagher, HUB International, KPMG, Les Amies, Lionsgate, PwC, UnitedHealthcare, Warner Bros. Television, Wells Fargo, Steven Gomez, Dr. Jenny Williams & Joan Henehan, Sally & Paul R. Kanin, Dr. Jennifer Linehan Kutrieh & Tarek Kutrieh, Jamie Alter Lynton & Michael Lynton, Carole & Barry Patmore and Family, Gelila Assefa Puck, R&S Kayne Foundation, Jessica Harper & Tom Rothman, Maria Seferian, Slusser Ranch Vineyards, The Walt Disney Company, The W. M. Keck Foundation, Bills & Stoll, LLP, Bocarsly Emden Cowan Esmail & Arndt LLP, Bogaard Group International, John & Louise Bryson, Canterbury Consulting, Cedars-Sinai, City National Bank, Creative Artists Agency, Stella Hall & Jim Fordyce, Beth & Sunil Gunderia, Monica Wyatt & Mark Horowitz, Kingdom Story Company, The Provost Family, Salesforce, Shamrock Capital Advisors, Moira & Rajath Shourie, Susan Steinhauser, David & Paula Agnew, Amazon Studios, Angeleno Group, Philippe Browning, Katherine & Bill Burford, Camino Nuevo Charter Academy & Pueblo Nuevo Education and Development Group, Beth Grant & Michael Chieffo, DSH // architecture and Chava Danielson & Eric Haas, The Drake Family, Cliff Einstein, GHJ, Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc., Tracey Gluck, The Goetzman Group, Ilene & Stanley Gold, Health Net, LLC, Suzanne & David Johnson, Nathan Kahane, David Kuhn, Aevitas Creative Management, Roy Lee at Vertigo Entertainment, Levinson Arshonsky Kurtz & Komsky, LLP, Liz Hirsh Naftali, Roger Allers & Genaro Pereira, Ric Whitney & Tina Perry-Whitney, Point Grey Pictures, Carolyn Powers, Revolution Office, Negar & Ariff Sidi, Jason & Cindy Spitz, Mary Rohlich & Clay Tweel, UCLA Extension, The United Plankton Charitable Trust and WME.

2024 Gala Honoree: Erin Westerman

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We are excited about our four “Cape & Gown Gala” honorees, who will be celebrated at our upcoming fundraising gala on Sunday, December 8 at the Skirball Cultural Center. As advocates and supporters of underserved children, families and communities, our honorees were selected for their humanitarianism and impact to society.

Today, we will be sitting down to meet Erin Westerman, Co-President of the Motion Picture Group at Lionsgate to better understand her desire to give back. Hello Erin and welcome to Children’s Institute! Thank you for making time to meet with us. Can you start off by sharing a little about yourself?

I am a mother of two – I have a seven-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. As the Co-President of the Motion Picture Group at Lionsgate, I oversee a team, and our job is to build and manufacture the movies that get put into theaters with the Lionsgate logo on it. That includes Hunger Games, John Wick, Saw and more. Plus, there’s a lot of other smaller, original movies that we make throughout the year.

My proudest accomplishment to date, outside of having my children, is how I impacted Lionsgate’s maternity leave policy. While I was negotiating my contract, I found out that our maternity leave policy was the state minimum. While this is not uncommon for corporations given that that’s what the government suggests as a starting place, having just had a child, I was super aware that it wasn’t enough time off.

I decided to put into my contract that the company change their policy to allow for longer maternity leave if I was going to accept the offer. What’s amazing about Lionsgate is that, when faced with the data that supports all the good that a longer maternity leave can have and how little it actually costs the company, they changed their policy to give birth mothers five months of full pay plus four months of pay for the non-birth parent.

I will always feel so good that I found myself in a position to hold up a mirror and see that I helped create real change for the people that work at Lionsgate. I would say this is both the reason that I work at Lionsgate and have worked there for almost a decade.

Our North Star consists of four pillars which include educational success, emotional well-being, economic mobility and lifelong health. What part of our North Star resonates with you?

I grew up in the south side of Chicago and I’m very aware that many of the kids that I grew up with didn’t have what I had, which were parents who had the capacity to provide opportunities for me – not just financially but also emotionally and with their time. My parents put a lot of effort into creating opportunities for me to feel whole, to be challenged and to see opportunities.

That may look different for others but the possibilities that exist for people to succeed are impacted by whether or not they have someone in their life who’s capable of doing that for them. Because of my childhood and because of where I grew up in Chicago, I’m hyper-aware that the biggest indicator of my success has been having parents who believed in me. I can now look back on a lot of the kids I grew up with who were no less smart, no less deserving but who have not found themselves to be as lucky as me. One person who believes in you can change their life.

What’s amazing about Children’s Institute is that they look at the whole child, the whole family and can create capacity for parents to create those opportunities by filling in the holes or pointing people in directions to provide resources that that child or family need.

If you had a message to share with those who are better off and have more resources, what would it be?

I think that, especially if you have children, you become very aware of how important it is to provide for your children. It’s something I feel all the time. Whenever my children need something, nothing will stop me from helping them. No amount of money, resources, or time would stop me from doing what I can for them. Unfortunately, a lot of mothers, fathers and caregivers are not able to do that.

Now, for a more lighthearted question. If you were granted one wish, for the people we serve, what would that be? And why?

That’s a hard question! Well, I wish that we were more child friendly. I think that there are countries in Europe where everybody lifts up families and children. And I think in a lot of places, children are seen as being a burden. Even as somebody with resources, I feel like it’s still hard to raise children.

So, my wish would be that we had a community that did more of that.

One last question! When we were looking at the dresses we collect and hand out for our annual Prom2Go event, I noticed you had a reaction to them. Can you share what you were feeling in the moment?

Oh yeah! I love that you have an event focused on prom, because often, things like prom are deemed as extra and unnecessary. But when I look back on my own high school experience, I remember prom being one of the most joyous experiences I had.

The idea that Children’s Institute would take seriously something in a high schooler’s life like prom and provide resources for that while knowing that a new dress matters gets me very emotional.

 

If you would like to give back to the community while enjoying an evening celebrating our honorees at our 6th Annual “Cape & Gown Gala”, you can purchase corporate sponsorships or individual & group tickets here. Our “Cape & Gown Gala” will take place on Sunday, December 8 from 5-8pm at the Skirball Cultural Center.

Proceeds to the gala will go towards the services and programs helping the underserved children and families in our community.

2024 Gala Honoree: Tim Disney

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We are excited to announce our four “Cape & Gown Gala” honorees who will be celebrated at our upcoming fundraising gala on Sunday, December 8 at the Skirball Cultural Center. As advocates and supporters of underserved children, families and communities, our honorees were selected for their humanitarianism and impact to society. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Tim Disney, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist, to get to know him better and to hear about why he believes in giving back.

Thank you, Tim, for making time to meet with us. We are so grateful for you and all you do to champion the rights of the children and families we serve. Could you please start off by sharing about your illustrative career as a creative, filmmaker and also as a philanthropist? Please tell us about yourself.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a varied career or a variety of different careers – some in creative fields and I’ve been able to go devote a fair amount of time and attention to nonprofit work which has been extremely gratifying. Through that, I’ve met some truly incredible people like the folks here at Children’s Institute and that’s a part of my life that I’ve devoted more energy to as the years have gone by.

As for my involvement in philanthropy – well, I’d say I have an ambivalent relationship with the philanthropy idea. It’s something that’s, deeply part of our social structures in this country. I wish it wasn’t the case. I wish that we structured our government and society to take care of these core needs, families and children, rather than relying on the private sector to give or not give to support them but that’s not the way it’s structured right now.

So, I feel like, I am hesitant to use the word obligation, but it does feel imperative that folks who have the means support organizations such as Children’s Institute because otherwise these children and families would go without the help they need. At the same time, I think I have to keep in my mind, and we should all keep in our minds that it doesn’t have to be like this, and we ought to work for a more sustainable solution to these problems while also doing what needs to be done in the moment.

There’s something problematic about the implied hierarchy of donor and patron and the recipients of that and I don’t feel comfortable with that. I would call myself an enthusiastic and simultaneously, a reluctant philanthropist in that sense.

You’ve talked about kindness as a way out of a dark place. Could you expand on that and share what it means for you to be that source of light or kindness in dark places?

The ultimate human characteristic is others-directedness that exists along with the urge to look out for ourselves. We’re all battling in this middle ground – between both instincts that we all have. I find that, especially as the years have gone by, I try to be of service to other people and that my life is better when I serve others. It’s a counterintuitive idea that if I follow that principle, my life gets better but of course, that’s not my first instinct.

When I wake up in the morning, my first thought is, “how do I get what I need today?” That’s my first thought and probably everybody else’s first thought. Especially when things are challenging or scary, that’s the place that we go and so those are the moments where I really have to make an intentional, mental shift and be others-directed.

Now, for a more lighthearted question. Could you tell us about yourself and your contributions to California Institute of the Arts and SCI-Arc?

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was created by Walt Disney – it came from an idea that he had towards the end of his life to create a college, that brought all the arts together in one place. This didn’t really exist at the time and he died before he was able to realize that dream. My grandfather who really was not an arts guy but because of his loyalty to his brother, Walt, he followed through on that idea to create CalArts in the early 70s. There’s a family connection to it – my father served on the board for many years and when I was about 30 years old, he said, I’m tired of doing this so why don’t you do it and that’s how I first got connected to it.

I was always aware of CalArts and I was an art history major myself, so I felt a strong connection. But it wasn’t until that moment that I became directly connected to it. I served on the board for 29 years and that was one of my most enriching experiences. I also served on the board of another college called the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) which reflects my connections to education and college.

Could you highlight a certain involvement you’ve had in education that you’re proud of?

I’d say that it would involve making it possible for folks without a lot of money to attend school. Art school is maybe the most expensive form of education. You can’t have large thousand student lectures – art requires small classrooms consisting of a highly qualified mentor teacher or artist and that classroom format is very expensive to deliver.

Additionally, art school requires all sorts of specialized equipment. As we field applications, we go based on portfolios rather than grades and scores as grades and scores are strongly correlated with socioeconomic status. By looking at portfolios or assessing people’s talent, you can kind of get away from the socioeconomic correlations that most colleges are looking for.

We think that we identify the kids as the most talented who also represent the general demographics. It’s evidence to me that when at birth, in the delivery room, when God is handing out gifts, he’s doing that equally. That, and all of the stuff that happens between then and the 11th grade where the kids are applying for college – that’s where the differentiation takes place for lack of opportunity, proper nutrition, resources, etc.

That’s why I’m very interested in Children’s Institute because they’re addressing those needs from the earliest phases where the pathways get set for kids and families and at the same time, the time when most help is needed. By the time students are in 11th grade and applying to college, lots of things happen. On one end, there are extraordinary kids who managed to do extremely well despite challenging circumstances early on but those are the exceptions.

If you can get involved in a family’s lives very early on, like what Children’s Institute is doing, you can set kids up for success – to reach their full, natural potential. I think it’s a tragedy in this country that we’re essentially squandering 60% of the human capital of the country by under-investing in very basic things including housing, education, health care and other basic needs.

Children’s Institute is a large organization for its type, but it serves a tiny fraction of the overall need. It’s very important that Children’s Institute succeeds because it sets a model that other people and organizations can follow.

What connects you to Children’s Institute and what is your message of encouragement you’d like to share with other donors?

Children’s Institute’s model appeals to me because it addresses the entire family system and the community, more broadly. It’s wonderful if organizations operate programs for children and address children’s needs because those are essential, but I don’t think that’s going to be successful unless you are also supporting families and communities at the same time. Unless you’re helping the whole family succeed, it’s not going to work or at least as well as it should.

I’m proud to be associated with Children’s Institute and the work they’re doing. I’m flattered and honored that I am an honoree. I would encourage other folks who have the means to support nonprofits such as Children’s Institute to support this organization. If you care about the health of society, in general, and you care about economic development, public safety, public health, and related issues, this is really where it all starts.

It starts with families, homes, children and education. All of the other things that we’re trying to address, including housing issues, are symptoms of what happens with families and children in the home. I believe in the model that Children’s Institute is using because they are addressing those issues in a holistic way and sticking with people and giving them the broad range of services that they need so that they can go out there and succeed.

And I think this kind of work has a multiplier effect. Families that are on the lower end of the economic spectrum that are able to launch their kids into life successfully – those kids go on and they have kids and they bring these values and these skill sets into their family’s lives, and it grows from there.

 

If you would like to give back to the community while enjoying an evening celebrating our honorees at our 6th Annual “Cape & Gown Gala”, you can purchase corporate sponsorships or individual & group tickets here. Our “Cape & Gown Gala” will take place on Sunday, December 8 from 5-8pm at the Skirball Cultural Center.

Proceeds to the gala will go towards the services and programs helping the underserved children and families in our community.

Deskside Chat with the Board: Supriya Batra

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We recently welcomed Supriya Batra, a Partner at Bel Air Investment Advisors, as a member of our board of trustees. Please read below to learn more about Supriya and what motivated her to join Children’s Institute.

Welcome aboard, Supriya! We are so excited to have you join our board of trustees.  Could you please start by sharing more about yourself? 

I am a child of an immigrant father who moved from India to the United States with only $20 in his pocket, seeking a better life for himself through education. Growing up, he instilled in me the values of responsibility, frugality and the importance of education. He worked tirelessly, commuting by bus to ARCO in downtown Los Angeles. I remember my siblings and I would eagerly wait at the bus stop to welcome him home each day, witnessing firsthand his dedication and work ethic.

He followed traditional Indian customs, including an arranged marriage to my mother who immigrated with my father. In Indian culture, women are not raised to work, but rather, to become mothers. Despite the cultural norms that often limit women to domestic roles, my family was different. My father had three sisters, all professionals – including two doctors and one entrepreneur. This environment broadened my perspective on what women could achieve beyond motherhood. My father encouraged me with a friendly, supportive approach, urging me to pursue my ambitions, and unlike many of my family friends, I was raised with the belief and notion that I could – and should – aspire to a fulfilling career.

My father’s entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to leave ARCO to start his own company. Watching him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and the tough road of not having a steady income and working well into the middle of the night, taught me invaluable lessons about hard work and perseverance. Fast forward to today, I’m a financial advisor, and similar to my father, I co-founded a successful business with another female leader, starting from nothing to building it into what it is today. My father’s positive role-modeling played a crucial role in my career.

What makes you excited to be a part of our Board of Trustees? Is there anything specific about our North Star that speaks to you? 

Reflecting on my childhood, I recognize the immense support I received from my immediate and extended family and community. I realize that this is in stark contrast with the experiences of children facing extreme poverty, who often lack the resources, time and love that are critical for their development. This disparity deeply resonates with me and is the reason why I am a part of the board.

Children’s Institute’s North Star emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment and the pillars necessary for it: educational success, emotional wellbeing, economic mobility plus love and resources necessary for lifelong health. I believe these elements are fundamental to surviving and thriving in today’s world, and they align with my own values and experiences. This is what draws me to Children’s Institute and excites me about contributing to its mission.

What is one piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you – that you’d like to share with the children we serve?

Never give up on yourself. Always advocate for yourself, even when others don’t believe in you. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

What type of legacy of success would you like to leave behind?

I aspire to leave a legacy of authenticity behind. Everyone thrives when they are true to themselves, rather than pretending to be someone they’re not. Authenticity is not only less exhausting but also more positively received by others. I hope to be remembered as someone who was genuine and who did what I said I would.

Do you have any fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?

My biggest hobby is fitness! I enjoy all types of personal fitness classes and have tried nearly every one of them. Recently, I started weight training class through the encouragement of my friend. Just a year ago, I began lifting almost nothing but now I can bench press my body weight!