Aspire Public Schools is a K-12 school system focused on improving public education by preparing underserved students for college, training highly effective teachers and sharing innovative best practices.
We’re thrilled to celebrate Michael Wimbish, Aspire Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer, who has been named CFO of the Year by the San Francisco Business Times! This award recognizes outstanding financial leadership, innovation, and a commitment to mission-driven impact.
At Aspire, Michael’s work exemplifies how thoughtful financial stewardship can directly support scholars, communities, and the resources they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Aspire continues to be able to strengthen programs, expand opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth across our schools. As he says,
I try to start from a place of “yes,” and then work backwards to see what’s possible.
This recognition carries even greater significance because the CFO of the Year awards celebration benefittedLarkin Street Youth Services, which provides housing, education, and critical support for young people experiencing homelessness. A great reminder that strong leadership in finance—and in community—can create meaningful opportunities for young people who need it most.
Read the full story in the San Francisco Business Times here.
Aspire Public Schools is proud to announce the 2025 Teacher and Teammate of the Year award winners! Now in its second year, this recognition celebrates exceptional educators and staff across our three regions—Bay Area, Central Valley, and Los Angeles—who embody our mission and values. This year’s honorees were selected from a competitive pool of nominations submitted by teammates, students, families, and alumni. Each winner has made a profound impact on their school community through dedication, leadership, and a commitment to student success.
Bay Area
Teacher of the Year: Jenny Sar At Aspire Golden State Preparatory Academy, Jenny Sar serves as a 9th and 12th-grade math teacher, Math Department Lead, and Leadership teacher. Her innovative approach to education is exemplified by the student leadership program she initiated, culminating in the school’s first homecoming pep rally. Jenny reflects, “It was incredible to see our students step up, showcase their leadership, and bring so much energy and creativity to the event.”
Teammate of the Year: Mina Vega With 21 years of dedicated service at Aspire Monarch Academy, Business Manager Mina Vega has been a steadfast presence in the school community. She cherishes the opportunity to welcome new TK and kindergarten students each year and take pride in watching them grow and transition to middle school. Mina’s commitment to the school’s mission and her nurturing spirit have left an indelible mark on countless families.
Central Valley
Teacher of the Year: Genesis Abdul-Rashid Genesis Abdul-Rashid, an Education Specialist at Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle School, is celebrated for her dedication to inclusive education. One of her most memorable experiences was organizing the Ruby Bridges Walk, an event that united students and families in a powerful demonstration of community and historical awareness. Genesis remarks, “Witnessing our community come together to honor a pivotal moment in history was truly inspiring.”
Teammate of the Year: Starrlight Murray Starrlight Murray, Business Manager at Aspire Capitol Heights Academy, is known for her vibrant energy and deep connections with students. Recalling a cherished memory, she shares, “A group of my students convinced me to participate in our school talent show. I was incredibly nervous, but a third grader said, ‘Ms. Starrlight, just get out there and dance like no one is watching!’ That moment reminded me why I love working with kids—their honesty, encouragement, and the unforgettable memories they help create.”
Los Angeles
Teacher of the Year: Nadean DeLeon At Aspire Pacific Academy, 6th-grade Math and Science teacher Nadean DeLeon is recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and student engagement. She proudly highlights her students’ achievements in the Aspire Math Field Day Competitions, where they secured championships in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024. Nadean’s dedication to fostering a love for math and science has empowered her students to excel.
Teammate of the Year: Eduardo Ramirez Eduardo Ramirez, Office Assistant and Family Coordinator at Aspire Antonio Maria Lugo Academy, is celebrated for his efforts to build strong family-school connections. One highlight of his tenure was organizing a trip to a Dodgers game for students with excellent attendance and their parents. Eduardo shares, “It was awesome to see the smiles, not just from our students, but also from parents who were experiencing their first-ever game. Moments like that remind me why we do this work.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding individuals. Their unwavering dedication and impactful contributions continue to inspire and uplift the Aspire community.
New in 2024, Aspire is thrilled to announce our inaugural winners of the Teacher and Teammate of the Year awards! Each of our 3 regions has selected one outstanding teammate and teacher to honor with this recognition. The nomination process was extensive, yielding over 400 thoughtful responses from teammates, scholars, alumni, and families.
We’re thankful for the impact each of the winners makes within their schools and across their communities. Read on and join us in celebrating our six winners’ great work and achievements!
Bay Area
Frania Ramos-Arce, 2024 Bay Area Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year: Frania Ramos-Arce, an elementary teacher at Aspire College Academy (ACA), has been honored as Teacher of the Year. With Aspire for five years, she has consistently demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching and a deep knowledge of academic engagement strategies. ACA Principal Brian White expressed his admiration, highlighting her exceptional communication skills with parents and professional demeanor. He described her as “the consummate blend of teacher leader and team player,” noting her commitment to the well-being of the ACA community. According to White, she “advocates for what is best for students and is a natural leader and a pillar of strength within the Jaguar Family.” Congratulations to Ms. Arce!
Angelena Banks, 2024 Bay Area Teammate of the Year
Teammate of the Year: Angelena Banks is the After School Director at Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy (BMA). Principal Jay Stack praised her journey
from joining the school community as a parent to leading one of the most expansive and well-resourced Expanded Learning Programs. He described Ms. Banks as a “force of joy, fun, and love for kids,” and commended her for bringing community partnerships to BMA scholars. These partnerships, including West African Dance, Black Neighborhood Project, GloMPACT, and Climbing Club, help students feel “validated, empowered, and a sense of belonging.” Principal Stack thanked Angelena for her “love and dedication to ensuring we are nurturing and developing the whole child.”
Central Valley
Evangelina Rios, 2024 Central Valley Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year: Evangelina Rios is a 6th-8th grade humanities teacher at Aspire Stockton Secondary Academy (ASSA). She has evolved from a mentee to a mentor teacher in the Alder Teacher Residency Program. Her commitment to the craft of teaching benefits her scholars and teammates, embodying the “any means necessary” mentality. During the pandemic, she took the initiative to support a new school, contributing to making ASSA the special place it is becoming.
Juan Rodarte, 2024 Central Valley Teammate of the Year
Teammate of the Year: Juan Rodarte, the Building Manager at Aspire Summit Charter Academy (SCA), is a steadfast member of the Aspire family who exemplifies our core values of Belonging and Bienestar (Well-being). He ensures that our students are seen and cared for, maintaining a safe and clean school campus. Juan is known for seeing the brilliance in each student and building personal relationships with them. He always greets every visitor with a warm hello, embodying a spirit of inclusivity.
Los Angeles
Andrea Martinez, 2024 Los Angeles Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year: Andrea Martinez, a 13-year veteran educator, currently guides 4th graders at Aspire Firestone Academy. Her commitment to antiracist curriculum design, dedication to academic excellence, and focus on student wellness and agency have resulted in significant academic growth and increased confidence among her scholars.
Olga Barraza Fraire, 2024 Los Angeles Teammate of the Year
Teammate of the Year: Olga Barraza Fraire, who serves as a SpEd Instructional Aide at Aspire Tate Academy, proactively disrupts antiblackness while fostering a critical understanding of social issues among her teammates and students. She excels in supporting diverse learners by integrating the varied cultural backgrounds and unique needs of the community into her work. The Aspire Los Angeles team has commended her dedication to all students, particularly those facing the most marginalization, and her commitment to ensuring their joy and well-being. She will soon continue her work and progress at Aspire Tate Academy through the Alder GSE Residency!
Contact: Kristin Costa (408) 500-8555
kristin@larsonpr.com
In response to the finalization of the California budget, Aspire Public Schools CEO Mala Batra issued the following statement:
Oakland, Calif. — Through the finalization of the state budget, Governor Newsom and the legislature have agreed to reimburse classroom-based public charter schools with previously withheld funding caused by quarantined-related absences. This victory for students comes after months of educators, leaders and families advocating on behalf of all California public charter school students.
Each time a public charter school student quarantined for the health and safety of the community, that student lost critical funding for their education. Students and schools lost millions of dollars — all during a time when investment in education and accelerated learning was more necessary than ever.
Because of our collective action, nearly 1,000 public classroom-based charter schools and over 500,000 students will have access to the resources necessary to support student success.
About Aspire Public Schools Aspire Public Schools operates 36 community-based public charter schools educating over 15,500 students in underserved communities across California. Founded in 1998, Aspire is one of the nation’s largest open-enrollment public charter school systems serving predominantly students of color from low-income communities. Delivering a rigorous education to students in grades TK-12, College for Certain is the focus for every age group. Teachers and families partner closely to ensure scholars are prepared to succeed in college, career and life. Currently in its 21st academic year, Aspire is one of the nation’s first charter school systems. Learn more about Aspire Public Schools at aspirepublicschools.org.
In response to the finalization of the California budget, Aspire Public Schools CEO Mala Batra issued the following statement: