GET TO KNOW MAURICIO PALMA, DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES

As the director of Early Learning and Education Initiatives for Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Mauricio Palma leads a number of initiatives designed to impact factors critical to a child’s education, including family engagement and leadership, early care and learning programs, the school system and the community at large.

Mauricio took some time out of his day to share some thoughts about his work, challenges and what motivates him to improve our region.

Why do you like living in this region?
We have so many great blessings around us. The close proximity of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, parks, mountains, hiking trails as well as the beautiful weather, we get to enjoy our community all year round. In addition to our geography, our human diversity gives our region a vibrancy that allows us to see and learn about different parts of the world every day in our neighborhood, schools and everything we do.

This region is where my family has lived for over 50 years since we came to the United States. As an immigrant, I feel fortunate that what I do for a living improves our region’s quality of life and strengthens our civil society. My family and I currently live in San Mateo County and we do all we can to make it even better for all who call this place home.

What initiatives do you lead at the community foundation?
Part of my job includes overseeing three main initiatives. One is Raising A Reader®, a program that fosters early literacy skills critical for school success. Second is the School Readiness Initiative, which engages families, service providers, educators and school district leadership to ensure that young children enter school physically and emotionally healthy and ready to succeed. Third is the Community Schools Initiative, which takes a holistic approach to improving student academic achievement. This initiative offers a wide range of on-site, family support services and after-school enrichment activities to engage parents and communities in children’s learning.

How do you stay motivated?
Many of the challenges in one community are part of a much larger regional reality. I am interested in expanding my knowledge about our entire region. In doing so, I will be better equipped to carry out our organizational vision and, in tangible terms, connect resources, expertise and solutions across initiatives and communities in our region.

I am so passionate about my work because it offers me a vehicle through which I can make a contribution to the well-being of children, youth and families. It is great to know that many donors and funders have deposited their trust in us. Thanks to their resources, our team works to make a difference in our children’s future. In addition to my wife and daughter’s love, this honor is a great motivating factor for me.

Do you have a question for Mauricio? Feel free to contact him at mpalma@siliconvalleycf.org or 650.450.5498.