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LAEP Collaborates with Starbird Food Chain for Teacher Appreciation Promotion

Los Angeles Education Partnership is teaming with burgeoning food chain Starbird to celebrate educational leaders this May with a promotion geared to help strengthen the learning community during Teacher Appreciation.

Throughout the month of May, online Starbird customers will be able to make a $5 donation to LAEP to advance educational equity and help facilitate access to quality educational and wellness practices so that children thrive from diapers to diplomas.

The May promotion will also allow online visitors to support The Children’s Book Project, which provides much-needed books and educational resources to underserved communities in the Bay Area.

“We’re excited to partner with Starbird to celebrate teachers and the invaluable role they play in inspiring classrooms and communities,” said LAEP Interim CEO Dawn A. Kurtz. “As we champion educators, it is our hope that we uplift learning communities and create equitable environments for students and families.”

In addition to donation opportunities, Starbird will extend a special offer during Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 6 to May 10, when teachers with a valid education ID can enjoy a complimentary entree item in any Starbird restaurant.

“At Starbird, we believe in the power of education and the incredible impact teachers have on shaping young minds, said Aaron Noveshen, Founder and CEO of Starbird. “Teacher Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and support for the dedicated educators who work tirelessly to inspire and educate our youth.”

Visit the promotion landing page for more information about supporting education during Teacher Appreciation.

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LaCora Stephens

Marketing and Communications

LaCora is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for using multimedia storytelling to empower movements for social justice and equality. For over 13 years, she has honed her skills as a versatile multimedia director, overseeing media operations across diverse organizations, including the NAACP Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch and The Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation. Her deep understanding of the education and equity landscape fuels her creative vision, allowing her to craft impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.

With strategic communication​ and collaboration, LaCora excels in developing and executing compelling​ multimedia campaigns that not only raise​ awareness of critical issues but also​ inspire action and drive meaningful change. Her proficiency in concept​ development, production execution, and​ team leadership ensures projects are​ delivered with exceptional quality. Furthermore, LaCora fosters strong​ relationships with internal and external​ stakeholders, cultivating partnerships​ that maximize campaign reach and impact.

LaCora's educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Florida A&M University. She then pursued a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Alliant University of San Diego. This passion for storytelling, fueled by her background in education, translates to her belief in the power of shared narratives. Her work in this area was recognized through her selection as a Women in Film Mentee and film director for Viola Davis’ sponsored film showcase, Diversity in Cannes. Now, LaCora leverages her love of storytelling and commitment to educational equity in her role leading marketing and communications for Los Angeles Education Partnership, while also serving on the board of the Pasadena African American Film Foundation.

Eric Barela, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, Raya Cooper Impact Consulting

Dr. Eric Barela has worked as a measurement & evaluation professional for over 2 decades, helping organizations to better understand and act on their social impact. He’s currently a Senior Consultant with Raya Cooper Impact Consulting and previously worked at Salesforce, where he led efforts to measure the social impact of the company’s work with nonprofits and educational institutions across the globe. He began his career working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and with the nonprofit, Partners in School Innovation. Eric previously served on the Board of the American Evaluation Association and currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Evaluation.

Eric grew up in East LA and was educated in the Montebello Unified School District. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. He loves a good road trip, with his husband serving as trusty navigator.