Pasadena Educational Foundation’s Principal for a Day
Continues to Strengthen Bonds Between Schools and Community
On November 5, 2025, the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) welcomed civic, business, and community leaders to participate in its annual Principal for a Day event across Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) campuses. Now in its 19th year, the program offers community members a meaningful and firsthand experience inside PUSD classrooms—where daily learning unfolds, relationships grow, and students are supported by educators who guide and encourage their growth.
The 2025 Principal for a Day program held particular meaning as schools continue to support students and families in the wake of the Eaton Fire. Guest principals observed classrooms where learning continues with care, adaptability, and creativity as students and educators navigate this ongoing recovery together.
“The Principal for a Day program serves as a powerful bridge between the schools and the broader community,” said Patrick Conyers, Executive Director of the Pasadena Educational Foundation. “It allows participants to see the important work being done in the classrooms and to understand the value of investing in our schools.”
Since 2006, PEF has invited the community to step inside the daily world of PUSD through Principal for a Day. The program is designed to build shared understanding—allowing participants to see how students learn, collaborate, ask thoughtful questions, and take pride in their work, supported by teachers who bring knowledge, consistency, and care to their practice. Nearly 500 community members have now participated, strengthening ongoing relationships between PUSD schools and the community.
The day concluded with a luncheon for guest principals, PUSD principals, and district leaders—an opportunity to share reflections, experiences, and conversations that help sustain continued collaboration in support of students.
Find out more about our guest principals here.
2025 Guest Principals:
- Kassahun Betre | San Jose State University
- Shelley Boyle | Young & Healthy
- Catherine Buzzini | Kaiser Permanente
- Ezra Callahan | Callahan Family Foundation
- Ari Chaet | Untitled Events
- Alexander Chu | Pasadena Symphony
- Stephen Cook | Pasadena Conservatory of Music
- Anders Corey | Altadena Recovery and Rebuild Corporation
- Julia Cowlishaw | Vroman’s Bookstore
- John Desjarlais | Xencor, Inc.
- Marvel Ford | California Credit Union
- Diana Herrera | Pasadena Federal Credit Union
- Carol Soucek King | Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life
- Joann Kozyrev | ArtCenter College of Design
- Brandon Lamar | NAACP Pasadena
- Alan Lee | Compass
- Terry Madigan | Pasadena Tournament of Roses
- Miguel Márquez | City of Pasadena
- Josh McCurry | Flintridge Center
- Ja Ne’t Rommero | Pacific Oaks College
- Khanh Russo | Pasadena Community Foundation
- Matu Taylor | STARS: Illuminate, Educate, Advocate
- Geoff Woods | Rotary Club of Sierra Madre
