A Year of Impact. A Legacy of Service.
Eight longtime members of the Pasadena Educational Foundation Board of Directors were honored on June 23 as PEF celebrated a record year of impact for Pasadena Unified students during its Annual Board Meeting, held at Bacchus’ Kitchen in Pasadena.
Among the year’s milestones:
- Kaiser Permanente committed $5 million to strengthen student mental health and wellness, marking the largest grant commitment in PEF’s history.
- Teacher Grants reached a record $324,452, funding 213 innovative classroom and schoolwide projects throughout the district.
- More than 1,000 students enrolled in PEF’s Summer Enrichment Program, with nearly half receiving tuition assistance to ensure access regardless of financial circumstances.
- Celebrating Our Schools: Discover 2026 welcomed nearly 300 guests to Pasadena City Hall and raised nearly $300,000 to support PEF programs and opportunities across Pasadena Unified.
As Pasadena Unified continued its recovery from the Eaton Fire while navigating ongoing budget challenges, PEF expanded opportunities for students and educators through record investments, innovative programs, and strong community partnerships.
Honoring Our Retiring Board Members
The evening also honored eight retiring members of the Board of Directors whose combined service has strengthened PEF and expanded opportunities for thousands of Pasadena Unified students. Their unique talents, expertise, and passion have left a lasting legacy for the foundation.
Sarah Deschenes served as Vice President of Programs and Development, strengthening PEF’s signature initiatives and playing an important role in developing the foundation’s strategic plan for future growth.
Bart Doyle provided invaluable financial leadership as PEF’s current Treasurer and a longtime member of the Finance and Audit Committees. He also led revisions to the foundation’s bylaws and established PEF’s planned giving procedures, strengthening the organization for years to come.
Jonathan Fuhrman dedicated 40 years of service to the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the longest tenure of any board member in the organization’s history. A longtime Treasurer and consistent member of the Finance and Audit Committees, Jon also played an instrumental role in PEF’s school bond and election advocacy efforts, supporting critical local investments in Pasadena Unified schools.
Tammy Godley has served PEF in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Community Engagement and Chair of PEF’s 50th Anniversary Campaign. She also led PEF’s advocacy efforts in support of Pasadena Unified’s Measures R and EE and brought her legal expertise to countless board discussions and organizational decisions.
Sharon Lefler, a former PUSD principal, brought her educational expertise and passion to PEF’s Teacher Grants program and Read Across America each year. She was also instrumental in bringing Larry Mantle to Caltech as host of EdTalk, creating an important community conversation around public education.
Julia McCallin served as Vice President of Board Affairs and as a member of the Finance Committee. Her extensive human resources expertise helped strengthen both the Board of Directors and the organization.
Ann Snow helped Pasadena Unified launch its Dual Language Immersion Program and remained deeply engaged through initiatives such as PEF’s Book Club, expanding educational opportunities for students and families.
Alma Stokes has long been a guiding force at PEF. A beloved educator, mentor, and community champion, she devoted 30 years to Pasadena Unified before continuing a lifetime of service through PEF and numerous local organizations. Through her extraordinary ability to bring people together, Alma has connected generations of community leaders to Pasadena Unified students.
The Board also recognized Erik Berg as he concluded his two-year term as Board Chair. Erik’s leadership helped guide PEF through an extraordinary period of challenge and opportunity. Even after losing his own home in the Eaton Fire, he continued to pour energy and heart into PEF’s mission, helping raise critical resources for students while championing the needs of Pasadena Unified schools.
Looking ahead, PEF will continue advancing its Meet the Moment initiative, investing in academic achievement, arts and music, libraries, health and wellness, athletics, and college and career pathways for Pasadena Unified students.
This year’s accomplishments were made possible by the dedication of donors, educators, volunteers, and community partners. Together, they have helped position PEF for its next chapter, ensuring more Pasadena Unified students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
