[ this work ] means for our kids is real for me . And there is so much work to do .
What is your favorite book ?
“ One Hundred Years of Solitude ” by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez . He has a beautiful rhythm with his writing that I really enjoy . So profound .
What is something that you are recently very proud of ?
Despite having a small team , we were able to fundraise over $ 200,000 towards our student scholarships . This is huge because out of the 49 doners , 32 were new ! We are small but very mighty .
On a much larger scope , we are all honored beyond words to be the recipients of a $ 20 million donation from known philanthropist MacKenzie Scott . To our knowledge , Fresno Unified is the first school district in California , and possibly the United States , to receive a contribution of this scale . This is game-changing as we initiate the foundation and look forward to using these funds to positively impact the lives of countless students . My vision for the foundation is to keep it focused on kids , always .
Clockwise from the top middle , Wendy McCulley speaks at the State of Education Gala Oct . 7 ; the King African American Dance Troupe , which performed at the gala , are from left E ’ Niyah Fuller , Taleah Pittman , Dae ’ Seion McCoy , Success George , Elise Keenan , Kareem Robinson , Shaneice Pittman and Vanessa Pittman and back row , from left are Ariel Campbell , Skyyler Sharpe , Neziah Hall and Zayah Johnson ; McCulley , with EECU CEO Elizabeth Dooley in background , at a news conference about the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools ; McCulley and Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson at the foundation news conference ; the gala at Fresno Chaffee Zoo ; from left , Edison High School music teacher Arthur Howansky and students Rowan Crass and Kate Mergy perform at the gala ; at the foundation news conference from left are Deputy Mayor Matthew Grundy , Antonio Avila , Pao Yang , Dooley , McCulley , Nelson , Fresno Unified board members Keshia Thomas , Valerie Davis and Claudia Cazares , board President Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas and board member Andy Levine ; and McCulley at her desk .