FARNAZ BRINGS A WIDE RANGE OF FUNDRAISING AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE TO OUR BOARD
Farnaz Golshani Flechner joined Environmental Charter School’s Board of Directors in September of 2015 to support fund development efforts, share innovative practices and spearhead new partnerships between ECS and neighboring school districts.
Farnaz’s experience-rich career began with her teaching Art and English at a Title 1 High School, and Art at Inner City Arts. It also includes service at Chrysalis, FSG Social Impact Advisors and as the Director of Programs and Services at Tides. She holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Farnaz was first introduced to ECS in 2013 through a tour of Environmental Charter High School. At that time, Farnaz was serving as the Executive Director of Los Feliz Charter School of the Arts. On her tour, Farnaz immediately noticed the synergistic connections between the two schools, particularly noticing that they both used an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum.
Farnaz currently serves as the Executive Director of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), an organization that raises and grants more than six million dollars each year to enrich public education in Manhattan Beach. Engaged in the worlds of both education and philanthropy, Farnaz’s role at MBEF enables her to share insights with ECS about fundraising and community partnerships.
“Each time I walk through ECS, I'm inspired because the welcoming and warm environment is unlike any other traditional school site I have observed or worked in. The students feel connected and supported. There is a true culture of care that permeates throughout.”
Farnaz’s feeling about the culture of the Board has been equally positive. She shares that she enjoys the caliber of ECS board members, their level of commitment to the school and their ability to learn from one another and remain open to best practices.
Outside of ECS, Farnaz has also served as a Board Member with Pathway Home for Returning Veterans. In her spare time, Farnaz cherishes spending time with her two kids, 5 and 7, and her husband.
Being a part of ECS uplifts Farnaz’s spirit. She says, “I truly love the focus on environmental education – and the connection that the students develop with something that is much bigger than each individual. A sense that they are each responsible for, 'repairing the world, tikkun olam.'"
With her evident sense of conviction and passion for our work, we are so grateful to Farnaz for her heartfelt contribution to our schools.
[Photo]: Farnaz with her family.
