From Adeena:
I’m really excited to join the team as the new Salesforce Administrator! I grew up in Atlanta and eventually made my way to San Francisco to dive into environmental education in public schools. Along the way, I discovered a love for CRM systems and Salesforce while working with education non-profits. I’m looking forward to bringing my background and passion to this role and working with you all!
Get to know Adeena below!
What brings you to 826 National?
My journey into educational equity started with working at the Goucher Prison Education Partnership, where I worked with incarcerated individuals to earn Liberal Arts degrees. After graduating, I spent time as an Education Justice Fellow in Philadelphia and then worked with AmeriCorps in San Francisco, teaching environmental education to students. Along the way, I learned and used Salesforce, discovering the importance of showing data to highlight the impact on children’s lives and communities. Joining 826 National feels like a perfect next step, bringing together the things that I care about.
What is it about the 826 mission that resonates with you?
In 7th grade, I went through a tough time and struggled to express my feelings until a poetry contest gave me the chance to submit my writing. When my work was selected for publication, it profoundly changed how I saw myself and my experiences. Writing became a way for me to understand and value my voice, and I continue to write poetry because I believe in its power. The 826 mission resonates deeply with me because I know firsthand the transformative impact that giving students a platform for their voices can have, and I want to help provide similar opportunities for others.
What are you looking forward to building with the 826 National Team and 826 Network in the months ahead?
I’m really excited to build a collaborative and supportive atmosphere with the 826 National Team and 826 Network in the coming months. Storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and data is a powerful tool that helps us tell those stories. It’s so important for us to all understand why we collect the data we do. I want everyone to feel comfortable asking questions and working with Salesforce so we can all make the most of it together.
What was your favorite childhood book/author?
My favorite childhood book has to be the Gingerbread series by Rachel Cohn—I felt very seen in my pre-teen angst. I also read Janet Fitch’s White Oleander way too young, but hey, sometimes you bond with a book that’s way out of your age range. And, of course, I can’t forget the Twilight series. Sparkly vampires, angst, and love triangles—what’s not to love?
Outside of my role, you should ask me about . . .
Outside of my role, you should ask me about podcast recommendations! I listen to a lot of podcasts—true crime, political, comedy, educational—you name it, I’ve got a suggestion for you. If podcasts aren’t your thing, ask me about my pup, Miso, or my love for pottery.