Sara Orellana of Think Together Recognized as Afterschool Leader by National Association

Celebrating Leadership in Afterschool Programs

The National Afterschool Association (NAA) has recently honored Sara Orellana, a dedicated Family and Community Engagement (FACE) coordinator at Think Together, as one of its 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. This recognition highlights Sara’s commitment to youth development and education, and she is one of 30 exemplary leaders acknowledged at the NAA26 convention, held in Washington D.C. from March 11-14, 2026.

Sara Orellana’s journey with Think Together began when she joined the organization in 2022. Since then, she has made significant strides in enhancing the educational landscape in her community. Initially serving in the Southeast Los Angeles region, Sara later transitioned to Santa Fe Springs where her leadership has undeniably transformed the engagement across 67 school sites, positively impacting the educational experiences of more than 4,000 students.

According to Jesse Durkin, the Executive Director of Programs at Think Together, Sara’s deeply ingrained sense of service is a beacon of inspiration for her peers and the community. “Sara embeds herself into the school communities,” he stated. “She prioritizes advocacy with local officials, mayors, and state senators, illuminating the essential role of expanded learning opportunities.” Her proactive approach ensures that the importance and necessity of afterschool programs are recognized and supported by key stakeholders.

In recognition of her significant contributions, Sara was honored with Think Together’s Making an Impact award in 2025. This award acknowledges exceptional leaders who display outstanding commitment to the mission of transforming educational opportunities for children through expanded learning initiatives.

The FACE team, which Sara is a part of, undertakes a range of essential responsibilities, including acting as a bridge between school support services and community resources. In the previous year, this dedicated team managed to train over 1,000 Think Together staff members, enhancing their ability to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Furthermore, they provided nearly 9,000 information pieces covering event flyers, brochures, and newsletters, ensuring that families have access to necessary resources and support.

Sara Orellana’s recognition aligns her with past distinguished Think Together leaders who have also been acknowledged by the NAA. This illustrious list includes Alexis Rivas (2025), Hernan Sanchez (2022), Helen Welderufael (2021), Alberto Barajas (2018), and Stacy Galdamez (2017). Each honoree has exemplified an unwavering commitment to advancing afterschool educational programs.

The NAA's prestigious Afterschool Today magazine plans to feature Sara and her fellow honorees in its Spring 2026 issue, offering a platform to further highlight their accomplishments and advocacy.

About Think Together

For more than 25 years, Think Together has collaborated with schools and communities to enhance educational opportunities for all children. A division of Think Education, the organization specializes in offering innovative academic solutions, ensuring that the odds are changed for hundreds of thousands of students across California every year. Think Together's program areas include early learning, afterschool programming, staffing support, and leadership development aimed at enriching both teachers and school administrators, thereby transforming the educational journeys of students they serve.

For more information about Think Together and its initiatives, you can call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org. The organization is also active on social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where updates and insights on their educational programs are regularly shared.