FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 14, 2019
Contact: Dan Leal, Executive Director
(512) 323-6371 (phone)
dan@seedingmentors.org
Seedling has named former State Representative Diana Maldonado as its Board President. Ms. Maldonado served District 52 during the 81st Legislative Session and began her term as Seedling’s Board President on August 1.
Seedling, which was founded in 1997 by Austin attorney John Blazier, has provided mentoring for children with a parent in prison since 2005 During the 2018-19 school year, Seedling served 652 children and plans to increase mentoring to 700 children during the upcoming school year. Seedling makes matches of trained volunteer mentors with children in Austin ISD, Pflugerville ISD, KIPP Public Schools, Del Valle ISD, and Hays Consolidated ISD.
Ms. Maldonado is a financial advisor in the investment industry and an avid marathon runner. She previously worked at the Texas Comptroller’s Office for over 20 years. Her past roles have included service as Board President of Round Rock Independent School District, and she has served on various non-profit boards and civic commissions.
“Education is a fundamental game changer in our democracy to strengthen individuals, families and communities. Seedling’s unique mentoring outreach provides purpose and prosperity in changing the lives of students one step, one smile at a time. I’m excited to be an ambassador for the great work Seedling does in cultivating partnerships to serve a vulnerable yet vibrant student population,’ Ms. Maldonado said.
Seedling also announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors effective August 1. New Board members include Ms. Gerry Tucker, Ms. Margie Southard, Mr. Charles Dickerson, and Mr. Chris McNeill. Ms. Tucker is Vice President of Human Resources at Austin Community College. Ms. Southard works as Vice President Operations – P&C Underwriting for State Farm Insurance. Mr. Dickerson is the Chief Operating Officer at Austin Energy. Mr. McNeill is an Account Executive at Scale Factor and a Seedling mentor.