Strong Roots Bright Minds

08/20/2026

Strong Roots Bright Minds

OUR PURPOSE

Strong Roots Bright Minds exists to empower youth by strengthening the connection between identity, education, opportunity, culture, and belonging. We create meaningful experiences that help young people discover their strengths, develop confidence, expand their possibilities, and recognize that their circumstances do not determine their potential.

Through education, mentorship, leadership development, athletics, STEM, cultural enrichment, and access to new experiences, we work to remove barriers and create opportunities that allow young people to learn, lead, explore, and thrive.

Strong Roots Bright Minds serves youth of all backgrounds while maintaining a deep and intentional commitment to Native youth. We honor the importance of cultural identity, strengthen connections to heritage and tradition, and seek meaningful partnerships with Tribal Nations, Native organizations, cultural leaders, families, schools, and others who share our commitment to young people.

We believe youth deserve more than programs. They deserve people who believe in them, places where they belong, opportunities that challenge them, and experiences that allow them to imagine possibilities they may have never thought were within their reach.

Our work is rooted in a simple belief:

When young people know where they come from, believe in who they are, and are given opportunities to discover who they can become, there is no limit to how far they can go.

Strong roots. Bright minds. Limitless possibilities.

The work continues. I’m excited for this chapter and what’s to follow. Thank you everyone for the support. We’re getting a little closer each day.

08/10/2026

Today reminded me exactly why we show up. 💜

I honestly don’t know if there are enough words to express how grateful I am for today’s Strong Roots, Bright Minds Back-to-School Event. What started as an idea to give our kids a little something special before heading back to school turned into a day filled with smiles, laughter, confidence, community, and so much love.

Today, 45 kids received haircuts, with Nate, Bobby, and Sammy working until 7:30 to make sure every child who had been patiently waiting on our list was taken care of. We had 24 kids get manicures, and we were able to send more than 100 kids home with school supplies to help them start the year ready.

But the numbers aren’t what I’ll remember most.

I’ll remember the smiles when the kids looked in the mirror and saw themselves with fresh hair and painted nails. I’ll remember the laughter while they played and waited. I’ll remember the excitement of picking out school supplies. I’ll remember the little conversations, the hugs, and the energy that filled the room.

That is why we do this.

Because every child deserves to walk into a new school year feeling confident, supported, and reminded that their community believes in them.

None of this could have happened without the incredible people who gave their time, energy, and hearts today.

To our kitchen crew—Vanessa, Sarah, Yoey, and my mother, Christina—thank you for feeding our families and keeping everyone taken care of. Brittney, thank you for taking charge of the school supplies and managing the haircut and nail lists. You kept everything moving and stepped in wherever you were needed. Alicia, thank you for representing our EPA department and keeping the kids entertained with water games while they waited. You helped turn waiting into part of the fun. To our barbers Nate and Bobby, stylist Sammy, and nail artist Isabel; thank you for giving our kids a little extra confidence as they head into a new school year. You gave more than haircuts and manicures today. You gave them a reason to smile. Angel, thank you for keeping the popcorn popping and adding another little piece of joy to the day. Thank you Amanda and John for your contribution and kindness! Kids left so happy.

To every volunteer who showed up, stepped in, stayed late, carried something, cleaned something, helped a child, answered a question, or simply said, “What can I do?”—thank you. You are the reason today was possible. A very special thank you to CIMC for providing the back-to-school supplies and to Konocti Vista Casino for supplying the burgers and helping us feed our community. Your generosity helped make this day possible.

And to every parent and child who came out today; thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for trusting us to be a small part of your child’s day.

Today wasn’t about us.
It was about them.

It was about reminding our kids that they matter. That their dreams matter. That their questions matter. That they have people in their corner who will show up for them. To every kid who came through our doors today:

Start this school year strong. Be curious. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Try again. Be kind. Be proud of who you are. And never be afraid to ask for help. I’m here for you. Your community is here for you. And we will keep showing up. Today was an honor. Truly. My heart is full, my feet are tired, and I am already excited for whatever we do next. 💜💜

Strong roots. Bright minds. Stronger futures.

Until the next one… thank you all from the bottom of my heart. 💜

08/08/2026

Come out and celebrate the new school year with us!

We’ll have FREE haircuts 💈, school supplies , manicures & painted nails 💅, light water fun to help everyone stay cool, and FOOD! 🍔 🍉

A huge THANK YOU to CIMC for helping provide school supplies for our youth, and THANK YOU to Konocti Vista Casino for donating food and helping make this community event possible! 🙏🏽💜
Bring the kids, bring the family, and come enjoy an afternoon together as we get our youth ready for a brand-new school year! 🌟

First come, first served — while supplies last and to sign up for a haircut or to get your nails don!

Let’s send our kids back to school feeling confident, cared for, and ready to shine! ✏️🎒✨

08/01/2026

The hardest part of becoming who you were meant to be is grieving the person you had to become just to survive. Keep pushing forward.

08/01/2026

When people are rooted to who they are, they’re brilliant! Take your daily dose of confidence.

03/03/2026

02/17/2026

Didn’t get much pictures for today’s fun! But here’s to an exciting school day off!

01/05/2026

Happy New Years!!! ‼️Unfortunately we will be closed today Jan. 5, 2026 due to leaks and water being off. Sorry for this inconvenience. Please share. ‼️

12/28/2025

‼️ATTENTION‼️

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to cancel today’s shooting clinic. We’re very sorry for the last-minute notice and appreciate everyone’s understanding. A rescheduled date will be announced soon.

12/19/2025

Bring the kids and come celebrate with us for an afternoon/evening full of fun, food, and giving back.

FREE HAIRCUTS FOR YOUTH: starts at 2:30 PM and will continue until the end of the event.
Food served starting at 4PM
TOY GIVEAWAY kicks off at 4:30PM

First come, first serve and child(ren) must be present to receive a gift. come early grab a fresh cut, enjoy some good food, and let's put big smiles on little faces. Spread the word and bring a friend!