CalSAC is proud to highlight Stephanie Dietrich and Donnie Kirchmeier from CalSAC's 2018 Leadership Development Institute 360°/365 fellowship. Stephanie and Donnie are leaders who have demonstrated unrivaled commitment to the field and drive for advanced leadership in the out-of-school time and early learning field.
Stephanie Dietrich, Girls Inc. of Alameda County - Oakland
Stephanie Dietrich was born and raised in Oakland, California. Coming from a first-generation immigrant family, she experienced the needs of the community and the impact that community organizations have in improving families and individuals’ lives. Growing up she was involved in different youth groups that supported her growth, including organizations like Teens On Target, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center and Huaxtec. Stephanie attended Chabot College and received her degree in Humanities.
After graduating, Stephanie was determined to give back to the community that helped lead her success. Being a first-generation college student, she knew having a positive impact on young women in Oakland was one of her goals and so she joined Girls Inc. of Alameda County in August of 2014.
During her time at Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Stephanie has piloted several programs in East Oakland Middle Schools. As a part of the Girls Inc. community, Stephanie has shown her commitment and dedication to Oakland youth, and was soon promoted to Middle School Coordinator and Interim- Middle School Manager. This August of 2018, Stephanie began the school year spearheading the first Middle School lead site that Girls Inc. of Alameda County holds.
Stephanie’s passion to continue moving her community forward is something that she holds very highly. Seeing youth in her communities having small and big victories every day is what keeps her going.
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”
Donnie Kirchmeier, Poway Unified School District - San Diego
Donald (Donnie) Kirchmeier was born and raised in San Diego California. He has been working for the Poway Unified School District (PUSD) in the Extended Students Services (ESS) program for the last 17 years. He started out as a program aide and then after about 4 years moved into a leadership role as a LEAD assistant. Donnie then quickly became an ESS Supervisor in 2006. He has worked at many different size schools in different demographics within the PUSD schools. His most recent challenge was taking the ESS program into the realm of Middle School aged students, with the opening of the districts 39th school Design39 Campus and TK-8th School. Not only is this a school that services Tk-8th grade students, it also has a different learning model that incorporates project based learning, growth mindset, and design thinking along with many other aspects to, “Change the way we do school.”
Donnie had intentions of becoming a middle school math teacher, but found his passion working with students in the before and afterschool programs. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies with a Minor in Child-development. He has started classes for his Masters Degree in Public Administration. Donnie is currently working in the same school district that he attended since kindergarten, and that three generations of his family has also worked for, spanning over the last 50 years.
Donnie found the love of his life while working at one of his elementary schools, and is now married with three beautiful children that take up most of his time. When he can find time away from his family he enjoys playing golf and softball.
“The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength not a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of will.”