2022-2023 Axis Impact Report

2022-2023

Impact Report

Table of Contents 03

04

06

08

09

10

12

13

14

16

18

22

Letter From the Founder

Axis to Equity Fund

Impact Stories

Glow Up Gala

23

Team Axis

Mission + Vision

Metrics

2023 Strategic Priorities

Supporters

24

Board of Directors

Our Programs

Events

Financials

Partner Schools

26 Advisory Board

2

Letter From the Founder Dear Friends and Supporters, As I reflect on an incredible second year of growth here at Axis, I am filled with gratitude for all of you who have generously supported and championed our work to bridge the gap between people of color and independent schools.

When I established Axis as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2020, I had a vision of building diverse independent school communities here in Los Angeles that would ensure equal access and opportunity for all students and educators.

What I did not anticipate, however, is the groundswell of support that has propelled this organization to the heights we have reached in just two short years of operation.

Over the past year alone, we have: Doubled the number of BIPOC families we are serving from admissions through graduation, from 40 families in 2022 to 86 in 2023; Grown our network of Partner Schools to 35 independent schools that are facilitating access for BIPOC students and educators; Hired a full-time Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accountability (DEIA); and Raised over $150k at our inaugural Axis Glow Up Gala.

Together, we can open the doors of educational opportunity for students of color and change lives for generations to come.

None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our phenomenal team and the generosity of our supporters. It is your commitment to a more equitable education system for our children that pushes our work forward.

As we forge ahead toward our strategic vision for 2023-2024, we invite you to join us.

Together, we can open the doors of educational opportunity to students of color and change lives for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Collette Bowers Zinn, J.D., M.Ed. Founder & Executive Director 3

Our Mission Axis' mission is to partner with Los Angeles area independent schools to create pathways for underrepresented students and families of color to access, navigate, and thrive in private education.

We accomplish this by: guiding, supporting, and representing families of color as they navigate the admissions process and for the duration of their independent school journey; helping educators of color connect with our Partner Schools and find employment at a school that aligns with their educational philosophy and professional goals; and providing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability (DEIA) consulting and accreditation for our Partner Schools.

4

and Vision We envision diverse independent school communities that ensure equal opportunity for all students and educators in Los Angeles.

Research shows that diversity enriches the learning experience for all students. Racial and socioeconomic diversity in educational settings reduces prejudice and improves students' critical thinking by allowing them to consider perspectives different from their own (The Century Foundation).

By supporting more students and educators of color to access independent school opportunities, we improve learning outcomes for all students and take strides toward diversity and equality in our society as a whole.

5

Our Programs Student Placement Axis guides, supports, and represents students and families of color throughout the independent school admissions process and for the duration of their independent school journey. We are there every step of the way to serve as advocates and partners for the families in our cohorts as they navigate their new school communities.

2

Your expertise and professionalism in the field of education were impressive and evident throughout the entire Axis process. We are confident our daughter will thrive under your guidance and leadership.

-Cohort 3 parent

STUDENT PLACEMENT ROADMAP 1 Axis Information Session 2 Axis Application/Interview 3 Kindergarten Assessment

9 Partner School Interviews 10 Financial Aid Workshops

12 Partner School Admissions Decisions

11 Advocacy

4 Axis Decision 5 Axis Orientation 6 Partner School Research 7 Collaboration Sessions 8 Axis Common Application 6

Educator Placement In addition to ensuring that student populations are representative of the diversity of Los Angeles through our Student Placement Program, we also actively support the diversification of independent school faculties. We help educators of color connect with our Partner Schools and find employment at a school that aligns with their educational philosophy and professional goals. We provide tailored support to members of our annual cohort as BIPOC employees in independent schools.

2

Our school partners with Axis because it is important to us to support organizations that are working to transform the culture of independent schools, particularly for students and families of color."

-The Episcopal School of Los Angeles

DEIA Professional Development & Accreditation Axis is developing a first-of-its-kind Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accountability (DEIA) Accreditation to support our Partner Schools in assessing and strengthening their DEIA policies and practices. We provide ongoing professional development and consulting to ensure our Partner Schools are the healthy, inclusive spaces needed to attract and sustain diversity.

Chuck Neddermeyer Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accountability

7

Axis to Equity Fund Purpose

Seed Funding Provided by

The Axis to Equity Fund is an innovative solution supporting our work of providing equitable opportunity for students and families of color in Axis Partner Schools.

When considering the cost of private school, we must also consider the supplemental costs of education—books, technology, uniforms, student activities, and more. Our Axis to Equity Fund will help cover some of these expenses for the families in our cohorts who are financially unable to meet them.

Goal The goal of the Axis to Equity Fund is to ensure that the families in our cohorts have equitable access to all of the benefits of an independent school education, and financial support for the unexpected expenses that inevitably arise along the independent school journey.

8

Letter From Metrics the Founder An impact report is a way for organizations to communicate the issues they are trying to improve, as well as their strategy on how they facilitated change.

What should you be including in your impact report? You can start with a brief review of your organization's goals. From there, it's important to take note of the following questions:

30

86

It measures the impact in Families of Color in that NFPs make Families Served in people's lives, focusing on their social or 3 Axis Cohorts Cohort 2 environmental outcomes, It isn't merely a description of the activities undertaken by the organization either, but it also provides the analysis on the results of these activities.

35

There are several reasons why organizations create impact reports, such as:

Axis Partner Schools

Being able to review your projects against your mission and goals Improving and implementing changes depending on the results of the report Building trust with funders, supporters, and beneficiaries Cultivating a culture of learning among similar organizations Celebrating the achievements of staff and volunteers

93%

Cohort 2 Acceptance Rate

Families Currently in Cohort 3

Creating a good impact report means being transparent with your audience. Back up your claims with relevant data. Keep your sentences concise when necessary, but dive into detail when it comes to qualitative and quantitative evidence. Remember: an impact report is a combination of understanding your mission, your work, and your audience, and communicating that clearly with the rest of the world.

19

Impact reports cater to a variety of audiences, so it's best to adjust it accordingly. First, identify your target reader.

Next, you can shift your focus on what they need to know. For example, your future plans are in the interest of your beneficiaries.

Some readers might prefer details like a breakdown of your funding while others, like your trustees, will be more interested in the challenges you encountered and the lessons you learned from them.

46

As a Nonprofit, what problem/s are you trying to address?

How are you addressing it? What projects or steps have you put in place?

What are the results of your actions?

How do you measure the success of your actions? How do you know if you've made a difference?

What challenges did you face? How will you improve your plans?

Based on your learnings, what steps are you likely to take in the future?

Events Held for the Axis Community

25

7

Partner Schools Applied to

Axis Student Interns

Events Axis Orientation + Partner School Fair Cohort 3 families met each other and Axis Partner Schools, and gained insight from a panel of Cohort 2 parents.

Axis Dialogue Dinners New friends of the organization gathered to break bread and discuss "Equity + Education: From Vision to Reality." Dialogue Dinners are structured to invite listening, learning, connection, and collaboration.

Axis Glow Up Gala The inaugural Axis Glow Up Gala brought 270+ guests together to honor education pioneer Reveta Bowers and raise over $150k in support of Axis' work to bridge the gap between people of color and independent schools.

Click to watch 10

Interview Exposure Event Cohort 2 families participated in mock interviews and received feedback, tips, and resources to gain exposure to the admissions interview process at our Partner Schools.

Click to watch

State of the Organization Cocktail Reception Friends of Axis donors, the Axis Board, Partner Schools, and community partners gathered to hear from a panel of Cohort 2 parents and the Axis team about the state of the organization.

Axis Information Sessions We held five Information Sessions for over 200 families of color who signed up to learn more about the Axis Student Placement Program. The Axis team answered their questions and concerns about applying to independent schools.

11

Impact Stories Click to see wha t famil are say ies ing abo ut Axis

The Sanders Family When we initially applied to independent schools for our son, we did it on our own and it took us two years. We didn't know anything about the process! We weren't accepted the first time, so we applied again a second time, and finally got him in.

When it came time for our older daughter to apply for high school, we knew we needed help. The expectations were higher, and we wanted her to really consider college and become the best person she could be.

We heard about Axis, and knew they had the expertise we needed. We really appreciated all of the information that they were so forthcoming about at the beginning of the process, letting us know what was ahead.

Even though we had gone through the admissions process with our son, Axis illuminated so much that we didn't know before. Thanks to them, our daughter will be attending one of her top choice schools in fall 2023.

Axis made it less scary and intimidating for people like us who are not traditionally served at these schools.

Throughout the whole admissions process, it just felt like family.

12

2023 Strategic Priorities I originally discovered Axis when our family was in the process of applying to independent schools, and I was moved by the mission and passion of the team. After delving more into Axis' focus on equity in education, I was honored to join the Board of Directors and be elected Axis Board Chair. This year has been filled with excitement and progress, from growing our team to six members and expanding our cohort. We have set the bar high in our third year, and we are excited to reach it. Outlined below are our three strategic priorities for 2023. I am confident that with our community's help, we will not only reach these goals but exceed them!

—Cherie Matthews, Axis Board Chair VP of Global Talent Strategy & Development, Capital Group

2023 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Axis to Equity Fund

The Axis to Equity Fund is an innovative solution to provide equitable opportunity for students and families of color at our Partner Schools. This fund will cover the supplemental costs of education, such as books, technology, and student activities, for the families in our cohorts who are financially unable to meet them. Our goal is raise $100,000 by the end of 2023.

Educator Placement Program

In 2023 we are ramping up our Educator Placement Program, recruiting and placing more educators of color in our Partner Schools. We will also be hosting a mixer event for BIPOC educators across our Partner Schools this fall.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accountability (DEIA) Accreditation

We will also be piloting our DEIA Accreditation this fall. There will be four phases to the roll out of this program, beginning with school self-assessments and moving through site visits, evaluations, and consultations. We are excited to be working with our new Associate Director for DEIA on this roll out.

13

Financials Axis is proud to report a year of strong, foundational support from our donors. As we continue to build and expand our programs, we remain committed to fiscal prudence to ensure the sustainability of our organization and maintain high-quality programming for our students and the schools we serve.

$2,188,297 Raised in 2022

Gala 10.3%

Individual Donations 4%

With the generous support of an anonymous foundation, Axis expanded significantly in 2022. This transformative grant allowed us to build a team and operational capacity. We have since developed a three-year strategic fundraising plan focused on increasing individual and major giving.

We hosted our first annual Axis Glow Up Gala in 2022 to generate awareness and community engagement, and we plan to increase individual donations and major gifts by 28% through the 2023 Axis Glow Up Gala.

Our goal in 2023 is to grow individual and major giving by 65%. Six months into 2023, we have already reached 75% of that goal. 2022 was a transformative year for Axis, and we look forward to continuing to bolster the organization's financial diversity and sustainability in 2023.

Transformative Grant 85.7%

14

$779,400

Expenses in 2022 In 2022, Axis invested significantly in building organizational capacity to create a strong foundation for sustained growth.

In our second full year of operation, we built a team of three full-time staff—including the Executive Director, Director of Operations, and Advancement Communications Coordinator— and one part-time staff, the Associate Director for Admissions and Programs.

Operational Expenses (Rent, Marketing, Partnership Development, Supplies) 24.2%

Programming 41.4%

We built the Axis brand and established key partnerships to reach new beneficiaries and expand our network of community partners and Partner Schools.

With the foundation of organizational capacity in place, Axis' goal moving forward is for programming costs to comprise the majority of expenses by year four of operation.

Admin Salaries 34.4%

15

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023 The Axis Glow Up Gala is an annual fundraiser celebrating the "glow up" of Los Angeles independent school communities through the diversification of student and educator populations, equitable access for underrepresented students and families of color, inclusive educational practices, and genuine accountability.

The 2nd Annual Axis Glow Up Gala will be a vibrant evening of art, music, food, and community celebrating the transformational impact of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability in Los Angeles independent schools. The event will feature BIPOCowned food and drink, interactive experiences, live performances, and an inspiring program.

Learn more at privateschoolaxis.org/glow-up-gala.

16

MEET THE HONOREE Bridgid Coulter Cheadle is an award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist with a long history of advocating for access to education and protection of the environment. Bridgid is celebrated for her family's philanthropic work with a focus on climate change, social justice, political decency, women's equity, and education for the historically marginalized.

Bridgid has received numerous awards for her work as a producer, designer, and trailblazer, including the National Distinguished 400 Award from the 400 Years of African American History Commission, Stewardship of Sustainable Design from the City of Santa Monica, and Woman of the Year by the County of Los Angeles District 2.

2023 GLOW UP GALA COMMITTEE KAHLANA BARFIELD BROWN Fashion and Beauty Editor

BOLAJI IDAKOJI Co-Founder,

and Expert

Picnics in the Bay

IMAN FARRIOR TV Business Affairs Executive,

MIA NOVACK CEO, Platinum Events +

Creative Artists Agency

Productions Agency

TODD HAWKINS Vice President,

RITA SILVA Director of Leadership,

The Hawkins Company

Engagement & Student Life, The Country School 17

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters Foundation & Corporate Donors

Friends of Axis The Friends of Axis donor circle includes generous individual donors who have given $1,000 or more to Axis in 2022 or 2023.

Joyce and Avi Arad

Barbara Lazaroff

Grace and Tarlin Ray

Allison and Larry Berg

Ellen Lee

Pauline and Glenn Boghosian

Randy Lee

David Regan and Edgar Cervantes

Jessica Bowman

Bryan Lourd

Fredric Rosen

Cindy and Bob Broder

Kay Madati

Robert Cobb

Anita Martin

Kathleen and Chip Rosenbloom

Georgia Eisner

Cherie Matthews

Steve and Kaayla Roth

Iman and James Farrior

Vicki and Jim Mercer

Mia Sanders

Huey Merchant

Kara Sax

Walter Mosley

James and Evis Shaffer

Doreen and Don Oleson

Andrew Smith Lewis

Lisa Field and The Field Family Foundation Kellie Hawkins Davis Lindsey and Matthew Karatz Maria Lawrence

The Olympia Collective Brian Potiker

Ben Stewart Melinda Tsapatsaris 18

2022 Glow Up Gala Sponsors Illuminate

Shine

Sparkle

Cindy and Bob Broder Samantha Vincent and Frank E. Flowers Don and Doreen Oleson Lisa Field and the Field Family Foundation Evis and James Shaffer

Glow Joyce and Avi Arad

19

Axis Supporters Jessica Aguirre

Merrily and Bob Dunlap

Sharona Alperin

Julie Edelstein

Olympia Ammon

Rebecca Edwards

LaVonne Anderson

Breck and Georgia Eisner

Anonymous (4)

Jordan Esensten

Sarah Arlon

Sharon Fagen

Cynthia Atterberry

Dana Feldstein

Toyin Augustus

Bill Gerber

Jacquelyn Ayears

Jessica Golden

Robert Barta

Loren Gomez

Herran Bekele

Johnny Gray

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Green Door Learning, LLC

Mary Beth Barry

Dahlea Haas

Rachel Blachman

Ashley Harding

Black Prep

Floy Hawkins

Roger Bridges

Todd Hawkins

Jennifer Burnham-Grubbs

Cherie Hines

Celso Cardenas

Carol Horvitz

Angela Chang

Chris Hurte

Cynthia Cheung

Ibrahim Idakoji

Rese Clifton

Vincent Jackson

Candace Cooper

Gila Jones

Erika Cooper

Helene Julius

Kalen Cornelious

Andrea L. Vande Kamp

Philip Covitz

Ross and Linda Kemper

Kara Corwin

Patricia Kong

Orpheus S. Crutchfield

Laurie and Alec Kouyoumdjian

Ashley Cunning

Ethan Kraft-Hawkins

Bonnie and Kim Curtis Lincoln

Danny Kramer

AdaPia d'Errico

Olivia Krane

Jenny Dulay

Diane Lander Simon

20

Debbie Lumpkin

Rita Smith

Jovana Lara-Brooks

Louis Sterling

Ellen Lee

Arezoo Tarkian

Sharon Lee

Katie and Matt Tarses

Susanna Lovell

Dauve Turner

Natalie and Gray Lusk

Lauren Turner

Orly Marley

Ekong Udoekwere

Dorian Maynard

Melissa Unger

Sarah McDowell

Barbara Wagner

Amber Melius

Karen and Don Walker

Brent Miller

Lisa Walker

KC Miller

Jawaan Wallace

Tammi Montier

Meena White

Maia Morgan

Luthern Williams

Priya Nambiar

Aaliyah Williams

Winifred and Ken Neisser

Ken and Madeline Wolf

Brittany Owens

Daniele Worth-Ochoa

Kevin Parker

Zoe Zeigler

Jim Patton

Grover Zinn

Catherine Phillips

Sue Zisko

Gail Porter Harriet Posner Heather Primus PS1 Pluralistic School Mateo Reyes Christopher Rice-Shepherd Aimee Richer

! u o y Thank

Javier Rivera Paula Rodgers Eve Rodsky Heidi Rojas Johnnetta Sanders Nora Sarrawi Shiva Shprits

21

Partner Schools

22

Team Axis COLLETTE BOWERS ZINN, J.D., M.Ed. Founder, Executive Director

KIKI WALKER Director of Operations

ANNIKA IHNAT Advancement Communications Coordinator

ANTHONY GASKINS Associate Director for Admissions & Programs

CHUCK NEDDERMEYER Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accountability

DALIA CAUDLE Executive Assistant to the Founder/Executive Director 23

Board of Directors KAWANNA BROWN Chief Operating Officer Magic Johnson Enterprises

83% RASHEDA CARROLL Assistant Head of School Westland School

of the Axis Board of Directors identify as people of color

NOAH FRANCIS Vice President & Banker J.P. Morgan Los Angeles Private Bank

YC (YANGCHEN) LAMA Senior Vice President of Wealth Management Morgan Stanley

MAI LASSITER Board Member Clara Lionel Foundation

CHERIE MATTHEWS - BOARD CHAIR Vice President, Talent Strategy & Development Capital Group 24

JOHN MCMICHAEL Vice President & Banker J.P. Morgan Los Angeles Private Bank

HUEY MERCHANT Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist Child and Family Guidance Center

AARON MIESZCZANSKI Consultant, Education and Social Impact Practice Spencer Stuart

ANDREW SMITH LEWIS - VICE BOARD CHAIR Founder & CEO ASL Industries

MELINDA TSAPATSARIS Head of School Westland School

SAMANTHA VINCENT President One Race Films 25

Founding Advisory Board ART BECERRA-FRAIJO Co-Founder, Managing Partner Toledo Development, LLC

CHARISSE BREMOND WEAVER President & CEO Brotherhood Crusade

KELLIE HAWKINS DAVIS Partner EKA

JERMAINE JOHNSON Manager & Producer 3Arts Entertainment

JANINE JONES Assistant Head of School for Community and Belonging Harvard-Westlake School

26

80% LAURA KONIGSBERG Head of School Turning Point School

of Advisory Board Members identify as people of color

JASON LUKOSE Professional Development Consultant Curriculum Associates

GRAY LUSK Founding Partner SoLa Impact

EMMANUEL MIDY Manager, Media & Entertainment Performance Roku

FARAH VELASQUEZ Capital Strategy Associate Mission Driven Finance

27

We thank you for your support

Bridging the gap between people of color and independent schools Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this annual report. Please report any errors or omissions to info@privateschoolaxis.org.

Private School Axis 4238 Sawtelle Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 729-9139 privateschoolaxis.org info@privateschoolaxis.org