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Building Resilient and Adaptable Minds

Impact and Actions Report - Collaboration Circle I– Education | August 5, 2025


At the Parikh Giving Alliance, our mission—accelerating changes that transform lives—guides our work in supporting nonprofits across healthcare, education, and the arts. Through our Collaboration Circles webinar series, we bring together great minds and unique perspectives to share, connect, and inspire innovation across sectors. Each year, we host one Collaboration Circle for each of our three mission pillars—creating space for shared learning and collective action.


Our most recent installment, focused on Education, took place on August 5, 2025, under the theme: Building Resilient and Adaptable Minds: Preparing Students for an Unpredictable Future.


This power-packed Zoom-at-noon session featured three of Central Florida’s most inspiring changemakers as they explored how students can be equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world. From the power of classroom resources to the importance of mentorship, to preparing college students with the soft skills they’ll need beyond graduation, our speakers highlighted what it means to build not just academic success—but emotional and intellectual resilience.


Featured Speakers:


  • Jane Thompson, President, A Gift for Teaching – spoke on how community collaboration and access to supplies empower both students and educators.

  • Dr. Sheila Amin Gutiérrez, Dean, UCF Burnett Honors College – shared how higher education institutions are fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and mentorship to shape resilient leaders.

  • Alicia Hodge, Vice President of Development, Seminole County at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida – highlighted how mentorship and long-term support play a pivotal role in helping underserved youth overcome barriers and prepare for future success.


Each speaker brought a unique perspective rooted in real-world experience and a deep passion for education. Together, we explored what it truly means to build resilient and adaptable minds, highlighting how collaboration between schools, nonprofits, and communities is more critical than ever. Preparing students for an unpredictable future requires more than academic achievement—it calls for strong partnerships that provide resources, mentorship, and a network of support to help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Our speakers shared inspiring examples of how collaboration sparks innovation and creates lasting impact, from bridging gaps in classroom supplies to building confidence and career readiness for underserved youth. The conversation resonated deeply with our audience, with the chat buzzing as attendees shared ideas, posed thoughtful questions, and connected over shared challenges. It was a powerful reminder that when nonprofits come together, their collective efforts can truly transform the future for the next generation.


Impact & Collaboration Report

Let’s keep the momentum going. Here are a few ways to stay involved:


Connect with the Speakers


Explore Resources in Education



Apply for a Grant from the Parikh Giving Alliance

We're here to support nonprofits accelerating change across healthcare, education, and the arts. Learn more about our Grant Process.



Want to Join Us?

Our Collaboration Circles are free and open to all, designed to ignite ideas and strengthen the nonprofit community in Central Florida. We host three per year—one each for Healthcare, Education, and the Arts—and each session includes dynamic speakers, moderated discussion, and post-event resources to keep the dialogue going.


Join us for an upcoming Collaboration Circle - learn more.


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