MIKE ANDERSON, BOARD PRESIDENT
Mike Anderson has an extensive background in music as an accomplished vocalist, musician, songwriter, music promoter, manager, studio musician, A & R consultant, and public relations. In 2003, he took these extensive and combined talents and launched a unique nonprofit enterprise called RYTMO (Reaching Youth through Music Opportunities). As President and Executive Director, Anderson has vigorously expanded his program’s reach in multiple cities, established many effective partnerships, and involved more than 3,500 at promise youth as a result of his dedicated efforts. He was also the Board President of the Orange County Symphony and oversaw a music education and instrument program in partnership with the Anaheim Elementary School District. Mike was a founding board member of GOALS Academy and has helped us through the transition to Vibrant Minds Charter School.
Contact Information: manderson@vibrantminds.us
Contact Information: manderson@vibrantminds.us
FAREED FARUKHI, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
As a CPA, Fareed Farukhi has an extensive background in finance and accounting. He also has great compassion for and a voluntary record in the areas of education and cultural development. Fareed is widely respected in the community and is a strong advocate for cross-cultural awareness and understanding. He was recently appointed to a county-wide post as a member of the Orange County Human Relations Commission. He has also been active in the Orange County and Los Angeles communities serving in various capacities with organizations dealing with homelessness, immigration, cultural diversity, and acceptance. He was the past Chairperson of the Board of the New Horizon School System and the past Chairperson of the Board of the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove. He is also the Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Universal Heritage and Research Center (UHRC), a start-up, non-profit whose mission is to foster cross-cultural engagement, education, research, and understanding for people of all backgrounds. Fareed was a founding board member of GOALS Academy and has helped us through the transition to Vibrant Minds Charter School.
Contact Information: ffarukhi@vibrantminds.us
Contact Information: ffarukhi@vibrantminds.us
ROBERT NELSON, SECRETARY
Robert Nelson is a 25-year resident of Anaheim. He has been married to his wife, Amy, for 23 years. He has a daughter that attends CSULB. Robert has been an aircraft mechanic for American Airlines for years. Robert also had a small business for 17 years in holiday lighting. Robert has served Anaheim on multiple committees. He is a member of the School Bond Measure “H” oversight committee. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Board, and he has been a member of the Public Utilities Board for the City of Anaheim. Robert is very active in Anaheim City Council meetings and last year ran for the District 3 representative for the Anaheim City Council.
Contact Information: rnelson@vibrantminds.us
Contact Information: rnelson@vibrantminds.us
MARIA HERNANDEZ FIGUEROA
Maria Hernandez Figueroa is a founding parent of VMCS and is mother to one of our 5th graders. She was elected by the parents as their representative. She attended James Guinn Elementary, Sycamore Jr. High School, and Anaheim High School. She obtained a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton. Maria is a volunteer for the California Youth Connection for the Pomona and Orange Chapters, a member of the Soroptomist International Chapter of Puente Hills, a member of Anaheim First, and remains very active in her community. She currently works at Mt. San Antonio College as the EOPS/CARE Program Coordinator in which she has the privilege of supporting historically underrepresented populations complete their educational goals. She has lived in Anaheim for over 30 years and loves her community very much.
Contact Information: mhernandezfigueroa@vibrantminds.us
Contact Information: mhernandezfigueroa@vibrantminds.us
SHARON RHEE
Sharon Rhee is a proud mother of two boys. They are currently in second and eighth grade. She has served as an educator for over 20 years. She has 16 years of teaching experience in 5th-8th grades in both public and private schools. She is a founding teacher for TEACH Academy of Technologies, which is part of the TEACH Public Charter Schools located in South Los Angeles. She has served as a BTSA Coordinator, High School Counselor, and 9th Grade Coordinator. As the Assistant Principal, she led her school to receive their WASC accreditation and renewal. Sharon was also selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year. Currently, Sharon is the Principal of TEACH preparatory. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and earned two Masters' Degrees in Counseling and Administration.
Contact Information: srhee@vibrantsminds.us
Contact Information: srhee@vibrantsminds.us
