About
At Propel, we are more than just an educational leadership organization - we are a beacon of change, a catalyst for growth, and a steadfast advocate for equitable education.
Our mission is simple yet profound: We care about people. We go to great lengths to meet the diverse needs of the schools and communities we serve.
Our core values of Authenticity, Empathy, Great Lengths, and Leadership guide every decision we make and every action we take.
Founded in 2019 by Colleen Mullen, Propel emerged in response to a pivotal change in legislation affecting California’s charter schools. With the support of 24 dedicated colleagues, Colleen embarked on a mission to ensure that Propel’s charter school clients could continue fulfilling their decades-old commitment to providing educational choice for all students.
Propel’s work is driven by a deep-seated dedication to addressing the rapidly evolving needs of our charter school clients. Propel collaborates closely with them to navigate challenges, leverage opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. By partnering with Propel, charter schools benefit from our expertise, experience, and economies of scale, enabling them to thrive in a complex educational landscape.
One of Propel’s greatest strengths lies in our partnerships.
We are proud to serve our exceptional charter school partners, collaborating with them and their educational service providers to deliver comprehensive, tailored solutions. Our leadership team, led by Founder and CEO Colleen Mullen and CAO Jessica Ray, drives our mission forward with passion, vision, and unwavering dedication to student success.
As a 501c4 nonprofit organization, Propel sustains its initiatives through earned funds, reinvesting every dollar into the services we provide to our clients. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact sets us apart in the educational leadership landscape, guiding us as we continue to propel schools, communities, and futures forward.
Meet Our Leadership Team
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Colleen Mullen
Chief Executive Officer
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Jessica Ray
Chief Academic Officer
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Jacob Kaaekuahiwi
Chief Strategy & Development Officer
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Lori Butler
Director of District Relations
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Abel Cabrera
Director of District Relations
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Heather Grace
Director of Educational Partnerships
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Jesse Leyva
Director of Educational Partnerships
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Kelly Bishop
Director of Enrollment & Engagement Strategy
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Brooke Bern
Director of Instructional Programs
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Nick Perez
Director of Schools
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Mike Huynh
Senior Manager of Data Compliance
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Vanessa Ruiz
Senior Manager of Student Services