Community Engagement
GETA’s evidence-based approach provides:
Wellness-focused engagement that prioritizes student mental health, cultural identity, and academic success.
Parent partnership strategies that formalize family voice in decision-making and strengthen school-community collaboration.
Scalable models that begin with pilot programs and expand across districts and counties to ensure lasting impact.
Youth empowerment initiatives that support student-led organizations and leadership councils, amplifying representation and agency.
Our work demonstrates that when empathy guides design, families engage more deeply, students thrive, and organizations build stronger, more equitable communities. We invite schools, nonprofits, and civic partners to join us in creating spaces where equity and belonging are not just goals but lived realities.
" Thank you for all you do for our OUHSD community! "
Dr. Linda McKenzie of the Global Empathy Training Academy demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering student well-being and academic success, particularly for Black and African American students. Her program provided a holistic approach to wellness and inclusion, centering healing from generational trauma, self-awareness, and meaningful purpose and career exploration. Through engaging speakers and interactive workshops, she equipped students with practical tools to navigate challenges, strengthen their mental and emotional well-being, and envision their future with confidence. Each session incorporated culturally responsive strategies, real-world connections, and student-centered dialogue to ensure students felt seen, supported, and empowered, and students consistently reported feeling more confident, grounded, and hopeful after participating. Dr. McKenzie’s leadership, expertise, and deep commitment to equity and belonging elevated our efforts, and her partnership added immense value to our school community by fostering meaningful connections and supporting students in discovering their identity, wellness, and purpose in life.
Michele Ortiguerra
Director of Wellness & Inclusion
Oxnard Union High School District
