Preparing students for lives full of choices.

Michele brings more than 30 years of experience in successfully designing and implementing fundraising, public relations, and program development initiatives for nonprofit, for-profit, and public institutions. From January 2019 to December 2023, she served as the President and CEO of Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP). Under Michele’s leadership, LAEP supported families through the COVID pandemic and the transition back to in-person learning while maintaining organizational stability. Michele also led work to deepen the organization’s commitment to alleviating the impact of racial disparities in education. Prior to joining LAEP, Michele worked as a consultant for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Los Angeles County and Michele is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Black Leadership Institute national fellowship.

Michele’s approach to empowering students is reflected in her leadership advancing equity in education. “Leadership matters, especially when it comes to the noble, difficult work of serving young people,” Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Michele Broadnax’s leadership at LAEP exemplifies her commitment to equity, students, staff and families. I look forward to partnering with her as she leads LA’s BEST to provide safe and enriching afterschool programs to students across Los Angeles Unified.”

Having served the greater Los Angeles area for decades, Michele’s loyalty to improving the lives of Angelenos will continue as she advances LA’s BEST. Mayor Karen Bass recognizes Michele’s dedication as she writes, “I’m looking forward to working with Michele in this new capacity. Throughout her career, Michele has substantially advanced access to equitable education and is dedicated to community development throughout Los Angeles. Through working with Michele in the past, I know her impact on children and families — and I know it will only continue to grow through her leadership of LA’s BEST, a longstanding partner of the City of Los Angeles.”

The key to Dee Ann’s position is to have an understanding of processes and putting systems in place that enable the Operations Office to be the most productive in improving logistics for all those systems. Dee Ann has been with LAUSD for over three decades working on school campuses; supervisory roles; administrative leadership; advocating legislation; and currently program infrastructure. Her contributions to LA’s BEST began in 1994, a few years after obtaining her degree. This 23-year journey with LA’s BEST started as a site coordinator, eventually events coordinator and current director. During this time she has obtained countless relationships, collaboration partners, program insights, support networks, resources and experience that she uses daily for the benefit of our children.

“My core motivation is social justice. I feel this program has evolved with the times, is making new leaders and advocates in creating opportunities for children regardless of ZIP code.”