Where We Began.
In May 2020, the video capturing the tragic murder of George Floyd showed us that our society could no longer be complacent towards racial injustice. This was the catalyst needed for America to take a serious look at its ongoing racial inequity. Our town was no exception. Empowered by this awareness, Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) students broke their silence about racial injustices within their school system. Coronado students created an online petition calling for CUSD to address systemic racism.
5000 people signed
Nearly five thousand people signed the petition, launching a historic community initiative. Many students used social media and news outlets to speak about their experiences with racial injustice at school, on-line and off-campus.
WHERE WE BEGAN
Disturbed by the emotional suffering among so many students, Coronado parents coordinated a march and rally to support them. On June 13, 2020, CUSD students and alumni bravely spoke of their painful experiences while other students narrated what they had witnessed for years. From the power of students’ voices speaking out together, they created a pivotal moment in Coronado. There was both shock and grief to have learned of the pain many students experienced.
As students and parents met repeatedly to discuss the path forward, their commitment for change grew stronger and more focused. United by a deep belief that every student deserves to be valued, they developed a powerful conviction that their school community could and should embody greater inclusion and respect for all.
From that shared passion and determination, a movement emerged – one the students proudly named InclusioNado!
This community initiative has evolved into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds community awareness and advocates so that all students feel safe and respected within our community. We are run by volunteers.
We believe in learning together and invite you to learn with us.
We educate and advocate for an inclusive community where every student is respected, free from harassment and bullying.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
We are a group of dedicated mothers who listened as students bravely shared their painful experiences after the march. Having heard the truth, we were not able to walk away, and instead we became highly motivated to fight for change. Six years later, we continue to hear about bullying and harassment from students and families.
PRESIDENT
Tendayi Gentile, a parent to three children, two of whom are current students of the Coronado Unified School District. The CUSD student march led her here! She was called upon to lend her voice, input, and knowledge to this passionate and talented group of community members, who together continually work to seek and ensure safe spaces for all students. She continues to be energized by the community’s ever-growing voice calling for this journey of inclusion. She has also been able to lend her insight into global perspectives, with her acquired experiences living on three continents and having worked in both tech and mental health industries.
VICE PRESIDENT
Marely Ramirez is a passionate advocate for people whose voices are too often overlooked or marginalized. She believes that education has the power to change lives and create opportunities for everyone. She is dedicated to working with organizations that advance equity, inclusion, and social justice because she knows that lasting change happens when communities come together. Committed to creating spaces where every student feels seen, welcomed, and valued, Marely encourages young people to believe in themselves, build confidence, and discover their unique strengths. She is passionate about helping students realize their potential so they can pursue their dreams with hope, determination, and a strong sense of belonging. Her dedication to uplifting others reflects her belief that every person deserves to be heard, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed.
TREASURER
Linuo Yang is a certified public accountant who brings more than 25 years of experience in both public accounting and private practices. She is proud to support InclusioNado's mission through thoughtful financial stewardship and a dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Coronado.
NON-DESIGNATED MEMBER
Nina Smart has three decades of connections with Coronado families through her garden design business, working with nonprofits and the Navy. Her role with InclusioNado is to help provide strategies, resources and communication that strengthen the community value that all students deserve safety and respect every day.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
STUDENT VOICE
Chloe Berk was born and raised in Coronado and attended Coronado Unified schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. She graduated from Coronado High School in June 2022. In Summer 2014 and Fall 2017, Chloe was a family member on Semester at Sea and traveled the world. After observing the global social unrest in Summer 2020, Chloe felt Coronado should respond, so she created the CUSD Address Racism petition on change.org that received almost 5,000 signatures from the Coronado community. Chloe was additionally a writer for the Coronado Times where she chose to publish race-related articles relevant to the Coronado schools and community.
ORGANIZER
Anne Edwardson - In May 2020, Anne Edwardson met with several Black students from Coronado High School to hear their disturbing stories about enduring race-based bullying and harassment on campus. In June 2020, Anne helped students, parents, and alumni publicly share similar stories. She understood that advocacy was needed on a larger scale to ensure that this type of behavior stopped. With the help and support of dedicated parents, students, and community members, InclusioNado was founded. Her hope was that InclusioNado would continue to shape and propel the movement forward, so that Coronado schools would become places where students of any race would feel welcomed and valued.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Doreen Genmark Heath, a strategic communications specialist with 15 years of international business relations background, was born in Uganda but moved to Stockholm, Sweden where she lived for 37 years. In 2017, she moved to Coronado. After a horrific incident where she and her daughter were attacked at pickup by a CUSD staff member’s adult son and called the N-word and the march 2019, Doreen felt compelled to be a part of the change. Having grown up from an early age in predominantly white neighborhoods, she brings valuable lived experience.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Doreen, a strategic communications specialist with 15 years of international business relations background, was born in Uganda but moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where she lived for 37 years. In 2017, she moved to Coronado. After a horrific incident where she and her daughter were attacked at pickup by a CUSD staff member’s adult son and called the N-word and the march 2019, Doreen felt compelled to be a part of the change. Having grown up from an early age in predominantly white neighborhoods, she brings a valuable lived experience.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Nina has three decades of connections with Coronado families through her garden design business, working with nonprofits and the Navy. Her role with InclusioNado is to help provide strategies, resources and communication that strengthen the community value that all students deserve safety and respect every day.