Our Clients
Client Highlights
Oakland Unified School District:
Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) oversees 87 schools and serves 36,154 students.
It’s been an honor to collaborate with OUSD’s Office of Equity and the African American Male Achievement Program (AAMA) to design and facilitate a Professional Learning Series for educators on Transformative SEL. We surveyed educators on their most pressing needs and helped them clarify shared language, practices and specific examples for when and how to implement SEL.
We interviewed young boys and men of color from Oakland public schools about their experience as students and what they want to see change. We implemented their feedback into our training series.
We also worked with students and educators on the ground floor in OUSD school sites, including Oakland Technical High School, the largest secondary school in the district.
“We’re proud to share our program in the very environment that inspired and birthed it.” - Cruz Jauregui
Oakland Military Institute College Preparatory (OMI)
Oakland Military Institute is a public charter military school founded by former Governor Jerry Brown.
Our team originally ran the Restorative Justice and violence prevention program for OMI. It was the first RJ program in a military school setting. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided structured and proactive SEL support to middle and high school students. The youth opened our eyes, shared their truths, and helped to shape Zymbolic.
“We grew in this community. We developed our craft here.” - Myles Asuelo
Attles Center for Excellence (ACE)
ACE is a nonprofit organization continuing the legacy of legendary Warriors Coach, Alvin Attles. In honor of his father, filmmaker and artist, Alvin Attles Jr. teamed up with seasoned educators Johnna Grell and Lori Perenon to serve youth all across California. ACE also provides financial support to the students they work with.
Zymbolic was fortunate to partner with ACE and provide mentorship to youth in school sites in Northern and Southern California. The panel of mentors helped to guide students through the milestones of growing up and facilitated support groups on issues such as gun violence, substance abuse, and more.
“It was an honor to work with my 8th grade teacher and her middle school teacher” - Cruz Jauregui
Client Testimonials
“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Myles and Jose of Zymbolic for 3 years. It has been a complete pleasure to have them in my classroom, interacting with my students. They provide a support system and safe space for students to express themselves through the use of emotional intelligence... I appreciate that the Zymbolic team provides a platform of deep thought, support, and collective interaction. The students lives they touch will forever be enriched. Thank you, Myles and Jose!”
Dr. Arika Spencer, BrownDual Enrollment Coordinator and Adjunct Professor, College and Career Center
“I didn’t know what to expect but was extremely impressed with the presentation in my classes. The team was engaging, honest and immediately built rapport with the students. The web of relationships presentation gave the students something to think about that they can use now and in their futures. I was impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail. I would highly recommend this program to schools and places of business.”
- Cindy Murphy, Educator for Over 10 Years
“[Zymbolic] came up with creative ideas in order to have the students open up and share their experiences through effective communication. I was very pleased with their curriculum and how [it related] to my 6th grade students. I noticed a huge difference in my students communication skills from the beginning to the end. It was really an enjoyable experience.”
- SSgt Nichole Helfrich, B Co, TAC NCO, Oakland Military Institute
“Their unique program sets the stage for individuals to grow personally and professionally via the evolution and advancement of interpersonal communication skills. Myles and José are exceptionally adept at highlighting the need for making human connections and building what they refer to as the ‘web of relationships’. Participants quickly come to the understanding that the individuals’ needs and experiences are valued. Through the implementation of restorative practices, all stakeholders learn how to navigate personal challenges.”
- Lori Perenon, Educational and Philanthropic Consultant, Attles Center for Excellence
