Atherton, CA
Kindness Ambassadors
Grant Amount
$15,500
Year Awarded
2025-2026
Project Coordinator
Daniella Martinez Lefer
Grant Type
Team
Local Association
Los Lomitas Education Association
Focus Area
Social Emotional Learning
About the Project
The Kindness Ambassadors Program empowers students, particularly those not traditionally seen as leaders, to develop confidence, empathy, and leadership through student-led activities, school-wide initiatives, and structured mentorship. By organizing lunchtime enrichment sessions that promote kindness and provide a safe, inclusive space, Ambassadors help foster meaningful connections between peers and staff, contributing to a more compassionate school culture. A mentorship model between 4th and 5th graders and middle school Leadership Students supports leadership growth at all levels, preparing younger students for future roles while offering older students meaningful opportunities to lead.
Meet the Project Coordinator
Daniella Martinez Lefer
Daniella Lefer and Jennifer Montalvo are passionate leaders and advocates, serving as Support Teacher and Counselor for 4th and 5th grades. As Co-Presidents of LLEA, they’ve led bold initiatives in partnership with CTA, championing equity, student well-being, and educator voice. Recognizing the deep social-emotional challenges students faced post-pandemic, they co-founded the Kindness Ambassadors club to create a culture of inclusion, empathy, and student leadership for children of all abilities.
See more brilliant projects from California teachers.
See All IFT Grantees-
Chico, CA
10 Ways to Help Our Planet This Summer!
-
Hayward, CA
3D Design and Innovation Lab
-
Anaheim, CA
3D Design Lab
-
Turlock, CA
3D Printing
-
Indio, CA
“4 Schools Running 4 Life”
-
Chula Vista, CA
A Greener Future
-
Anaheim, CA
A New Way to Grow Food
-
Carmichael, CA
Access to Independence
-
San Diego, CA
Addressing Environmental Impact & Social Inequities Through Public Art
-
San Diego, CA
Aerial Guardians: Engaging Students in Watershed Conservation Through Drone Technology
-
Los Angeles, CA
Affirming and Inclusive Schools for LGBTQ+ Students
-
San Diego, CA
ALBA Film Festival
-
Tustin, CA
Algebra to Action: Solving Real-World Problems with Sustainable Solutions
-
Corona, CA
All Cooped Up
-
Auberry, CA
Amplify the Arts
-
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim High School Link Crew
-
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim Kids for Kindness
-
San Francisco, CA
Aptos Chess Club
-
Escondido, CA
Aquaponics “School”
-
San Jose, CA
Art From The Heart









