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Understanding Public Finance
Who did you meet with today?
Today we met with Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward work at HJ Sims, a private, family-owned company founded in 1935. HJ Sims works with schools and non-profit organizations. It finds investors for a school’s campus, negotiates a deal between both parties, raises funds for the project, and, in the end, the school has its new school building.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
We learned that there are many different approaches to becoming an investment banker today. The greatest highlight was understanding that a school is like a business; it has to be run like a business for everyone in the school to be happy and for all students to have equal opportunities.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
I learned the importance of investment bankers in school projects or any other business. Bankers help the schools tell their stories to find the best investors and help schools focus on the long-term goals they have set.
What did you find the most interesting about the field in the field after today?
The most intriguing thing I found out about investment bankers is that the process of becoming an investment banker now is such a great difference than what it was about 20 years ago. Now more licenses are required to be able to be able to do certain things whereas before those licenses were not needed.
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PCSD Expands to Colorado: Offering Facilities Solutions to the Charter School Sector in Partnership with Colorado Schools Fund
Pacific Charter School Development (PCSD) is excited to announce our expansion into Colorado, marking a new chapter in our mission to create affordable, high-quality facilities for charter schools across the country. This launch is supported by generous funding from the Colorado Schools Fund and other local philanthropic partners, all critical in helping us bring comprehensive facilities solutions to the region.
In addition, we’re thrilled to announce that we have welcomed Joy Griffin, Executive Director, Colorado. As the regional leader, Joy will steer this growth, working with Colorado charter schools to develop site solutions, align project affordability, and support the entire development process. This role will also involve key collaborations with Colorado Schools Fund, strengthening statewide access to high-quality educational facilities and further embedding PCSD’s presence as a “one-stop shop” for charter school facility solutions.
Our collaboration with Colorado Schools Fund will create a unique impact on the charter sector in Colorado, as we leverage our shared resources to provide strategic advising, technical assistance, full development services, and access to capital to early-stage operators and expanding schools. Our goal is to simplify the facilities process, allowing school leaders to focus fully on student success.
As we engage with school leaders across the state, we are eager to share updates soon and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these collaborations on students and communities across the state. Together with our new Executive Director and key partners, we’re committed to reshaping educational spaces and empowering more students to thrive. Stay tuned!
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The Bridge Between Law and Real Estate
Who did you meet with today?
Today we had the opportunity to meet with Mera Baker Ramos and Sarah Kollman
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Mera Baker Ramos works for Pacific Charter School Development, a nonprofit organization that helps charter schools to secure affordable, high-quality facilities to address educational inequality.
Sarah Kollman works at Young Minney & Corr, LLP, which is a law firm that specializes in education law, along with lending their services to educational facilities, and nonprofit organizations.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
I learned that the practice of law is a little more strict than many other career paths but that the skills you put in are almost the same; the difference is that you need a test and that only some states in the U.S. allow for someone to take the Bar exam without attending law school. A highlight that I learned from this is that just like every other career path you should try to make connections with people in the same career path you desire, speak to counselors who can help you lean on resources that will direct you toward your chosen career path and lastly to listen and read more about your career path so you don’t start with a blind eye and you can be more knowledgeable about this desired career path
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
I was given the opportunity to learn how practicing law falls into real estate due to the fact lawyers are involved in real estate transactions such as buying and selling property which means they also review and draft contracts.
What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?
Some things I found most interesting about this field are how even though practicing law and real estate can be stressful and strict, you can manage it be ensuring you take breaks, and break up projects into smaller tasks. Another thing I found interesting is how this plays a role in the real world. This field of work can impact the lives of others by using the expertise you learn in the field of law to help others achieve their desired outcome from their situation.
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Mission-Driven Leadership: How Ivan Zapata’s Military Background Fuels His Work at TCSD
About Military Service
1. Can you share a bit about your military background?
I served five years in the U.S. Marines as a sergeant (E-5) and was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Joining the military was motivated by a few things—the GI Bill for college, the chance to stay on the right track, and the challenge of seeing how I’d measure up against the best.
2. What were some of the key lessons you took away from your time in the military?
First, I learned that, despite all our differences, we’re all human. We miss family, want to go home, and are willing to go to great lengths for the people we love. I also gained a sense of urgency—moving with speed and intensity—and the mantra of “adapt and overcome” became essential.
3. Do you have a particular moment or experience from your service that really stands out for you?
One thing that stands out is the ability to spot a group of Marines in a crowd, even “out in town.” Despite their very different backgrounds, you’d always see a group of people with this intense bond, which felt like family.
Transitioning to Civilian Life and Real Estate Development
4. What was the transition like from the military to the field of real estate development?
In both fields, if you want to accomplish the mission, it helps if you’re cross-trained and capable of doing any part of the job. That flexibility really transfers over to real estate development.
5. How did your military experience shape your approach to problem-solving and teamwork at TCSD?
Adapt and overcome—this mentality keeps me resourceful and solutions-focused, which is key when leading projects at TCSD.
6. What motivated you to join the team at TCSD, and how does the mission here resonate with you?
What drew me in was the mission to create opportunities for kids in under-resourced neighborhoods. TCSD’s work levels the playing field for those kids, and I’m always willing to jump in for underdogs—especially when it comes to kids.
Applying Military Skills to TCSD Projects
7. Are there specific skills from your military training that you feel have been especially helpful in your role as a Project Director?
Leadership training is big, along with cross-training—having the skills to do everyone’s job if needed. I also carry the “fix it on the march” mindset, where you make adjustments as you go and keep moving forward.
8. How has your perspective as a veteran influenced the way you approach projects that serve under-resourced communities?
It’s about doing the right thing and making sure it’s done right. I believe in fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves and leaving things better than we found them.
9. What does “mission focus” mean to you in the context of TCSD’s work, especially as you work to develop schools in underserved areas?
It’s about balancing out the inequalities in education. When kids have access to better schools, it leads to better outcomes for them, their families, and ultimately strengthens the whole community.
Advice and Insights
10. What advice would you give other veterans considering a career in nonprofit work or real estate development?
Learn to be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to bring your unique skills to the table. The mission-focused approach will resonate, especially in nonprofit work.
11. How can organizations better support veterans in their transition to civilian roles, especially in fields like real estate development?
Provide training on industry specifics but also focus on mentorship and team-building. Veterans bring valuable skills, and with a little guidance, they can be real assets.
12. Lastly, on this Veteran’s Day, what message would you like to share with fellow veterans or those currently serving?
Thank you for stepping up to defend and protect our Constitution. And enjoy those well-deserved freebies and free meals!
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November Highlights: LA Lender Tour | BayTech Site Visit | TPCSA Connections
The post November Highlights: LA Lender Tour | BayTech Site Visit | TPCSA Connections appeared first on Pacific Charter School Development.
