Center for Nonprofit Leadership
Helping nonprofit leaders do better at doing good

Community Spotlight: Meet Lana Clark of Conejo Schools Foundation

Lana Clark

Executive Director of Conejo Schools Foundation

Can you please share more about yourself and the mission of Conejo Schools Foundation?

My entire professional career has been in the nonprofit sector, primarily supporting higher education. As my son prepared to enter kindergarten at a CVUSD school in 2022, I was drawn to the Conejo Schools Foundation’s mission to support student success across the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Who has made a strong impact on your life and has helped you to get you where you are today?

My mom has always been a tremendous source of inspiration. She somehow balanced her work as an ICU nurse, a dedicated PTA volunteer, and a leader in our congregation, all while raising a family.

In both her professional and personal life, I watched her consistently stand up for those who were mistreated, underresourced, or marginalized. Through her advocacy, she taught me that doing what’s right isn’t always easy and that protecting others is one of the truest ways to show love. Those lessons continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.

What are some recent highlights at Conejo Schools Foundation? And what events, milestones and steps are in the near future?

Each spring, Conejo Schools Foundation produces the All District Music Festival, a signature event featuring 10 nights of band, strings, and choir performances at the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. More than 3,600 students take the stage to perform for their families and friends. This year’s choir finale will close with a specially commissioned rendition of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses – a performance that’s sure to bring down the house.

The festival brings together student musicians from every grade level, inspiring younger students to stay involved in music as they see peers from their future middle and high schools perform. It’s made possible through a unique partnership between CVUSD, the Conejo Recreation and Park District, and the City of Thousand Oaks, reflecting a shared commitment to the arts across our community.

What about Conejo Schools Foundation is special to you, what would you like our readers to know?

I’m especially proud of our work supporting underresourced students. While the Conejo Valley is often perceived as an affluent community, more than 600 students in the district have been identified as McKinney-Vento, meaning they are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Many people are surprised by this number, as these families are often hidden within our community.

To help ensure these students arrive at school with what they need, CSF helps stock and maintain the Conejo Closet, a space dedicated to providing clothing, shoes, toiletries, and school supplies year-round. Our goal is to create a more level playing field—giving students the stability and resources they need at home and at school so they can focus on learning and experience fewer disruptions.

Why did you think it was important to become a member of the CNL? What do you value most about your connection with CNL?

CNL provides incredible support to nonprofit organizations like ours. As a small team, we deeply value access to a broad network of experts, professional training, and best practices that help us navigate the complex work we do every day. That sense of connection and shared learning is invaluable.

How can the community support you? Where can they find you on social media?

We rely on local support for local schools and are primarily funded by individuals and businesses within our community. There are many ways to get involved: hosting a clothing or toiletry drive for the Conejo Closet, following and engaging with us on social media to help spread the word, or making a gift to support our work for local students, teachers, and schools.

You can also join us for the State of the Schools address on May 7th. Community members, families, and supporters are invited to join us as CVUSD Superintendent Dr. Mark McLaughlin presents on the state of our public schools, celebrates recent accomplishments, and showcases plans for the future.

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