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OUR STORY

We're a group of friends who met in elementary and middle school at the Albert Einstein Academies in San Diego, California. The original team was Brayden, Camila, Kiara, and Lauren (2021-2022) with Kelly joining in 2022.  Later, Kelly (22-23) introduced Lilia (23-24), who in turn introduced Lana and Minori.  Second grader, Josephine, joined last school year to launch  PILT's partnership with elementary schools, followed by Nicolo, Aya, Xavier (23-24), Vivienne (23-24), Mila (23-24), Gloria (23-24), from Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle. When they were promoted to high school, a new AEACMS team was formed — a strong team led by Arturo, in turn supported by Eden and Emeli. At San Diego High, members Esli, Margaret, Olivia, Calla, Linah, Shekoda, and Mara, all part of Community Outreach Club, joined.​

Former CEO Brayden founded PILT at the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic to assist  those who were facing food and housing insecurity.  He was a PATH San Diego volunteer at the time and noticed an urgent need (especially) for hygiene products that PATH was struggling to meet.  He had an idea to get like-minded students involved in the fight against food and housing insecurity, and after a meeting with his supervisor, Ms. Sigrid Struben, Associate Director of Philanthropy and Community Affairs, PILT was launched on August 20, 2021, with the motto "Community - Collaboration - Compassion."  ​After becoming a California unincorporated nonprofit association in February 2023, Brayden expanded PILT's reach to include unsheltered and foster teens and youth by partnering with organizations such as StandUp for Kids San Diego, YMCA's Housing Our Youth collaborative and TAY Support Services.

Since the transition to Minori as CEO, PILT has been ever-growing!​ With many members moving to different high schools, we have had the wonderful opportunity to have more partner schools where PILT freshmen can engage their peers. The start of Community Outreach Club at San Diego High School has also invited many members into PILT, a club that works together with our organization to help those experiencing homelessness. At Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle, Arturo, has started a new team, and is finding new members that can continue PILT at their school.

The strength of PILT lies in its diversity. Team  members belong to different faiths, cultural backgrounds, and have different strengths and talents. Their advisor is from Holland, one of their members was born in Japan. Taken together, PILT speaks English, Spanish, German, Dutch, and Japanese fluently, and is learning French. As diverse as they are, PILT is firmly bound by the common thread of service to the community.​

With Ms. Struben's unwavering support and guidance and Hayley's limitless encouragement, PILT works tirelessly to make life a little better for those around them.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Community - Collaboration - Compassion

SCHOOL TEAM LEADS

Members

ADVISORY

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