
Our Vision
Founded by Carla Mestas, M.A., in 2016. CIRCLE was formed from roots deeply embedded in the community and a collective hope for anti-racist, multicultural education programming.
CIRCLE offers programs and partnerships in which youth and adults develop knowledge and skills to honor ancestral wisdom, foster inclusive relationships, and spark collective action. Through this work, we create spaces where individuals are encouraged to show up in their wholeness, knowing that true transformation begins when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Our Mission
Connecting inclusive communities leading education is built upon four core elements which guide all aspects of our work from how we treat each other, to the ways we approach organizational development, to the continuous co-creation with community.
Our Values
We believe in the power of coming together, supporting one another, and creating a sense of belonging that transcends boundaries. Our values revolve around fostering a strong and resilient community that thrives on compassion, collaboration, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
We believe that connectivity is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of geographic location, socioeconomic status, or background. We strive to create a connected community where individuals can freely communicate, access information, and participate in the digital and physical world.
We understand that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it head-on. It is about taking bold and decisive action, even in the face of adversity, to create positive change. We encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zones, challenge the status quo, and embrace their inner strength to overcome obstacles.
We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive education for all, regardless of background or circumstances. We believe that education should be a fundamental right, and we work tirelessly to remove barriers to learning and create equitable opportunities for everyone.
Our organization works tirelessly to promote equity in various areas, including education, healthcare, employment, and social justice. We strive to create inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated and all voices are heard and valued. We actively seek to address the root causes of inequality and work towards sustainable solutions that ensure fairness and justice for all.
We actively support and empower marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by systemic injustices. We strive to amplify their voices, provide resources, and advocate for their rights, ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities and a fair chance to succeed.
Inclusiveness, to us, means creating a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms. We believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and included, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, or socio-economic background.
Leadership, to us, is not just about holding positions of authority or making decisions; it is about fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation. We strive to cultivate leaders at all levels, empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles, contribute their unique strengths, and make a meaningful difference.
Responsiveness, to us, means actively listening to the voices of those we serve and valuing their input. We recognize that the best solutions come from understanding the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities. We prioritize open and transparent communication, creating channels for feedback and dialogue to ensure that we are responsive to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those we aim to support.
CIRCLE Organization Annual Reports
The CIRCLE Organization is an equal opportunity employer. The CIRCLE Organization’s policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment and provides equal employment opportunity regarding race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, height, weight, or military status and any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, vendors and provision of services.