Collaborative Communities
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About Our Team
Collaborative Communities is a small, self-less and dedicated team focused on a big vision to scale programs, streamline work, develop sustainable two-way relationships, and execute innovative solutions to address gaps. Our vision is to provide for our students by implementing meaningful strategies and working in alignment with our community of passionate citizens. The investment in our students will last a lifetime and we are better together.
Please click on staff photos to review more information about each staff member.
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Payal Pandit
Talati, MPHExecutive Director
Payal Pandit Talati
Executive Director, Collaborative Communities
BIO
Payal leads the Department of Collaborative Communities by providing strategic oversight and direction on key priorities and initiatives. She brings extensive experience in leading cross-functional teams to create, implement and manage community-based programs and initiatives for federal government, school district, non-profit and healthcare settings. Payal has a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master in Public Health from The University of Texas School of Public Health.
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Lydia Chavez-
Garcia, MBADirector
Lydia Chavez-Garcia
Director, Collaborative Communities
Mentoring, District Parent Organizations & Parent Educators
BIO
Lydia became the Director of Collaborative Communities in 2020 where she leads the parent and family engagement and mentor programs. She has been in the education sector for more than 13 years in capacities that include higher education, grant development and administration, and workforce development.
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Bobbie
Anderson, MHRDAssistant Director
Bobbie Anderson
Exemplary Partnerships, Shared Dreams, Community Impact Initiatives.
BIO
Bobbie leads the District’s Shared Dreams Program and exemplary partnerships. Through her extensive experience in working with the District for over 20 years, she has helped impact thousands of students and families. Bobbie has a Bachelor in Applied Arts and Sciences from UT Tyler and a Master in Human Resource Development from UT Tyler. She is a life-long learner who is currently completing her Doctorate in Organizational Development.
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Jodi Rider
Coordinator, Engagement & Planning
Jodi Rider
Coordinator, Engagement & Planning
BIO
Jodi supports the advancement of District activities to solicit input on topics such as attendance communities, enrollment management, and community outreach and engagement. She has served in the District for over 8 years in various roles in Central Administration. Jodi has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University – Kingsville.
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Erik
Dumantay, MSSWCoordinator
Erik Dumantay, MSSW
Coordinator
BIO
Erik supports the advancement of key strategic priorities and assists the department in the development, implementation, and evaluation of key programs, particularly the district's mentoring program and family engagement initiatives. Erik brings experience in program management within college readiness and higher education. Erik graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s in Applied Learning and Development and a master’s in Social Work.
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Reba Cook
Executive Assistant
Reba Cook
Executive Assistant
BIO
Reba provides support to the Collaborative Communities Department. In addition, she supports the VIPS, creates District-to-campus collaboration and oversees the Department's volunteer clearance process. Reba is dedicated to her job and has served in the District for over 16 years, committed to helping others.
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Nykyta Rainer
Clerk II, Shared Dreams
Nykyta Rainer
Clerk II, Shared Dreams
Nykyta Rainer has a passion for supporting students in Fort Bend ISD. Before becoming a District employee, she was a campus volunteer for 7 years and assisted with recruiting volunteers and volunteered at Shared Dreams. She continues to volunteer at all campus levels within the community through her servant leadership, focus on improving student success, and desire to provide excellent customer service.