Executive Board Member

RJ Mabanta is a nationally recognized educational leader, creative strategist, and systems builder with over 20 years of experience designing transformative learning environments rooted in creativity, justice, and community. He holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre, a Master of Arts in Education Administration (MAEd), and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and Culture, Communication & Representation. RJ has led multiple K–12 and high school programs across California, driving dramatic gains in student engagement and college-and-career readiness. One of his arts integration models was recognized by President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities for its impact.

​

With certifications in Agile project leadership and Design Thinking, RJ operates at the intersection of academic excellence, artistic expression, and organizational innovation. His work integrates equity-centered leadership, story-driven practice, and community-rooted design, positioning him as a trusted coach and consultant to schools, nonprofits, and creative collectives. He leads educational strategy and storytelling initiatives through rjmabanta.com and searchlight.studio—platforms committed to building a world-class, culturally grounded ecosystem of excellence, belonging, and creative opportunity for youth

 

On affiliations:

 

RJ is on the advisory boards of several educational equity organizations and he is a proud member of Actors' Equity (AEA), the Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD), the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), Administrators Association of San Diego (AASD), and the California Association of Asian & Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE).