Meet the JMZ’s Newest Community Engagement Specialist

August 19, 2026



Dear Friends,

Empowering every child to see themself as a capable scientist is at the heart of our work at the Friends, and this issue of our newsletter offers a powerful example of that mission in action.

This month, I am delighted to introduce you to Jada Medina, the JMZ's newest Community Engagement Specialist and a true embodiment of what it means to give back to the community that shaped you. As a student in East Palo Alto, Jada was a participant in the JMZ’s Science Outreach Program, which the Friends has funded in under-resourced schools in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park since 1999. In her role today, Jada assists in creating meaningful hands-on science experiences for families in communities like the one she grew up in. Jada's story is a reminder of why this work matters: When we invest in children's curiosity today, we never quite know where it will lead. We are so grateful to have her as a partner in our shared mission.

I invite you to read Jada's story and consider how your support of the Friends makes moments like hers possible for the next generation of scientists, educators, and community builders.

Separately, I’m excited to share that the Friends is hiring a Development Associate, a full-time role responsible for supporting fundraising and donor relations activities. If you know someone who might be a great fit, please share the opportunity with them.

Warmly,

Lauren Angelo 

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

After participating in the JMZ’s Science Outreach Program as a student in East Palo Alto, Jada Medina’s curiosity in health, science, and education was sparked. In a full circle moment, Jada joined the JMZ in March 2026 as a Community Engagement Specialist where she has been focused on welcoming children and families from historically underserved communities to the JMZ and its educational programs. “Growing up in East Palo Alto has shaped so much of who I am and has taught me the importance of resilience, community, and giving back,” Jada shares. “Being able to now create those same meaningful experiences for students and families in the community that raised me feels especially rewarding.”

Meet Jada Medina, the JMZ's Community Engagement Specialist.

This summer, Jada has already begun strengthening relationships with families, educators, and community organizations. Working closely with the Friends, Jada helped ensure that 42 summer camp scholarship recipients and four students receiving fee coverage for Science Camp Assistant roles had the support they needed for successful and memorable science camp experiences. This included a phone call to every family, ensuring they felt welcomed, informed, and set up for success before the first day of camp. For families who may not have had the opportunity to send their children to summer camp before, having a personal connection and a trusted contact in Jada made a world of difference. 

JMZ Educators brought All Five families face-to-face with the JMZ's amazing ambassador animals. 

Jada is also representing the JMZ at community events, sharing accessibility programs such as discounted tickets and memberships for income-eligible families. In July, she attended All Five’s Open House along with JMZ educators and animals! This event helped All Five’s preschool families become familiar with the JMZ and the programs available to make attendance accessible. Jada said, “One of the highlights of my role has been building relationships with schools and families and connecting them to science opportunities, and I’m most proud of seeing students become curious and excited about science.”

Jada’s work at the JMZ embodies the Friends’ mission to expand access to nature and science education through community engagement, and we look forward to closely collaborating with Jada in our shared goals. “I hope to continue working closely with the Friends to create more opportunities, strengthen community connections, and make sure more families know what the JMZ has to offer,” Jada notes. “Every child deserves access to opportunities that inspire curiosity and help them see what’s possible, and I’m grateful to play a part in making those opportunities more accessible to the community.”