By Ted Hoskinson, Founder and President, Roots and Wings
At Roots and Wings, the work we do is deeply collaborative.
It happens in classrooms, in after-school programs, in conversations with families, and in partnership with educators and school leaders across Palm Beach County. But behind all of that, there is another layer of support that is just as important—strong, thoughtful leadership at the board level.
That’s why we’re especially pleased to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors.
Each brings a different perspective, but they share a common commitment to expanding opportunity for students and strengthening the communities we serve.
Dr. Rachael Capitano joins us with more than two decades of experience in public education and currently serves as a Regional Superintendent for the Palm Beach County School District, overseeing dozens of schools and thousands of students. Her background as a teacher, principal, and instructional leader gives her a clear understanding of what students and educators need to succeed.
Clara Acero brings a strong track record in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, having raised more than $30 million in support of community initiatives. Her work has focused on expanding access to resources and building partnerships that create lasting impact—an approach that closely aligns with our mission.
John Peters adds a long history of service and community involvement, from his time in the U.S. Army to decades of leadership in the local business community. His connection to Roots and Wings has grown over time through direct engagement with our programs and the students we serve.
What makes this group especially meaningful is how their experience complements the work already happening on the ground.
As we prepare to begin our second decade at Roots and Wings, we rely on great educators—teachers and principals—to bring our programs to life every day. Our board plays a different, but equally important role. They help guide our growth, strengthen our strategy, and ensure we are positioned to reach more students and support more schools over time.
As we continue to expand Project UpLift and our Above and Beyond Awards, that kind of leadership becomes increasingly important.
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re also focused on what comes next. With the addition of these three leaders, we are better equipped to deepen our impact and continue building something that lasts.
And ultimately, that’s what this work is about—creating the conditions for students to succeed, supported by a network of people who are committed to making that possible.


