People tend to support that which they help to create.
– Vince Pfaff
Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership’s (DEEP) mission is to empower communities to create the conditions for children to be lifelong learners who lead choice-filled lives. In southeastern San Diego, only 32% of students in the Lincoln Cluster are reading at grade level by third grade, compared to 53% district-wide. Children who cannot read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. DEEP San Diego creates a complete ecosystem of support that follows children from birth through third grade. Heather Laird is a valued Board Member for DEEP.
#1 Heather Laird grew up in North Orange County in the City of Placentia and moved to San Diego in 2008.
#2 Ever since I won a geode at an elementary school assembly, I have been fascinated by volcanoes.
#3 My middle school ASB teacher, Mr. Shaffer, inspired my commitment to community service and taught me so many valuable leadership lessons.
#4 New Zealand is at the top of my travel wish list. It has everything I love – dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal features, and stunning national parks.
#5 Bucket List: Visit all the national parks in the U.S. I have made it to most of the parks in the western region, but I still have plenty left to explore on the East Coast.
#6 My whole family has gotten really into escape rooms – we love the challenge, the teamwork, and the fun of solving puzzles together.
#7 A couple of years ago, we said goodbye to our beloved 18-year-old cat, Ella. Last year, we welcomed Rowdy into our lives, and he has been an incredible addition to our family.
#8 For me, giving back is both a privilege and a responsibility. I was fortunate to have that value modeled for me from a young age – by my parents, my grandmother, and mentors like Mr. Shaffer. Their quiet acts of service and deep commitment to others showed me that strong communities do not just happen; they are built by people who show up, care, and contribute.
#9 Heather Laird admired DEEP since its founding – their mission and impact have always resonated with me. My work with children in nonprofit affordable housing deepened my belief that literacy is not only a right, but a superpower – and a doorway to opportunity. I chose this cause because building capacity in others strengthens the entire community. All people, regardless of where they come from, deserve the chance to thrive, and literacy is the essential first step on that path.
#10 Our Ready to Read, Ready to Succeed: Back to School campaign is taking place online all summer to raise funds to support our programming in the fall 2025 session.
Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP)
“Ready to Read, Ready to Succeed”
Online campaign
