Meet the Team: Randi Shanken

Background and Inspiration

Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Randi Shanken pursued a career in healthcare, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland. She later obtained a Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist Certification at the Arizona Heart Institute. Her career in nursing spanned the course of six years before transitioning into marketing for medical device companies which specialized in cardiac devices.

Philanthropy became an integral part of her life after she and her husband moved to Vermont for his job. Seeking a way to contribute to Randi’s new community, she volunteered with United Way. Later, after relocating back to California, Randi became involved with the American Cancer Society, particularly working on the La Jolla Relay for Life planning committee and chairing the events for three years.These experiences deepened her passion for service, eventually leading her to A Bridge for Kids.

Path to A Bridge for Kids

In 2012, a friend of Randi’s introduced her to Mike and Tammy Nance, who were in the process of forming A Bridge for Kids. Randi’s friend believed that given Randi’s background and interest, she would fit right in at A Bridge Kids. From the beginning, Randi connected with our vision and mission of empowering high-achieving, low-income students, and she eagerly began volunteering to support our efforts.

Supporting Students at ABFK
Throughout Randi’s time with A Bridge for Kids, she has taken on multiple roles to support us and our mission. She has conducted interviews with students applying for sponsorships, served on the DreamMakers Gala committee, and contributed to the development of several programs - the SAT/ACT Preparatory Program in particular. Additionally, she serves as a Board Member and Director of Programs, overseeing the SAT/ACT Prep Program and Tutoring Program. These initiatives play a crucial role in leveling the playing field for students who do not have the financial resources for college preparatory courses.

Beyond Randi’s organizational roles, she and her husband have personally sponsored and mentored approximately ten students since 2013. Supporting these students through their educational journeys has been incredibly rewarding for Randi, and witnessing their growth and success reaffirms the importance of our work at A Bridge for Kids.

Experiences at ABFK

One of the most impactful aspects of Randi’s work is guiding students through the college application process. Through the SAT/ACT Prep and Tutoring Programs, she has helped students improve their college entrance exam scores and boost their GPAs. These achievements enable them to confidently apply to and gain acceptance into their dream schools.

Many of our students face challenges that their peers from more affluent families do not. Their classmates often have access to private tutoring and college prep courses, which provide a significant advantage in the college admissions process. Our programs at A Bridge for Kids ensure that our students can compete on equal footing, providing them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. 

Call to Action

As Randi reflects upon her journey in philanthropy, she firmly believes that giving back is essential to making the world a better place. There are countless organizations working toward meaningful causes, and she encourages others to find a mission that speaks to them on a personal level. When you are passionate about a cause, your contributions, whether through time, resources, or mentorship, have a profound impact on both yourself and those you help. 

For those looking to make a difference, we recommend starting by identifying an organization that aligns with your values and interests. Philanthropy is not just about financial donations, it’s about sharing your skills, experiences, and time to help others. A Bridge for Kids provides the opportunity to do just that.