I wanted to take a moment to reach out in support of our querida Teila, who recently lost her husband. The first time my daughter met her, she instantly called her “Tía”—and that’s exactly who Teila is to us: Ohana. Family.

Teila embodies what LBCC stands for. She is community. She is the heartbeat of our campus. She turns ideas into experiences for our students, lifts others up with her energy and presence, and brings warmth to every space she enters. Whether she’s helping with events, serving on a committee, or connecting students to opportunities, Teila shows up—fully, generously, and with love.

In this difficult time, we recognize that grief is sacred and personal. We want to honor Teila’s space to mourn while also creating a way for those who feel moved to help. This GoFundMe is a gesture of love—a way for us to wrap Teila in the same care and kidness she’s given so freely to others.

If you’ve ever been touched by Teila’s kindness, her vibrant spirit, or her unwavering dedication to our students and colleagues, we invite you to contribute. Every donation, every message, every share is a reminder that she is part of our LBCC home.

Let’s come together as her LBCC family. Let’s be her village.