Mr. Jilla is a visionary educator and social entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to making STEAM education accessible and engaging for all students.
SANTA ANA, CA, January 07, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Nithin Jilla has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Jilla is a visionary educator and social entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to making STEAM education accessible and engaging for all students. As founder and executive director of Dreams for Schools (DFS), established in 2013, he has pioneered innovative programs that bridge gaps in computer science education and technology access. Under his leadership, DFS has grown from a local initiative to a comprehensive educational organization that has impacted thousands of students across Southern California through hands-on STEAM programs, outreach and professional development. The organization impacts over 3000+ students in k-8 annually, creates employment opportunities for over 80+ college & university students, and reaches over 8000+ students through their outreach efforts annually partnering with many local schools and districts in Orange County and one out of state partner in Affton, Missouri.
Complementing his educational leadership, Mr. Jilla co-founded Excelsior Creative with a dear friend and business partner, a software and web development agency that creates innovative technology solutions for businesses and nonprofits across the United States. As chief business development officer, he guides the firm’s growth while ensuring technology solutions drive both business success and social impact.
In addition to his expertise in both education and technology, Mr. Jilla has become a trusted advisor in the philanthropic sector. Having become a certified 21/64 Philanthropic Advisor formally in 2023, he has guided numerous family foundations in developing innovative approaches to next-generation engagement and equitable grant-making practices over the last decade since his early 20s. His advisory work includes roles with the Sun Family Foundation (2019-2022), where he provided strategic counsel on family transition and grant-making strategies, the Tarsadia Foundation (2018-2019) where he assisted in managing programs and grantmaking, the Marvin Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation (2014 to 2019) and the Kay Family Foundation (2014-2017) where he assisted in directing annual charitable giving.
His social entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when, at age 13, he was co-president of Kenya Dream, a class project in high school that had the goal to renovate educational facilities and provide scholarships in Kenya to students. This early venture demonstrated his ability to mobilize communities for social change, organizing events with his fellow team with over 2,500 attendees and establishing partnerships with organizations like Rotary International and Friends of Kenya Schools and Wildlife (FKSW).
A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Mr. Jilla earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2013 in three years. During his undergraduate years, he worked with different individuals and established several innovative programs at the University like the first ever Startup Weekend UC Irvine, TEDxUCIrvine and served as Vice President of External Affairs eventually for the ICS Student Council, where he built relationships with over 50+ corporations and helped secure a gift for a new Innovation Lab.
Recent professional roles include serving as an operating partner at Chloe Capital (2023-2024), where he explored venture philanthropy, and as an advisor for the CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (2020-2022). He has also supported OC Pathways and different projects at Orange County Department of Education over the years, where he helped structure career pathway initiatives and implement makerspaces across the county.
Mr. Jilla’s community leadership extends to several board positions, including Co-Chair and founding board member of Asian American Futures, board member of OC Grantmakers, and past trustee of Harbor Day School. His expertise in education technology has made him a sought-after speaker at venues including the Clinton Global Initiative University, International CES, and Transforming EDU conference.
His achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as a Microsoft YouthSpark Challenge for Change Worldwide Winner (2015), OC Grantmakers Emerging Leader Award (2018), and the Champion of Children Award from the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center (2016). Dreams for Schools was also named Non-Profit of the Year by Forge5.
Beyond his professional work, Mr. Jilla co-authored “R is for Rice,” a children’s book celebrating Asian American food culture, demonstrating his commitment to inspiring pride in diverse American identities. An amateur chef and outdoor enthusiast, he brings creativity and passion to both his professional and personal pursuits.
Looking ahead, Mr. Jilla remains focused on expanding Dreams for Schools’ impact while strengthening Excelsior Creative’s position as a leading technology solution partner. He continues to champion innovative approaches to education, technology, and philanthropy that empower future generations and create lasting social change.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, http://www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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