Eileen Mendez Mella started her educational career in OCPS as an elementary teacher at Wyndham Lakes Elementary for five years.  She then moved to a district instructional role with the Migrant Education Program serving students who move frequently due to their parents’ work in agriculture and need to move with the harvest.

Eileen served for almost three years teaching in-home lessons to migrant children aged birth to five.  Part of that instruction included supporting the mothers who cared so much for their children and just needed the skills to help those children academically.  Eileen consistently provided not only academic support, but was a listening ear and friend to many of the mothers as she had just become a mother herself.

On August 18, 2024, Eileen left this earth in a tragic explosion while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Her husband Luis, and son Luca survive her.  Eileen’s memory and dedication continue to live on in the progress of the students and families in the Migrant Education Program.  

The Eileen Mendez Mella Award Fund will provide an annual monetary award and a gift basket of books and learning activities to a mother in the Migrant Education Program.  This award called the Madres Inspiradoras (Inspiring Mothers) Award will go to a Migrant Education Program mother who exhibits strength, drive, and is dedicated to not only supporting her own children succeed, but also support other Migrant Education Program families in their success. 

In addition to supporting a Migrant mother, the funds will also support Migrant Education Program students to experience school just as their peers.  Anyone who knew Eileen, knew her smile could light up a room.  The funds for students will help their smiles do the same when they can pay for a uniform to participate in sports, or attend a field trip that they previously could not afford.

Contributions to the Madres Inspiradoras (Inspiring Mothers) Award can be made at any time.  The Fund can receive gifts via cash, check (payable to FOCPS) or credit card, in one payment or multiple installments throughout the school year. Please write Inspiring Mothers in the memo section.  Checks should be mailed to the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

The Fund will maintain a separate account at the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools available only to Madres Inspiradoras (Inspiring Mothers) Award; it will be tax deductible as a contribution to a 501(c)(3) organization with transparency and full disclosure.