Maria Kopicki taught in the public school system for 30 years, including 5 years beyond her retirement eligibility! She wanted to continue the legacy she created with her life and classroom motto “It's all about the LOVE.” Making the tough decision to retire as a public educator in June, 2019, Maria received her real estate license, and has chosen to spread the love by founding and pursuing EvolveK12. Her new motto, "It's not all about the money, it's all about the love.” Maria says “I will never forget being 12 years old in middle school and receiving my Christmas present from a local charity.” At that moment she had realized that her family didn't have any money. Growing up the oldest of 5 children being raised by a single mother. Funds were tight and as a result, opportunities were missed. Maria had to forgo on many school field trips and often had no choice but to wear shoes and clothes that improperly fit! However, Maria’s positive attitude never faltered because her mother had instilled in Maria a strong work ethic that focused on self reliance and independence. That strength inspired Maria to set a goal to use her talents to provide assistance to those in need so they may have the opportunities that Maria often could not! Mrs. Kopicki’s love for teaching and her constant mission to elevate her students often found Maria rummaging through her daughters’ closets to find shoes and clothes to donate to her students as their need was greater than her families! These minor gifts can change a student from reserved, shy and unwilling to engaged, highly motivated and confident. She observed this first hand! Maria's main goal in creating this non-profit is to prevent kids from struggling and missing opportunities due to circumstances that are not in their control. Education in America is in a national crisis; drastically under funded and in many instances lacking basic staple services children need to become successful! EVOLVEK12 hopes to make education equitable.