An Evening to Inspire

Gala to Benefit Carlsbad Students
featuring N’Demand

Michele & Sam Ward, 2026 Gala Honorees

Michele Tsutagawa Ward and Sam Ward exemplify a shared commitment to service, leadership, and strengthening the Carlsbad community. Through their professional achievements and civic engagement, they have made a meaningful impact on  students, families, and public institutions, making them incredibly fitting honorees for the Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s 2026 Gala to Benefit Students.

Michele has dedicated more than two decades to public education, guided by a deep belief in the power of schools to create opportunity. After earning her teaching credential from the University of California, Davis in 1999, she began her career in the New Haven Unified School District before returning to Carlsbad Unified School District, where she spent the majority of her time in the classroom. Her commitment to instructional excellence was recognized when she was named Calavera Hills Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2012, and she also contributed to the profession as a member of the California Teacher Association Region 4 Institute for Teaching Think Tank. Building on her classroom experience, Michele went on to serve as an  instructional leader in Vista Unified School District as Assistant Principal and Co-Principal, and later as Principal in Poway Unified School District. In these roles, she led instructional initiatives that improved student achievement while fostering positive, inclusive school communities.

Elected to the Carlsbad Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2022, Michele continues her service to public education and has also volunteered as a Carlsbad Educational Foundation Board Member and Student Leadership Council Mentor. Michele also worked closely with administrators and district leaders throughout the state of California to found the California Association of Asian and Pacific Leaders in Education to support AAPI communities and their
allies.

Sam Ward brings his own longstanding commitment to service through his legal career and civic leadership. A partner at Barrack, Rodos & Bacine, Sam has more than twenty years of experience litigating complex class action securities fraud and consumer protection cases. He has also devoted significant time to public service, including serving on the Carlsbad Unified School District’s Independent Oversight Committee and holding leadership roles with Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.

Sam and Michele raised their children, Max and Maddie, in Carlsbad schools from kindergarten through graduation at Carlsbad High School and have resided in Carlsbad for 25 years. They are committed to seeing the success of students in Carlsbad and value the importance in building a strong community. Together, Michele and Sam lead with integrity, generosity, and a shared belief in giving back to the community they call home.

Carlsbad Educational Foundation is proud to honor Michele Tsutagawa Ward and Sam Ward as the 2026 Gala Honorees,
celebrating their enduring commitment to education, equity, and public service.