As Spark SF Public Schools celebrates its 10th anniversary, we invite San Franciscans from all walks of life to share their reflections on the profound impact of public schools and the personal experiences that have shaped their journeys.

Our May newsletter features Milana Targan, Global Head of People Analytics at TransUnion & Spark Board Member

We recently sat down with Milana Targan, Spark Board Member and Head of People Analytics at TransUnion. Milana Targan isn’t just the newest face on the Spark Board—she’s a proud SFUSD alum, married to a fellow SFUSD graduate, and now a parent to students at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA). Her story spans across generations, beginning when her family immigrated to the City when Milana was in elementary school. She grew up and settled in the Richmond District of SF, where she and her family still reside. 

Milana’s educational journey in SFUSD began at Presidio Middle School and Lowell High School – two experiences that helped shape her curiosity, confidence, and career. She shared how formative this time was and how important this period of life is for our City’s children, especially when it comes to inspiring educators, rigorous coursework, and the lessons we learn both inside and outside the classroom.

Who was a teacher/educator at your preK-12 school who made a lasting impact?

"I liked life sciences like biology, physio. Obviously psychology was a big one for me. Physics was a surprise. Mr. Shapiro made me love it. Mr. Shapiro was at Lowell for decades - he made me love it so much and became his TA the following year. And it’s because of him. Because he was so engaging as an instructor. I think all the students loved him because he was genuine, and he cared about us. And you could tell."

How can the greater San Francisco community come together to support our schools?

"Enroll your kids in the San Francisco School District. This is probably the easiest thing you can do. Just join, become part of the community. Learn about organizations like Spark. I think that’s a really easy kind of no-brainer way that you can directly support all the schools. 

Attend concerts, attend plays–the students are just really, really talented. The best thing we can do is figure out how to hone in, get inspired, and support that even more. Even if you're not a parent of a student at the school district, there's nothing that should stop you from attending any of these events."

What's the most important thing a public school education can provide?

"Preparation for the future in the real life, sense of community and soft social skills. They may seem like they're all different things, but they actually are completely interrelated. No matter what you do, you're going to be in a community, and if you want to get the best out of it and create something that's meaningful, you're going to have to use those skills all the same time."

What's one thing you want today's public school students to know?

"Push yourself beyond what you're comfortable with. Those extracurriculars like sports, clubs... They build everything from leadership skills to creativity. It's not all about academics. And I wish I would have learned that earlier... I wish someone told me this when I was younger."

[And from her son:] "Be confident. Just because you go to a public school doesn't mean you're getting a worse education."

For Milana, the promise of public education is not theoretical. It’s lived. It’s generational. And it’s something she is determined to protect and elevate for every child in San Francisco! We’re lucky to have her here at Spark SF Public Schools.