Manuel Rionda
Key Biscayne,FL
Summary
Florida conservation leader and founder of FILLABAG with eight years of experience building community-led marine debris initiatives, environmental education programs, and partnerships. Deep connection to Biscayne Bay and experience engaging schools, businesses, local government, and nonprofit partners in shoreline stewardship. Former classroom teacher and experienced partnership executive with a record of expanding programs, communicating with diverse audiences, and navigating complex public-sector organizations. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Overview
1
1
Language
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Teaching
Motivating Minds
01.2026 - Current
- Co-teach outdoor nature and environmental lessons for K–12 learners, bridging classroom concepts with coastal field experiences.
- Adapt learning materials and activities for diverse learning needs, including students requiring simplified text and visual guidance.
- Organized field trips and guest speakers, connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Founder
FILLABAG
02.2018 - Current
- Founded and lead a grassroots environmental initiative inviting individuals to turn walks into cleanups using reusable buckets at community stations.
- Expanded the initiative to 80+ cleanup stations, partnering with local organizations to promote single-use plastic and marine debris awareness.
- Organized shoreline and mangrove cleanups; coordinated 30 cleanups, 891 volunteers, and over 350 teen service hours in 2025.
- Developed strategic partnerships with Miami-Dade Parks, Friends of Cape Florida, Key Biscayne Community Foundation, PADL, municipalities, businesses, and schools.
- Created youth leadership and educational programming, including Classroom in the Sand workshops, school cleanups, and FAB Campers initiatives.
- Engaged residents and volunteers in protecting Biscayne Bay and coastal habitats through hands-on service, reflection, and community outreach.
Regional Partnership Manager
Learning.com
11.2020 - 07.2026
- Directed district partnership development across the Southeast (primary market: Florida), managing a portfolio representing $850,000 in annual recurring revenue in 2025.
- Built key relationships with superintendents, cabinet members, curriculum leaders, and technology teams; represented Learning.com at FADSS for three years.
- Managed the full partnership lifecycle from outreach to procurement, implementation, renewal, and expansion in collaboration with customer success teams.
Partner Development Manager
Ellevation Education
02.2018 - 06.2020
- Generated $2.5 million in new district partnerships supporting multilingual learners and educators across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
- Aligned stakeholders across large public-school systems through procurement, contracting, and adoption.
Account Executive
Turnitin
02.2014 - 10.2017
- Expanded school district partnerships for writing instruction and academic integrity; recognized as top national sales professional (2014–2017).
- Navigated complex stakeholder relationships and partnered with customer success teams to drive sustained engagement.
Education Partnership Manager
Adaptive Curriculum
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Developed school and district partnerships for digital STEM curricula, delivering executive presentations and guiding procurement cycles.
Director of Educational Partnerships
Wireless Generation
02.2011 - 01.2012
- Built strategic partnerships with district and academic leaders, generating a $2 million pipeline for a startup education offering.
Territory Manager & Director of Latin American Markets
Rosetta Stone
03.2002 - 01.2011
- Expanded education partnerships across the US and Latin America; recruited, trained, and managed 15 in-country sales channels in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Honored as the first education sales representative to exceed $1 million in annual sales for three consecutive years; Circle of Excellence awardee (2007–2009).
Curriculum Specialist
COMPASS Learning
07.1998 - 12.2001
- Supported e-learning curriculum solutions for education accounts.
K–8 Classroom Teacher
Boston, San Francisco, and Miami
10.1990 - 06.1998
- Taught elementary and middle school students, establishing a strong foundation in instructional delivery, communication, and community engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Boston College
Bilingual Teaching Credential - undefined
University of San Francisco
Skills
- Program Leadership: Marine debris reduction, program development, strategic planning
- Community & Outreach: Community partnerships, volunteer engagement, stakeholder outreach, public speaking
- Education & Youth: Environmental education, youth leadership, bilingual instruction (English & Spanish)
- Inclusive education
- Collaborative planning
- Critical thinking
- Positive role model and mentor
Accomplishments
- Honors & Speaking: Miami Foundation Public Space Challenge Winner (2018)
- TEDx Key Biscayne Speaker (2022)
- Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal (2026)
- Volunteer Service: Active volunteer with Pelican Harbor Seabird Station and the Miami-Dade Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Team Teaching
Motivating Minds
01.2026 - Current
Regional Partnership Manager
Learning.com
11.2020 - 07.2026
Founder
FILLABAG
02.2018 - Current
Partner Development Manager
Ellevation Education
02.2018 - 06.2020
Account Executive
Turnitin
02.2014 - 10.2017
Education Partnership Manager
Adaptive Curriculum
01.2012 - 01.2014
Director of Educational Partnerships
Wireless Generation
02.2011 - 01.2012
Territory Manager & Director of Latin American Markets
Rosetta Stone
03.2002 - 01.2011
Curriculum Specialist
COMPASS Learning
07.1998 - 12.2001
K–8 Classroom Teacher
10.1990 - 06.1998
Bilingual Teaching Credential - undefined
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Boston College
Capabilities
CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS