Welcoming New LEAF Members
Amidst the growth we have achieved this year, we are thrilled to introduce you to our newest members of the team. Our team has expanded across all departments and levels, forming a strong and capable unit dedicated to promoting equity within education. We invite you to learn more about each individual and what drives them to bring about positive change.
Mayra Lopez is one of the newest additions to our team! A proud SJSU Spartan and Child and Adolescent Development major, Mayra is passionate about promoting equity through her work at Breakthrough Silicon Valley and Latino Education Advancement Foundation. In the short month since joining us, Mayra has already significantly impacted LEAF's Centro Educativo para Padres.
Christopher Wanis is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and holds a B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Political Science from Santa Clara University. He most recently taught ESL at El Instituto Tecnológico de Tláhuac in Mexico. Wanis is an educator, researcher, and community advocate dedicated to using his professional skills to support students and families facing challenges similar to those he experienced in accessing higher education institutions. He brings his experience as an educator to LEAF, having worked in East San Jose and as a professor at El Instituto Tecnológico de Tláhuac in Mexico City. As someone who understands the struggles of navigating university as a low-income child of immigrants, he hopes to support students and families who face similar difficulties.
Jennifer Muñoz recently graduated from UC Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with minors in Education and Chicano Studies. She is a first-generation, low-income Latina born and raised in East San Jose. Jennifer knows firsthand the importance of access to educational opportunities and resources in navigating higher education. Her work experience has been heavily focused on supporting underserved students as they navigate the complexities of our K-12 education system and higher education through mentorship efforts. In 2021, Jennifer was a mentor through LEAF and saw the impact of the organization's intentional resources and meaningful connections on a scholar's transition to higher education. Jennifer is excited to return to her community and serve LEAF students and families as they prepare to become college and career-ready.
Arturo Muñoz has seven years of experience in advocacy and communications, empowering communities and bringing about social change. Despite facing several challenges, including gang violence and work in agriculture during his adolescence, Arturo turned to poetry for solace. He is a published poet and holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from California State University, Monterey Bay. Arturo is also the host of Varrio Voices, a nationally recognized podcast featuring impactful stories from the Latino community and guides listeners on how they can make a difference. At LEAF, Arturo promotes educational equity and equal access to higher education for Latinos in San Jose through narrative-driven marketing campaigns.
Stay updated on our remarkable progress and mission-driven work, and discover ways to get involved and support our efforts towards promoting equity within education. Your unwavering support is truly appreciated, and we are grateful that you continue to join us on this journey towards a brighter future.
