Who We Are


The mission of the LEAF is to improve economic outcomes for all currently socio-economically disadvantaged Latinx students and other students of color

By providing support services and advocacy, through higher educational attainment and career mobility, and to accomplish such predominantly in East San José.

Vision

We believe that every low-income Latinx student is entitled to an equal opportunity to succeed in higher education and pursue the career of their choice to obtain social and economic mobility.

Strategic Plan

Our four key programs are dedicated to enhancing academic achievement, promoting parent engagement, and fostering economic advancement.

Our Board

Our Board of Trustees have backgrounds in education, business, finance, fundraising, and nonprofit management with extensive ties to the Silicon Valley nonprofit industry.

Edward Alvarez

Chair

Jose Iglesias

Vice-Chair

Dr. Violeta Barroso

Leny Alugas

Stephanie R. Bravo

John M. Sobrato

John Ottoboni

Tony Gonzalez

Michael R. Walker

Ramon Jimenez, M.D.

Monica Tijerina

André V. Chapman, MA

Heather Herrera

Lilly Pinedo Gangai

Staff

The team behind our vision for impact

Brittany Alvarez

Executive Director

Sonia Avitia

Deputy Executive Director

Emily Ramos

Director of Student Success

Libier Gonzalez

Family & Advocacy Program Director

Jacqueline Ramírez

Program Manager, Career Exploration & Discovery

Cynthia Melendez Quan

College and Career Preparation Program Manager

Ashley Rosas

Operations Manager

Arturo Muñoz

Communications & External Relations Manager

Diego Escobar

Finance & Special Projects Associate

Evelyn Vazquez Urzua

Senior Program Coordinator, College Success Program

Jorge Bañuelos

Senior Program Coordinator, College Success Program

Andres García Chaidez

Senior Community College Program Coordinator

Jennifer Muñoz

Senior Program Coordinator, Career Exploration & Discovery

Christopher Wanis

Senior Family Engagement Coordinator

Naomi Hernández

Program Intern, LEAF Center for College Success

Angela Lomeli Arriaga

Program Intern, LEAF Center for College Success