Staff

Executive Director Dara Cerwonka started with Operation Jump Start in September 2004. After graduating from Providence College, she received her Master's degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York. Since then, she has worked for numerous organizations designing and implementing health and human service programs for the community. Among her experience, Dara served as Executive Director of an organization serving women and families on Long Island.

Case-Manager Martina Steiner joined Operation Jump Start in December 2008. She is responsible for identifying the incoming students and recruiting the mentors for the program. She also manages the progress and performance of Operation Jump Start students and the student-mentor teams. Partnering with the Program Coordinator, she coordinates the events calendar which includes the educational workshops, cultural activities, community service events and social activities each semester for the student-mentor teams. Martina grew up in Long Beach, attending Marshal Middle School and Millikan High School. She graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005 from the Community Studies department.

Program Coordinator Noreen Cruz joined Operation Jump Start in June 2007. Noreen is primarily responsible for the development of new programs, planning the events calendar, recruiting the tutors for the Learning and Resource Center and the distribution of the newsletter. She also plans and coordinates all fundraising events in cooperation with the Development Coordinator. In addition, she works closely with the Executive Director to establish collaboratives with other youth-oriented organizations. Noreen earned her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach.

Development Coordinator Jhofelle Estrada joined Operation Jump Start in May 2008. Jhofelle is responsible for acquiring resources to support program operations. Partnering with the Program Coordinator, she plans and coordinates all fundraising events which include the annual Scholar’s Day Celebration, Fashion Show event and the prominent Holiday Gallery of Trees. Furthermore, she works with the Executive Director to maintain and establish donor relationships. Jhofelle received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Program Assistant Mayra Alvarez joined Operation Jump Start in April 2007. Mayra is responsible for assisting with the case-management functions of the organization and providing Spanish-language translation as needed. She also works closely with the Program Coordinator on new initiatives. Mayra earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology from California State University, Los Angeles. She is currently attending California State University, Long Beach to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work. Mayra is also a graduate of the OJS College-Access Mentoring Program!