Our Team

Maria joined Operation Jump Start in March 2019. She began her outreach work with youth right after graduating Poly High in 2003. A transfer student from Long Beach City College, Maria graduated from the University of California, San Diego where she majored in Sociology with a concentration in Social Inequalities. Maria is a strong mental health advocate, so she promotes wellness and healing amongst marginalized communities and strives to break the stigma of therapy. She admires the work of Angela Davis, bell hooks, and Gloria Anzaldua. As the Volunteer Coordinator, Maria is responsible for the recruitment and retention of all volunteers and leading community outreach efforts. She also provides support in managing OJS scholars’ ongoing academic progress as it relates to their attendance to the Learning Resource Center.

When Maria is not in the Learning Resource Center she spends her time with her three children; Jayla (5), Jayce (3), and Julio (2). She loves learning about mental wellness, interior design and anything in the Arts.

Connect with Maria: maria.r@operationjumpstart.org

Sandra started her tenure as a BSW intern in 2016. An internship that was supposed to last a period of 10 weeks ended up turning into a summer internship and eventually becoming an official position at OJS. She received her BA in Social Work and minor in Sociology at California State University, Long Beach. Sandra provides support for our Programs Team. She coordinates effective student events and workshops.

Connect with Sandra: sandra@opertionjumpstart.org

Rebecca joined Operation Jumpstart in February 2020. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a double major in Communication Theory and Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies and a minor in Education. As the first in her family to attend college, she is passionate about providing all students with access to higher education and about the imperative need to support them throughout their journey.

In her free time, she loves to craft, work on ceramic projects, cook, and spend time with her cat, Luna.

Connect with Rebecca: rebecca@operationjumpstart.org

Emily joined the OJS team in February 2020 as a Youth Leadership Intern. As an OJS Alumna, Emily first started in OJS as a 9th grader in 2010 and is excited to return to the organization that gave her so many memorable experiences. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies at Cal State Long Beach. Emily serves as the staff liaison for the Youth Leadership Ambassadors, aiming to create an inclusive and positive learning environment that gives OJS students the opportunity to grow as leaders.

When not at OJS, you can find Emily enjoying an outdoor run, hiking near the mountains, and camping.

Connect with Emily: emily@opertionjumpstart.org

Mayra is an OJS alumna, class of 2004. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Los Angeles and went on to receive her Master’s of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach. She attributes her desire to become a social worker to the influence and support that OJS provided her with during a pivotal moment in her life. Since 2010 she has worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health providing individual, family and group therapy to children and adolescents. She became a licensed clinical social worker in 2014. She is excited to be a part of OJS again as the new MSW Intern Supervisor.

Whenever possible, Mayra loves to travel the world with her husband and two young boys.

Connect with Mayra: mayra@operationjumpstart.org