Together, Let’s Jumpstart Futures

Why I Support Operation Jumpstart

Every story has a beginning, and mine started at the family dinner table. I grew up surrounded by educators.   A mom who taught first grade for over 25 years, a brother who’s a high school teacher and water polo coach, and another who’s a tenured professor in the Cal State University system. In our house, teaching wasn’t just a job, it was a way of life. I watched them give everything they had to help students believe in themselves.

That left a mark on me. I saw how one teacher, one mentor, one voice of encouragement could change the direction of a young person’s life.

That’s why Operation Jumpstart is so close to my heart. As a mentor and board member, I get to carry forward what my family instilled in me, the power of showing up, listening, and guiding students when they need it most. This program isn’t just about academics. It’s about helping students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.

Here’s the truth: mentorship plants seeds. Seeds of hope, confidence, and opportunity. And when those seeds grow, they don’t just change one life, they ripple outward, shaping families, communities, and futures.

By supporting Operation Jumpstart through Long Beach Gives, you’re not just making a donation. You’re helping a young person write the next chapter of their story, with more confidence, more opportunities, and more reasons to believe in what’s possible.