To Our Breakthrough SJC Community:
We are thrilled to announce Jessica Deller-Hubbard as Breakthrough SJC’s new Executive Director! Jessica brings a wealth of experience that will launch Breakthrough SJC into the future. Most recently, she served as Founder & Principal Consultant for Havana & Sage, a boutique consulting firm specializing in nonprofit and small business growth strategy, fundraising development, and strategic realignment. Previously, Jessica has served as Chief Executive Officer at Casa Youth Shelter; as Chief Program Officer for Girls Inc. of Orange County; and as a middle school language arts teacher for a Title I school in Lakeland, Florida. All that to say, Jessica’s journey uniquely equips her to take Breakthrough SJC to new heights, while always centering students, families, and our beautiful community.
As many of you know, Breakthrough’s summer program launched this week. We welcomed 24 teaching fellows and a summer leadership team who are collectively preparing for the start of the student summer program on June 30. I was especially moved when I saw Jessica come to the front of the classroom on the first day of Orientation Week-on her third day in this role, mind you and share her story in a manner that inspired all of us in the room. I watched with joy as the room fell still, then smiles emerged and heads nodded along as Jessica talked about her own path and her ‘why’ for leading Breakthrough SJC. Suffice it to say: I’m a believer!
Jessica has this message to share with all of you:
I am here today because someone believed in the power of educational equity. I am here today because someone believed that I was more than my circumstances. I am here today because someone believed in making space for me in a room that wasn’t built for me.
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Someone opened a door. And I believe more strongly than anything, that it is my duty to make sure I hold the door open behind me.
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Breakthrough’s mission is not just familiar to me, it’s personal.
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I’ve lived it. I’ve taught it. I’ve fought for it. And I’ve built my career around ensuring that young people, especially those who are most often overlooked, are given not just a seat at the table, but the power to build their own. My journey as a Cuban-American girl living in poverty in Miami, to a first- gen college grad with a full academic scholarship, to a middle school English teacher in a Title I classroom, to earning my Master’s degree in Education Administration, to earning my law degree in 2014, to nonprofit leadership here in Southern California has always been rooted in the belief: education has the most potent ability to make change for the better.
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As I step into this role, my commitment is to build on the strong foundation this community has laid and lead Breakthrough SJC with heart, hustle, and vision. We will grow thoughtfully. Sustain boldly. And expand the reach of this work so that more students, more families, and more communities can benefit from what Breakthrough makes possible.
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I’m honored to be here.
I’m ready to get to work.
And I can’t wait to build the future together.–
With gratitude,
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Jessica Deller-Hubbard, M.S., J.D.
Executive Director, Breakthrough SJC
Breakthrough SJC continues to support over 250 students from middle school through college graduation as we live out our promise to serve as a community-based program that empowers motivated students with backgrounds underrepresented in higher education to achieve academic success from middle school through college graduation. You can reach Jessica at jessica.deller-hubbard@smes.org. if you have questions regarding the transition or St. Margaret’s support, you can connect with Victor Cota at victor.cota@smes.org.
Join us in welcoming Jessica!
Victor Cota
Director of Equity & Inclusion
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
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