Breakthrough SJC welcomes our newest AmeriCorps VISTAs, Linda Lazaro and Emma Lee.

Linda will be serving as our Volunteer Coordinator, coordinating the high school tutoring and college mentoring programs. Linda was raised throughout LA County as the eldest of four sisters who are currently in elementary school. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelors in Education Sciences. Linda plays tennis and runs recreationally, and she enjoys coloring when she needs to de-stress. This year, her personal goal is to improve her calligraphy skills and find more beautiful mountain and ocean views.

While working with Breakthrough SJC, Linda is hoping to gain experience and pursue her career goal to be an Algebra or Calculus teacher. As a first generation student herself, Linda is passionate about fostering and supporting communities of those who will follow similar paths.

We are also welcoming Emma Lee, who will be serving as our newest Community Coordinator alongside Mari Morales. Emma will be working to strengthen Breakthrough SJC’s relationship with the community and partner with its sponsors.

Emma grew up in a small town in Maine before coming to California for college, where she earned a Bachelors in English Literature and Ethnic Studies from Azusa Pacific University. Throughout college, Emma worked as a writing coach in the university’s writing center. She is passionate about instilling confidence in writers so that they can realize their potential as students. Eventually, Emma hopes to work in student programs and teach at a college or university.

After serving as a teaching fellow at Breakthrough Austin (2016) and Breakthrough Cambridge (2017), Emma decided to deepen her experience with the Breakthrough community here in SJC.

We are so excited to have Linda and Emma join us this year!