“I can confidently say that BLCI has been instrumental in my life in helping me get into my dream university, UC Berkeley, with a full ride and ensuring that I had the confidence to follow my dream – even if at times it felt scary.”
Jackie is a recent graduate of BLCI and current freshman at the University of California, Berkeley. Accepted with a full ride to study political science, Jackie’s educational path includes plans to earn a law degree and work as an immigration lawyer. Jackie applied to BLCI at the age of 11, and even at that young age, she recalls feeling nervous but aware of the impact the decision would have on her life, “I knew that an acceptance into BLCI was a guarantee that I would reach my dreams of higher education.”
When a young person sees what education can do, they work even harder and fully embrace their earned opportunities, thriving and achieving more in both their personal and academic journeys. Jackie is no exception, and she is the epitome of the potential of every single youth that walks into the door at BLCI.
Jackie held several leadership roles in the community, including President of BLCI’s Circulo de Mujeres which focusing on mentoring youth with similar goal of being the first in their family to attend and graduate college. Under Jackie’s leadership, her peers had a safe space to address important issues impacting young women while building connections and increasing confidence for the participants. Additionally, as a member of BLCI’s Leadership Council, Jackie planned and led a workshop focused on destigmatizing mental health in Latinx households in Barrio Logan.
BLCI encourages participants to volunteer and gain skills outside of the classroom. For Jackie this included serving as the President of the Interact Club at the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary and raising funds for Hogar Infantil La Gloria, an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. She also served as a volunteer at the Logan Heights Library, where she learned the importance of libraries in underserved communities and the many resources they provide. Jackie’s leadership roles also included an advocacy role at the San Diego Unified School District where she served as a student engagement intern and the Director of Diversity for the Student Advisory Board.
This hard work led to being recognized at the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day luncheon as the 2024 Outstanding Youth Volunteer. This exceptional honor tops off an impressive year where she was also named one of San Diego County’s 25 Most Remarkable Teens and presented with the 2024 Next-Gen Influencer Award at RISE San Diego’s inclusive leadership in action celebration.
Jackie’s journey to becoming a voice for her community was fueled by her access to education and her unwavering will and determination. #BeThePath for others and help more youth achieve their potential when you have your donation matched today.
Learn more about Jackie’s inspiration story when you watch her video below.
