Meet Gabriel Ibarra (he/him), a senior at Jordan High School. We recently connected to learn about his experiences at Jordan, his passion for math, and how supportive teachers have helped him achieve at the highest levels. Since elementary school, Gabriel has stood out for his curiosity in math. That dedication was evident last year when...
Meet Janet Mejia (she/her), 7th- and 8th-grade science and 6th-8th-grade computer science teacher at Markham Middle School. We connected with her to discuss her computer science elective course and her recent Snap Inc. Institute for Technology & Education (SITE) award. When science teacher Janet Mejia realized that no teachers from Watts were represented at a...
Meet Samantha de Santiago (she/her), a 7th-grader at Carver Middle School. We recently connected to learn about her experiences at Carver and how her curiosity, drive, and the support she received helped her achieve outstanding results in English. From the start of middle school, Samantha was excited to continue growing as a learner. Her love...
Meet Bruno Patricio (he/him), a 6th-grader at Sunrise Elementary School. We connected to talk about his experience at Sunrise and how the educators and students around him have helped him feel seen and supported. Read more below. Bruno has attended Sunrise for most of his time in elementary school, starting in TK. In second grade,...
Meet Pilar Diaz Bombino (she/her), who graduated from Jordan High School in 2021 and most recently from the University of California, Los Angeles. We connected with her to learn how the Watkins Fellowship helped her through her college journey, especially during motherhood. When Pilar Diaz Bombino received the call that she had been awarded the...
Meet Danielle Torrez (she/her), History and AP Psychology teacher at Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA), co-located at Roosevelt High School. We connected with her about the new school year, what she’s looking forward to, and how she builds belonging in her classroom. From an early age, Ms. Torrez knew she wanted to teach....
Meet Dr. Fe Chavez (she/her), a dedicated educator in science, special education, and college and career readiness at Santee Education Complex—and a 2025 LAUSD Teacher of the Year. We recently connected to reflect on her 30-year journey in education and the deep commitment it takes to earn such an honor. Dr. Chavez discovered her passion...
Meet Doreen Fonseca (she/her), a former Jordan High student and current student at the University of California, Davis. We connected to talk about her college journey and the impact the Watkins Fellowship has had on her life. Read more below. Doreen Fonseca still remembers the moment she learned she had received the Watkins Fellowship. Just...
Meet Michelle Staine, current instructional math coach at 49th Street Elementary, soon-to-be third-grade teacher in 2025-26. She brings 23 years of experience, dedication, leadership, and heart to her work. We connected to discuss her journey to become a National Board Certified educator. Inspired by her sister, partner, and daughter, Michelle completed the rigorous National Board...
Meet Nathan Cabrera (he/him), an 11th grader at the Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA) at Roosevelt and a member of Partnership’s Policy Advisory Board. We connected to talk about his journey as a changemaker and his participation in our Advocacy Days. Read more below. Nathan’s advocacy journey began in ninth grade when InnerCity...
Meet Norma Tateosian (she/her, left) ELA Intervention Coordinator, and Dharini Dharmadasa (she/her, right), Math Intervention Coordinator, at Sunrise Elementary. We connected to speak about their work helping students build skills, close learning gaps, and get the support they need to thrive. For Tateosian, a 26-year educator at Sunrise, education wasn’t the original plan. “I originally...
Meet Aleta Williams (she/her), the proud principal of 107th Street Elementary School & STEAM Magnet. We connected to discuss how the support from the Partnership has helped her build strong systems and foster a thriving school culture at 107th. Read more below. Williams has worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 25 years,...
