Dina is the youngest of six children, born to Mexican immigrants, who demonstrated the will to succeed despite economic hardships and discrimination. As a teen, Dina learned the value of education as she witnessed three of her older brothers “drop out” of school, and enter the juvenile justice system.

It was during this time that Dina became politically conscious, and began to fight for educational equity at her high school and throughout the Bay Area. With support from her family, Dina was the first girl in her family to graduate from San Francisco State University with a degree in La Raza Studies and a minor in Social Science. At a very young age, Dina began developing and teaching La Raza Studies to youth in the community, and later at a small Charter School in San Jose, California, where she became Dean of Discipline. Dina has dedicated the past 13 years serving youth and the community, and dreams to one day open a small school in her parent's hometown in Mexico.

Faby Corona was born in Morelia, Mexico. She moved to California at the age of nine and returned to Mexico to attend high school and later La Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo where she graduated in 2005 with a degree in Accounting.

She also continued her studies in English teaching at El Instituto Tecnologico de Morelia and after graduating, Faby joined her school as an ESL teacher. This gave her the opportunity to work with children and to teach. Now at EPA Academy, Faby is pleased to have joined CNG and to contribute in the education of the children in this community and helping them reach a better future.

Lupe works with CNG scholars in 1st grade. She is currently a full time student at De Anza College, minoring in Early Childhood Education. Lupe has been a long resident of Menlo Park and attended Belle Haven School.

Lupe enjoys playing sports like basketball and swimming as well as skating and doing new and exciting things. Mentoring for CNG is a great opportunity to help the community. Lupe enjoys that she learns from her students as well.

Braulio Gonzalez joined the BGCP family in the fall of 2008. He grew up in East Palo Alto where he attended Edison McNair Academy. After graduating from Menlo Atherton High School in 2007, he attended California State University, Chico. After a semester at Chico State he returned to his hometown because he believes his time could be better spend making a positive contribution to his community.

Braulio is very passionate about working with youth in East Palo Alto. While still in high school, Braulio was part of local non-profits like YUCA (Youth United for Community Action) and College Track. He believes that “ Service is the rent we pay for living .” At an early age, he learned that it is critical for one to give back to his community when presented a chance. This is why he strives to teach youth the importance of community service.

Currently 19 years old, Emily is a sophomore at San Francisco State University and is also taking classes at Cañada Community College to fulfill a major in health science or in medical assisting. Her parents immigrated from El Salvador with dreams of being contributing members of the land of freedom and equality, and developing a better life for their family. Having parents that didn't have the full education to help her with her school work, Emily was forced to seek help and became involved in after school programs throughout her childhood. Being part of the Boys & Girls Club makes her feel that she is making a difference to the needs of the community and giving the children resources to a better education.

Jordan was born in San Francisco California and was raised in San Mateo. He graduated from Aragon High School in 2008 and is currently enrolled at cañada Community College.

Veronica Elizabeth Sester has been working at the CNG afterschool program for nearly a year. She was born in Paris and raised in Germany by her German father and Peruvian mother.

In 2008, Veronica graduated from Notre Dame High School in Belmont, California and is majoring in International Relations. Veronica enjoys working with children and is passionate about involving herself in the community.

Yesenia Figueroa was born in Palo Alto, California and raised in Redwood City. She began working with students in 5th grade as a peer educator all the way to 8th grade. She attended Sequoia Union High School and continued working as a peer educator for two more years. Most of her experience has been working in afterschool programs and with teenagers.

Veronica is currently attending Foothill College with a plan to transfer to San Francisco State University to become a Dentist.

Alice Pencavel is a Bay Area native. Alice's background and area of experience is theater. She served as a guest playwriting teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School.

Justine has just graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois this past December in Elementary education. She was born and raised in the bay area where she graduated from San Mateo High School in 2005. Justine has a desire to help the youth in the community realize their potential and achieve their dreams. She believes it is important to equip students with tools needed to excel in school and life at a young age. This is what has led her to work with the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula. She has only been with the East Palo Alto Academy mentor team for a month, but looks forward to making an impact in the local community.