Highlights from 2025 Planting The Seed Luncheon: Planting Seeds for a Brighter Future
Executive Director, Brittany Alvarez thanks the Board of Trustees for their steadfast leadership and deep commitment to LEAF’s mission of advancing educational equity for first-generation Latinx students.
On May 2nd, over 250 guests gathered at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for LEAF’s second annual Planting the Seed Luncheon—a powerful celebration of first-generation college students, resilient families, and the communities that make educational equity possible.
From the moment doors opened, there was an unmistakable energy in the air. Guests mingled with LEAF Scholars, enjoyed live music, and reflected on the collective impact we’ve built together.
Voices That Moved Us
We were honored to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers who shared their truth with courage and clarity:
Dr. Francisco Jiménez, this year’s Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award recipient, moved the room with his powerful reflection on a journey that began in the fields and led to national recognition as a professor and author. His presence was a tribute to perseverance, family sacrifice, and the power of believing in first-generation students and their stories.
Mayra Suárez Castillejos, a current LEAF Scholar at Santa Clara University, reminded us that success doesn’t come from following someone else’s dream—but from owning your story. From her roots at the flea market to the halls of higher education, Mayra’s journey was a testament to perseverance, family support, and the transformative role of community.
María Castillejos, a LEAF parent and advocate, spoke from the heart about walking alongside her children through the education system and discovering her own voice through LEAF’s advocacy workshops. Her words honored every parent working behind the scenes to help their children soar.
Damian Trujillo, Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime NBC Bay Area news anchor, served as our MC with deep care and conviction. As a proud product of migrant farmworking parents and a first-generation college graduate himself, Damian’s presence grounded the event in authenticity, pride, and lived experience.
Moments Of Honor
Board Chair, Ed Alvarez and Diego Escobar, son of Jorge Escobar, present Dr. Francisco Jiménez with the 2025 Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award—honoring a legacy of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to educational equity.
The afternoon also included two beautiful recognition moments:
LEAF was presented with a Congressional Commendation from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren’s Office, and Dr. Jiménez received official commendations from Congresswoman Lofgren and Mayor Matt Mahan, acknowledging his enduring contributions to educational equity.
The Need Is Urgent—But So Is The Hope
Executive Director Brittany Alvarez shared a sobering fact: This year alone, over 1,000 students applied to LEAF—yet only 250 could be accepted. With your help, we can change that.
Thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors, we are one step closer to saying yes to more students.
With Deep Gratitude
To every volunteer who gave their time, every sponsor who believed in this mission, every scholar and family member who bravely shared their story—thank you. You made this day what it was: honest, moving, and full of purpose.
We’re especially grateful to our lead sponsors:
🌱 Harvest of Education: San Francisco Bay University, Carl & Mary Ann Berg
☀️ Educational Sunlight: Santa Clara University, SCU School of Education & Counseling Psychology, and John Ottoboni (in memory of Nancy Ottoboni)
Let’s Keep Planting
At LEAF, we believe that every student carries a seed of potential. When given support, mentorship, and community, that seed grows into something powerful.
Thank you for walking beside us—and for planting seeds that will bloom for generations to come.
🌱 Give today and help us say YES to more students:
