Live Music from Sabrocito | Inspiring LEAF Scholars | Cuisine from Mezcal
Thursday, April 30, 2026
11 a.m. Networking and Refreshments
12 p.m. Luncheon and Program
Mexican Heritage Plaza
1700 Alum Rock Ave, San José, CA 95116
Attend the Luncheon
Join community and business leaders for an inspiring luncheon celebrating LEAF’s work to advance educational equity for students and families.
Sponsor the Luncheon
Sponsoring is a powerful way to support first-generation college students while gaining meaningful visibility among LEAF’s partners and supporters.
Support Our Mission
Join 250+ business and community leaders for an inspiring celebration of LEAF’s work to empower Latinx students, students of color, and their families as they pursue their educational dreams.
All proceeds directly support LEAF’s programs—helping us expand opportunity and invest in the success of even more local students.
Meet Our 2026 Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award Honoree
Patricia Reguerin, Executive Director at Escuela Popular
Born in Bolivia and raised in the U.S. from age five, Patricia Reguerin's journey as an immigrant student ignited a lifelong commitment to educational equity. She began her career as a childcare provider at Escuela Popular in San José in 1986 and never looked back, teaching bilingual classrooms, earning a Master's in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from Columbia University, and ultimately leading the school she fell in love with decades ago.
Under her leadership, Escuela Popular has become a cornerstone of the East San José community, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade across three academies. Her dedication to developing leaders, centering community, and leading with love embodies everything Jorge Escobar stood for.
Patricia Reguerin exemplifies the values of the Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award through her compassion, resilience, and nearly four decades of service to immigrant students and families. From the classroom to the executive office, she has remained rooted in community and driven by the belief that education has the power to transform lives.
Why Patricia Was Selected
History of The Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award
Jorge Escobar was an esteemed educational administrator renowned for his compassion, benevolence, and unwavering dedication to his students. He was skilled at bringing people together and building coalitions to enhance the quality of life in San Jose and Silicon Valley.
Escobar had an illustrious career spanning over a decade, holding key positions as the Manager of Administration at Princeton University, Chief Financial Officer at The National Hispanic University, Vice President of San Jose City College, and Acting President in 2018. He ultimately served as Vice Chancellor of the San Jose Evergreen Community College District before his untimely passing in 2023.
The Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award was established to honor and commemorate his significant contributions to the field of education. Jorge Escobar will always be remembered for his dedication and compassion towards his students and colleagues alike.
PAST LUNCHEONS
2025
Brittany Alvarez: The Potential of Planting Seeds of Change
Mayra’s Journey: From Flea Market to University
2024
Inaugural Planting The Seed Luncheon: Cultivating Educational Equity