We are a group of former 826 students who have kept close ties with the organization through the years, and are now young professionals in the Bay Area. Each of us knows firsthand the powerful impact of 826 programs, and we’re excited to share our stories of how our experiences with 826 have shaped our lives. We are committed to helping reconnect other alumni with 826, and we hope to engage this amazing network of talented individuals as volunteers, donors, and community ambassadors. Are you an 826 alum? Reach us by filling out this alumni survey or emailing us at alumni@826valencia.org.
Bianca Catalan
Bianca is a San Francisco native, theater artist, and educator. She currently works at San Francisco University High School in the Community Engagement program. She is an actor with San Francisco Youth Theater. Her favorite thing about San Francisco is the ocean breeze.
Daisy Guzman
A San Francisco native, Daisy Guzman has been a member of the 826 Valencia community for over 14 years. She’s been involved with the organization in various capacities, first as a student and later as a volunteer, education program intern, and scholarship committee member. She holds a BS in Business Administration from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and is a practicing CPA at a Big 4 accounting firm. During her free time Daisy enjoys horseback riding, rock climbing, and traveling.
Osvaldo Marquez
Osvaldo is a San Francisco native. While growing up in the Bayview District, Osvaldo came in for After-School Tutoring, later joined the 826 Youth Advisory Board, and is now on the 826 Alumni Board. He is currently working at Silicon Valley Bank, advising financial technology companies on how to optimize their treasury operations.
Lucie Pereira
Lucie Pereira began her 826 journey as a student and came right back as Program Coordinator after studying writing and publishing at Emerson College. She has a penchant for fun animal facts and all things chocolate.
Jewelea Rivas
Jewelea Rivas was born and raised in the Mission District of San Francisco. Growing up, Jewelea participated in many programs within 826 Valencia. After being the first in her family to attend and graduate from college, she returned to San Francisco to give back to her community. She began working in the non-profit sector in order to support other first-generation, low income youth in their pursuit of higher education. Jewelea is currently the Director of College and Career Readiness at Seven Tepees Youth Program, and frequently makes it a point to refer her youth to 826 Valencia because she knows firsthand that they will be supported the same way that she was.
Josselyn Bonilla
Josselyn was born and raised in El Salvador. Her family gradually migrated to the Bay Area and brought her along at the age of 17. While at Mission High School, she found out about 826 Valencia’s work with children and youth and decided to seek their help. She became one of many scholarship recipients as she started her path towards UC Berkeley where she graduated with a BA in Political Science. One of her goals is to continue to give back to her community. As of now she is working on getting an MA degree in Public Administration.