JA Spotlight Archives - Junior Achievement of San Diego County http://jasandiego.org/blog/category/ja-spotlight/ Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Today Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:11:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://jasandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/JA-Symbol-66x66.png JA Spotlight Archives - Junior Achievement of San Diego County http://jasandiego.org/blog/category/ja-spotlight/ 32 32 JA Spotlight: Meet Educator Tony Freitas https://jasandiego.org/blog/ja-spotlight-meet-educator-tony-freitas/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:11:12 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=5680 Tony Freitas is an educator at San Diego Unified School District, where he has worked for 17 years. He has been teaching at Innovation Middle School for the past seven years and is currently an AVID teacher. Tony is also the varsity softball coach at Santana High School. Prior to becoming a teacher, Tony [...]

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Tony Freitas is an educator at San Diego Unified School District, where he has worked for 17 years. He has been teaching at Innovation Middle School for the past seven years and is currently an AVID teacher. Tony is also the varsity softball coach at Santana High School. Prior to becoming a teacher, Tony worked as a teacher’s aide while obtaining a degree at CSU Fullerton.

Tony is 44 years old and has been married for 16 years. As a father to two children, Tony enjoys spending his free time coaching his kids in their sports. In addition to his kids’ sports, Tony is a huge Padres and Chargers fan.

What is one thing you enjoy about teaching?
One of my favorite things to do is find exciting experiences and activities for my AVID students, helping them to grow into well-rounded adults. I have worked with Junior Achievement for years and have enjoyed the opportunity to be able to enrich my students with their programs and mentorship.

What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
I think I would tell my younger self to be patient. When I look back, I was always concerned with what would be the next phase in my life instead of just enjoying the moment. The older you get, the faster the time seems to go. I have learned over the years to enjoy every moment and to not always worry about what is coming next.

What is your favorite thing about living in San Diego County?
I was born and raised in San Diego and I love living here. The cost of living here is tough, but it is well worth being in America’s Finest City. Where else could you go snowboarding in the local mountains and surf at the local beaches in the same day? Also, being a huge baseball fan, I love supporting the Padres with my friends and family at Petco Park or at any of the local bar and grills. Lastly, you can’t beat the San Diego weather. I don’t do too well being in cold temperatures, so sunny SD is right up my alley.

Tony Freitas

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JA Spotlight: Meet Eloisa Orozco https://jasandiego.org/blog/ja-spotlight-meet-eloisa-orozco/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:33:28 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=5549 Eloisa Orozco has helped implement work-based learning opportunities for high school students at Encore Capital Group through the JA Summer Youth Employment Program. Eloisa currently leads strategic internal and external communications for Encore, a global specialty finance company with operations in eight countries. Her role involves brand building, reputation management, and championing employee voices [...]

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Eloisa Orozco has helped implement work-based learning opportunities for high school students at Encore Capital Group through the JA Summer Youth Employment Program.

Eloisa currently leads strategic internal and external communications for Encore, a global specialty finance company with operations in eight countries. Her role involves brand building, reputation management, and championing employee voices and experiences. Additionally, she oversees the company’s global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, Community Impact programs, and Corporate Giving initiatives.

Previously, Eloisa enjoyed a successful tenure at WM, formerly Waste Management, a FORTUNE 200 company and North American’s leading environmental services provider, championing people and the planet. Prior to joining WM, she served as the Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in San Diego County, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to ending impaired driving, supporting victims, and promoting safer communities through education and advocacy.

Eloisa attended California State University, San Marcos, where she earned a BA in Sociology with a minor in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Sociological Practice.

How and why did you first get involved with JA?
I’ve had the pleasure of supporting JA’s mission locally in San Diego since 2023 in my capacity as Global Community Impact Leader for Encore Capital Group (Encore), and as part of the team that helped establish our relationship with Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Since then, it’s been an absolute joy to continue cultivating our local relationship, as well as expanding Encore’s support of JA’s mission across the United States, Spain, and Costa Rica. We began our relationship with JA in San Diego, and now we have colleagues volunteering with JA affiliates in three countries! Most recently, we welcomed seven bright and ambitious JA SD Fellows to our headquarters for a two-week, summer work-based learning experience.

Eloisa Orozco

As an organization dedicated to creating pathways to economic freedom, we believe that financial education is a key factor in achieving economic freedom. By supporting the mission of Junior Achievement, we are contributing to connecting young people with the skills, tools, and resources they need to take control of their money and responsibly manage debt. On a personal level, I’m a believer in the power of partnerships and have deep appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to changing others’ lives. And JA is changing lives.

What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
Learn how to invest early! Stay focused on your financial goals, and do not let anyone or anything deter you.

What is one memorable moment you have during your time as a JA volunteer?
This summer, we welcomed seven bright and ambitious JA San Diego Fellows to our headquarters for a two-week, work-based learning experience. I had the pleasure of serving as the program administrator and coordinated learning sessions for them, including personal branding, résumé building, LinkedIn profile setup, and networking. In addition, my team and I organized a CSR activity in which the youth and their work experience supervisors crafted greeting cards for an organization dedicated to delivering handmade cards to children and families facing challenges. Hosting the students for this experience was a complete team effort, and I am thankful for my colleagues who served as supervisors.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.

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JA Spotlight: Meet Educator Breanne Ulloa https://jasandiego.org/blog/ja-spotlight-meet-educator-breanne-ulloa/ Tue, 27 May 2025 20:14:18 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=5315 Breanne is currently a math teacher at King-Chavez Community High School where she has taught for three years. Prior to King-Chavez, Breanne taught in the state of Iowa for seven years. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA where she earned a B.S. in mathematics at CSUB. Additionally, Breanne attended Iowa State University [...]

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Breanne is currently a math teacher at King-Chavez Community High School where she has taught for three years. Prior to King-Chavez, Breanne taught in the state of Iowa for seven years. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA where she earned a B.S. in mathematics at CSUB. Additionally, Breanne attended Iowa State University where she earned her M.A. in mathematics education.

Breanne recently got involved with JA San Diego this school year through JA Stock Market Challenge to provide her students with hands-on learning on personal finance and investing fundamentals.

What is your favorite thing about living in San Diego County?
As a new transplant to San Diego, I really love all the county has to offer. It seems like there is always something fun going on or new things to explore. Being a foodie, I really appreciate all the different types of cuisine there is to try.

What is your favorite book or movie?
I love to read, but am terrible at picking favorites. One book I read recently that I absolutely loved, though, is God of the Woods by Liz Moore.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
I like to spend time with my twin baby girls, cheering on Iowa State athletic teams, reading, and learning how to play new board games.

Breanne

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JA Spotlight: Meet JA Board Member Maggie Leone https://jasandiego.org/blog/ja-spotlight-meet-ja-board-member-maggie-leone/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:37:53 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=5171 Maggie Leone is a Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at City National Bank (CNB). In her role, Maggie is responsible for serving a diverse portfolio of commercial and not-for-profit clients in San Diego County, providing each client with tailored financial solutions and a robust offering of bank products and services. Originally from Haddonfield, [...]

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Maggie Leone is a Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at City National Bank (CNB). In her role, Maggie is responsible for serving a diverse portfolio of commercial and not-for-profit clients in San Diego County, providing each client with tailored financial solutions and a robust offering of bank products and services.

Originally from Haddonfield, NJ, Maggie graduated with a B.A. in anthropology and classical studies from the University of Pennsylvania and completed post-graduate accounting coursework at the University of California, Berkley.

Passionate about her community, Maggie volunteers with various San Diego organizations and was recognized with City National Bank’s “President’s Volunteer Service Award” in 2023. For the past three years, Maggie has served on the Junior Achievement of San Diego County Board of Directors and was recently elected as Treasurer and Finance Chair. Maggie also serves on the Board of Directors for McAlister Institute as Board Secretary and is co-chair of the Sales Advisory Council Tech Forum at CNB.

How and why did you first get involved with JA?
I got involved with JA several years ago because I was looking for a volunteer opportunity where I could work with children but also leverage my skillset as a banker. Junior Achievement was the perfect fit, and JA’s commitment to financial literacy at an early age spoke to me, in particular, as it’s something I didn’t have and that I feel is often overlooked. Helping students feel economically empowered and comfortable with personal finances is important because students have to make countless decisions about the direction of their lives and careers while still in school.

What is one memorable moment you have during your time as a JA volunteer?
I’ve had so many great moments volunteering with JA, but my favorites are from BizTown. I really loved working with a group of 5th graders in the BizTown City Hall, watching the mayor give speeches and the judge adjudicating disputes between her classmates. It was adorable, but also their passion for their roles was very inspiring.

Who is someone you admire and why?
It is a bit cliche, but the person I admire most is my mother. She raised three children as a single mother while working full time as a banker and loan supervisor and ended her career as a Senior Vice President with a major financial institution, running an entire credit department with 40+ direct employees. She taught my brother, sister, and I to place a high value on education, hard work, and integrity, and she moves through life with a kindness, thoughtfulness, and self-sufficiency that I deeply admire and strive to emulate. She is the best person I know.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
I like to spend my free time out and about in San Diego with my fiancé and our dog, Ruby, hiking, kayaking, or playing catch at the park. I also love reading in my spare time, especially if it’s a book recommendation from a friend or colleague.

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JA Spotlight: Meet JA Senior Capstone Associate Seth De Los Santos https://jasandiego.org/blog/ja-spotlight-meet-ja-senior-capstone-associate-seth-de-los-santos/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:36:08 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=5094 Seth De Los Santos began his journey with JA San Diego as a camp counselor three years ago. He is now a senior capstone associate helping to manage the JA Finance Park program. From his time with JA San Diego, Seth has discovered a passion for educating local youth and enjoys helping to prepare [...]

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Seth De Los Santos began his journey with JA San Diego as a camp counselor three years ago. He is now a senior capstone associate helping to manage the JA Finance Park program. From his time with JA San Diego, Seth has discovered a passion for educating local youth and enjoys helping to prepare students for future financial success.

Seth is currently a student at San Diego State University majoring in business administration and management. He has additionally previously volunteered with the State of California Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and Boy Scouts of America.

Seth

What is your favorite thing about living in San Diego County?
My favorite thing about living in San Diego is the variety of activities available—whether it’s enjoying the beach, exploring the snow in the mountains, or going off-roading, there’s always something exciting to do.

What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite movie is Surf’s Up because it’s both hilarious and features surfing and the ocean, two things I’m really passionate about.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
I love spending my free time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, fishing, or surfing at the beach—I’m always up for an adventure. Being in nature helps me recharge and stay connected to what matters most. I also enjoy hanging out with friends, whether it’s exploring new places or just relaxing together.

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First Black-Owned San Diego Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner Gives Back to Her Community https://jasandiego.org/blog/first-black-owned-san-diego-chick-fil-a-franchise-owner-gives-back-to-her-community/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:11:44 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=4590 Local Entrepreneur Sponsors Spring Valley Youth to Attend Entrepreneurial Summer Camp Jul 29, 2024 (San Diego, CA) — From restaurant worker to corporate intern to becoming San Diego’s first Black-owned Chick-fil-A franchisee, Amber Thomas is now helping the next generation become inspired and prepared to achieve their own future success. As a long-time [...]

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Local Entrepreneur Sponsors Spring Valley Youth to Attend Entrepreneurial Summer Camp

Amber Thomas with JA Summer Camp students

Jul 29, 2024 (San Diego, CA) — From restaurant worker to corporate intern to becoming San Diego’s first Black-owned Chick-fil-A franchisee, Amber Thomas is now helping the next generation become inspired and prepared to achieve their own future success.

As a long-time resident of Spring Valley, Thomas is sponsoring six students from the area to attend Junior Achievement of San Diego (JA San Diego) Summer Camp at the McGrath Family JA BizTown. The JA BizTown Summer Camp introduces students to the world of business and inspires youth for their futures. Thomas additionally generously provided Chick-fil-A sandwiches for lunch for every camper.

“When I decided to open a Chick-fil-A in Spring Valley, I knew I wanted our impact to be greater than serving chicken,” said Thomas. “The youth is the future of our community. Helping provide access to BizTown to teach them work-readiness, financial stewardship, and entrepreneurship will help strengthen the foundation of Spring Valley as we continue to grow together.”

Campers will be participating in hands-on activities that foster entrepreneurism and build their foundation in career readiness including Shark Tank pitches, mock job interviews, and managing a BizTown shop as part of the McGrath Family JA BizTown mini-city simulation.

Thomas is a former associate of JA San Diego and recognizes the impact of the program in inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and explore the opportunities out there for them. Thomas is now the owner and operator of the Chick-fil-A located at Highway 125 and Jamacha Road.

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JA Spotlight: South County Native Inspiring the Next Generation https://jasandiego.org/blog/ja-spotlight-south-county-native-inspiring-the-next-generation/ Thu, 16 May 2024 17:55:06 +0000 https://jasandiego.org/?p=4403 Raised in San Ysidro, Willie Armas believes in the value of giving back to his community and is heavily involved in the South County community.  Willie has been a JA Volunteer since 2016 through the San Diego National Bank and US Bank volunteerism program. He found the experience rewarding and fun as he shared his [...]

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Raised in San Ysidro, Willie Armas believes in the value of giving back to his community and is heavily involved in the South County community.  Willie has been a JA Volunteer since 2016 through the San Diego National Bank and US Bank volunteerism program. He found the experience rewarding and fun as he shared his perspective as a banker on entrepreneurship to students at Hilltop High School.

After 50 years in the banking industry, Willie recently retired from US Bank this past January. He continues to volunteer with JA San Diego and Chula Vista based community organizations. He is currently a mentor to high school students in the JA Fellows providing career and professional advice.

Willie previously served as a member of the South County Economic Development Corporation and on the board of the Boarder View YMCA.

In his retirement, when Willie is not volunteering with JA and other community organizations in Chula Vista, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife of over 50 years.

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