Jon is honored and humbled to serve as Executive Director – the work we do is the most important and fulfilling work he has ever been part of.

Growing up he was raised primarily by a single mother with 8 brothers and sisters. His mother worked hard to rise above the need for welfare support and earned her RN certification while raising 9 children. She taught him that he could achieve whatever he applied himself to, as long as he worked hard enough.

Years later, Jon is know for his leadership and organizational development skills. He has built many businesses throughout California ranging in size from one staff member to a team of 700. Prior to his transition to the non-profit sector, he built and opened seven restaurants in Southern California. He also founded, developed and managed Manhattan Denim in Manhattan Beach and Pure Tan in Hanford.

Jon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from Davenport University in Michigan and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of California, Irvine. As someone who believes that more human connection and empathy is key to greater fulfilment for all, he loves inspiring at-promise youth. In the past he has been a board member for Positive Coaching Alliance, a mentor with Junior Achievement, a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a mentor at 1736 Family Crisis Center, a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club, and an instructor at PS I Love You. Most recently he increased mission results by 50% in one year as Executive Director of Caring House.

Jon has his commercial pilot’s license, is a retired professional mountain biker, current professional beach volleyball player, has hiked the Annapurna Trail through the Himalayas, and is the father of an amazing 15-year-old young man.

Throughout my academic career, I developed a strong passion for helping others. As a first-generation, low-income Latina, I encountered culture shock upon entering college, faced familial pressures, and lacked financial stability. I felt lost, hopeless and found myself on the verge of breaking down and walking away numerous times. I quickly became aware that I lacked essential resources required for my success. This prompted me to actively seek out programs and people on campus who could provide the support I needed. I found that. The support and resources I received helped me develop confidence in my abilities, grow professionally and even graduate college in the top 1% of my class!

I am a living testament of the long-lasting impact a strong support system can have on an individual’s growth and life journey. Having personally experienced this transformative power, my mission is to support, empower, and equip others. I am grateful to have been able to, and continue to, play a meaningful role in the growth and success of others.

Stephanie joined BLAST in 2017, originally as an intern. It wasn’t long before she was formally hired as Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper. Over five years, Ms. Valencia was consistently promoted, took on many new challenges, and received top accolades from all leadership (and anyone who knows her). After completing her Sociology Degree at CSULB, she took an opportunity to try something new.

After a 2-year period expanding her professional development, Stephanie is coming back to the BLAST family as Operations Manager. She will be using all her office management, fundraising, bookkeeping, social media, HR, operations, and team organizational skills, along with taking on new challenges and bringing the unique X-factor that she carries with her everywhere in life.

Stephanie will be a valued asset to our growing team. I look forward to working together with her and all of you to work hard, challenge each other to improve our personal and professional development, offer and award growth opportunities, promotions, and compensation increases, and most importantly, thoughtfully and lovingly serve and inspire every youth that needs our help in Long Beach.

On a personal note, Stephanie is a mother of a beautiful daughter named Lunamarie and loves to go camping, go to concerts, or be outside with family in her free time.

Hello my name is Kassandra Velasquez Beltran. I serve the Female and Male Leadership Academies within the LBUSD. I have been working in education for over six years and have a passion for helping students see their potential. I believe in the B2S curriculum we provide and the power we bring to each classroom. I undoubtedly know our efforts will make an impact on our students and their future successes.

Hello everyone! My name is Rosa Rivera, I am the Family & Community Engagement Coordinator. I was born and raised here in Long Beach, I have always been involved with my community whether it’d be through volunteer work or being involved in clubs. I had the opportunity of working with Long Beach BLAST as a mentor and as an intern. I have seen the drive students have when they are encouraged to reach and surpass their own potential. As the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, I will continue to support the youth of Long Beach along with the community I grew up in. We will always be in pursuit of better to create something great for future generations to come.

The Academic Mentoring Program Team welcomed Alesia Berry as the new Program Coordinator in 2023. Her background includes over 40 years with Los Angeles County, including Health & Human Services Administration and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk managing and coordinating programs, projects, procedures, events, and personnel. Additionally, she worked with the Vegas Public Broadcasting Station KLVX Channel 10 and the Irvin D. Hunt Foundation. She is excited to be part of the BLAST family and looks forward to adding value to the team and serving our at-promise youth and community partners.

My name is Yvette Martinez, and I am the Bridge to Success (B2S) College and Career Advisor at Reid High School. To give you a brief background about myself, I have been working in the education field for over ten years and have worked with a diverse population of students. As a College and Career advisor here at LB BLAST, I plan to continue to make a difference with the students I mentor and teach them strategies they can use for their future success.

My name is Miguel and I am the new College and Career Advisor. I’m 27 years old, and I currently reside in Long Beach. My background is in case management and pre health. I’m passionate about helping the community. In my free time, I like running, hiking, and reading. I’m always looking to challenge myself and grow and can’t wait to grow here with Long Beach Blast.

My name is Xochitl Berumen and I am one of the college and career advisors at the middle school level. A big part of why I am interested in education is because I believe all students have the potential to excel and further their academic/ career goals, but a lot of the times, students need support and resources to help achieve them. While at BLAST, I hope to provide students with resources, support, and guidance so every student can excel in all their goals and aspirations.

Hello, my name is Mary Krystel Lorenzo and I am a College and Career Advisor with Long Beach BLAST. I graduated from Cal State Long Beach, with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Faith brought me to LB BLAST as I needed to grow my experience working in education. I interned for BLAST as an Academic Mentor and was able to work with at-promise youth hands-on. This allowed me to have a sense of their abilities and nurture their improvements and personal growth.

I take pride in being an empathetic and determined person. I strive to let these youths know they are not alone in their journey because I know how difficult it truly is to figure things out by yourself. I am devoted to setting an example for the youth, to bring out the best of themselves and that’s exactly what I intend to do in Long Beach BLAST.