From Valedictorian to Ednovate Leader: Leslie’s Inspiring Story

At Ednovate, our mission is rooted in creating Positive Multigenerational Change (PMC) — empowering students to succeed in college, uplift their families, and transform their communities. No story illustrates this more powerfully than that of Leslie Almaraz and her family.

Leslie was the valedictorian of East College Prep’s very first graduating class, achieving an incredible 4.74 GPA. As a Kayne Scholar, a cohort supported by the Ric & Suzanne Kayne Foundation for first-generation college students from underrepresented communities, and a recipient of the Ednovate Scholars Program Scholarship, generously funded by Board Member Elliot Sainer and his family, Leslie was empowered to follow her dreams of attending UCLA, graduating with a degree in Mathematics. But Leslie’s journey didn’t stop there.

After graduating from UCLA, Leslie began her professional journey right where it all started—at Ednovate. Now as a Staff Accountant, she’s giving back to the community that supported her as a student, transforming from an Ednovate scholar into an Ednovate team member. Today, Leslie works alongside her cousin, who is also part of the Ednovate team, while other family members currently attend East College Prep. And next year? More of Leslie’s younger family members are excited to join the Ednovate community, continuing the legacy she helped inspire.

Reflecting on her journey, Leslie shares:

“‘At Ednovate, I wasn’t just a student—I was part of a community that truly believed in my potential. Now, I have the opportunity to give that same support to Ednovate students, and it’s incredibly fulfilling. My family and I are living examples that investing in education transforms more than just one life; it can change the course of entire generations.”

Leslie’s story is the heart of Together We Rise: Creating a Future of Opportunity, our end-of-year campaign aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, 2024. It shows how the support of donors like you helps one student rise—and with them, their entire family and community.

We also want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to American Transportation, 4imprint, Loyola Marymount University School of Education, USC Credit Union Community Foundation, Bluespace Interiors, and California Credit Union for their generous contributions to our campaign. Your support is helping us create opportunities and drive transformative change for the students and families we serve

I invite you to join our campaign to support our students like Leslie build a legacy of opportunity that uplifts their families and communities for generations. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a lasting difference. Can I count on you to make a gift to Ednovate this holiday season? 

Together, we can continue creating Positive Multigenerational Change. Together, we rise.

With appreciation, 

April Komolmis
Director of Development & External Affairs