We Build Capacity for Collaboration
Our work spans one-on-one leadership development, dynamic group facilitation and trusted thought-partnership. We work with individuals to transform themselves and the systems they work in.
Coaching: One-on-one coaching and goal setting with leaders in the youth development workforce.
Connecting: Building relationships within and between community-based organizations and school sites.
Coordinating: Systems-level coordination that highlights effective strategies and mobilizes partners to move together.
Our Mission
San Francisco Beacon Initiative’s mission is to work at the site and system level to transform public schools into youth and family-centered places of learning. Grounded in the Community Schools Framework, Beacon Community Schools are committed to a cohesive, comprehensive, and collaborative approach that create pathways to lifelong learning and transformative experiences for youth and the adults who support them through advocacy, leadership, networking, and program support.
Small Team, Big Vision
Sally Jenkins-Stevens
Executive Director
Sally started her career in education as a high school teacher, teaching math to students with learning disabilities in St. Louis and New York City. She moved back to her hometown Bay Area to be a math coach at John O'Connell High school, before becoming a Program Specialist at DCYF, and then on to the Beacon Initiative. She has a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Cornell University, and a Masters in Math Education from City College of New York. At SFBI, Sally has been a coach and a facilitator, working to support and lift up Beacon leaders and practices so that we can improve outcomes for youth across San Francisco. She enjoys eating with her staff and seeing Beacons show up and show out.
sally@sfbeacon.org
AJ Frigillana
Workforce Development Program Manager
AJ found her passion for youth work at the age of 15, working as a day camp counselor in her hometown of Long Beach, California and hasn't looked back since! After receiving her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Communications Studies from the University of San Francisco, she's had the joy and privilege of building and leading several youth-serving programs, including cultural and identity based programs at the Richmond Neighborhood Center's Beacon sites. Her life's work is to be complicit in the success of BIPOC youth and to create intentional spaces where all young people can grow into who they are meant to be. As the Workforce Development Program Manager for the San Francisco Beacon Initiative, she looks forward to putting mission-driven vision into practice and working to support the staff of such vital programming throughout the city.
aj@sfbeacon.org
Erica Hernandez-Sexton
Program Manager
Erica is a Program Manager for the San Francisco Beacon Initiative, overseeing and managing Beacon program committees, events, and logistics. She was born and raised in San Francisco and has worked in youth and community development for a total of twelve+ years. Prior to SFBI, Erica worked for Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K.) for seven years beginning as a Program Leader then moving up to Beacon Director. She attended San Francisco State University where she earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies. She also has Minors in Asian American Studies and Health Education. In SFBI, she focuses on quality improvement and capacity building for San Francisco Beacon programs, including individual coaching of Beacon Directors, leading evaluative projects, managing leadership committees, and coordination of network-wide convenings in collaboration with the rest of the SFBI team.
erica@sfbeacon.org
Jess Zlotnicki
Workforce Development Program Manager
Jess is an experienced and versatile workforce development professional. She has a background in non-profit program management, education, and international development with expertise in teaching, teacher training, research, and career advising for youth. Educated in public schools from the beginning, she holds Master's in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis and a Bachelor's in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from UC San Diego and is dedicated to supporting people, families, and communities through the power of public schools. In her off time you can find her exploring trails with her dog, trying new recipes and restaurants, making jewelry, and possibly watching the latest binge-worthy post-apocalyptic show.
jess@sfbeacon.org
Mandy McGowen
Program Manager
Mandy has been a part of the Beacon Network in San Francisco for the past ten years and a Beacon Director at A.P. Giannini Middle School for the past three years. I am elated to be joining the SFBI team and bringing my experience and joy to support the San Francisco Beacons. Charged to embed BIPOC Youth Liberation into the fabric of our Beacons, I look forward to working with SFUSD student changemakers ready to have a seat at the table and re-evaluate our systems with their powerful perspectives. I am a mama of twins, an avid runner, and so excited for this new opportunity to support the youth of San Francisco.
mandy@sfbeacon.org
Lota Gaetos-Miller
Operations Coordinator
Lota graduated with a minor in Asian American Studies and a B.S. in Biology Physiology. During her time in college and early high school, she worked with various nonprofit organizations in youth development in Visitacion Valley and Excelsior-Ingleside neighborhoods. From tutoring, enrichment classes, summer programming, Saturday programming to becoming a site coordinator. Lota enjoyed working with youth and continued to work and provide support in the field. Lota oversees fiscal operations, communications, and assists in managing the Beacon committees.
lota@sfbeacon.org
Advisory Board
Karen M. Roye
Director, SF Department of Child Support Services
Ed Center
Founder, The Village Well
Asha Mehta
Co-Executive Director, Compass Point
Associate Board
Anna Miera
Christina Zhou
Sam Francher