June 2025 Newsletter

LEAP Alumni Spotlight

Edson Uvalle

Edson attended LEAP for 6 years and worked at LEAP part-time for one year. This May, he received the Silver Key award at Salem State, given to a senior who possesses a high-achieving academic grade point average, combined with proven involvement within his or her area of academic concentration and demonstration of leadership in extra-curricular activities within the university community.

Johanna Rodriguez

Johanna Rodriguez attended LEAP for 9 years and is now a City Connects Coordinator at the Collins Middle School in Salem. Johanna was presented with the Latino Educators Who Shine Award from Latinos For Education at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House.

Sandra Castillo

Sandra, a LEAP student for 8 years and an employee for 3 years, was recently named by the Salem Public School Superintendent as an SPS "Rockstar", a weekly award given to SPS staff and faculty.

Domingo Quiroz

Domingo attended LEAP for 6 years and is now a 4-year Product Manager at Flywheel. Domingo just received his Masters in Computer Science from Merrimack College.

Sia Linda Lebbie

Sia Linda attended LEAP for 8 years and also worked summers at LEAP and volunteered as a mentor. Sia is currently a Global Manager at Google and will be leaving that position in the Fall to pursue an MBA at the University of Notre Dame with a fellowship from Forte and Questbridge full-tuition scholarship.

Staffing Updates

This spring, Salem Teen Coordinator Brittany Hadzy made an exciting transition to become LEAP’s new Volunteer and Partnership Specialist! We’d like to thank Brittany for her amazing work as the Salem Teen Center Coordinator. She now transitions to her new role, bringing her exceptional skills in delivering comprehensive mentor onboarding and training programs and her experience in stewarding strong volunteer relationships.

Allison De La Puente is stepping into the role of Salem Teen Center Coordinator, transitioning from her position as Teen Center Associate in Lynn. Allison just graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology. We’re thrilled to see the impact she’ll make in this new role.

Lastly, LEAP is excited to welcome James Anderton to the team as our new Career and Education Resource Manager. In this role, he’ll oversee career and post-secondary mentoring, financial aid, scholarship support, and work-based learning initiatives. His work will help ensure a smooth transition for students—from career exploration in the Teen Center to structured mentoring, internships, and post-secondary planning.

Reed and his wife Larissa.

Supporter Spotlight: Reed Brockman

Reed, a civil engineer at AECOM, has been a dedicated supporter and mentor since 2009. His long-standing commitment to our mission continues this summer as he leads our teens in an exciting bridge building competition — inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. It is no wonder the Reed just received the 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award. Thank you, Reed, for your unwavering support and incredible dedication to youth.

A Night to Remember — Thanks to The Salem Inn!

We’re so grateful to The Salem Inn and Pabich family for sponsoring our recent Boat Cruise Fundraiser! With their generous support, we enjoyed a magical evening on the water filled with laughter, connection, and community and raised funds for LEAP's summer programs.

Supporters, Alumni, and Staff came together aboard the Hannah Glover for a beautiful sunset cruise, complete with delicious hors d'oeuvres, complimentary drinks, and prizes — all in support of our mission.

Thank you, Salem Inn, for helping make this night such a success!

Jill, Heather and David Pabich.

LEAP for Education supports youth in their personal, educational, and career growth by partnering with the community to increase opportunities and advance equity.