Meet the BLCI Staff
BLCI KIDS ARE GOING TO COLLEGE – WE'RE HERE TO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN!
We come from different backgrounds, different cultures – even different countries! – but we are united in the belief that our kids deserve every chance to live their dream of a college education.
Diana Getrich Villegas
-Executive Director
B.A., Sociology and Psychology
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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
Certified in Spanish-English Translation
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Certified in Fund Raising Management
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Diana’s dedication to BLCI is longstanding – before she became Executive Director in 2003, she served as Director of the Parent Program. A former teacher, Diana is active in the San Diego non-profit community, serving on the Endow San Diego Nonprofit Leadership Council and the LEAD San Diego Community Council.
From the very beginning, BLCI has been a place that
energizes me. I am amazed at how much our students have
taught me about perseverance and personal strength, and by
how much BLCI families have become a part of my own
family’s life.
This is so much more than just another after-school program.
I am blessed to work at a place that I look forward to coming
to each and every day.
:Coordinator: High School Program
B.S., Psychology
Currently seeking MA in Education at San Diego State University.
Maria's involvement with BLCI began in 2006 as a part-time learning guide. She joins the team full-time as the new High School Coordinator.
:Coordinator: College Success Program
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
B.A., Sociology, Minor in Spanish
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Jean learned Spanish while she studying abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico, and was a Presidential Host at Cal Lutheran.
Coordinator: Middle School Program
B.S., Electrical Engineering
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The youngest of six brothers, Carlos was born and raised in El Salvador. He moved to the US in 1991 and became the first in his family to go to college. Carlos has worked with elementary and middle school students for the past six years, through the YMCA and the ‘6 – 6” Program. He joined the BLCI team in 2004.
I love working with the kids at BLCI. I feel that I have a lot to give to them, and at the same time, I learn a lot from them. I grew up the same way many BLCI kids have, and I can relate to them. Working at BLCI is a great way to give back.
Coordinator: Elementary School Program
Point Loma Nazarene University
B.A., Theraputic and Community Psychology
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After serving as a Learning Guide for two and a half years, Liliana accepted to oversee the Elementary Program as part-time coordinator in 2007. Currently she is finishing her last semester at Point Loma Nazarene University where she is seeking her Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic and Community Psychology.
I grew up next to the Barrio Logan community, I attended the neighborhood schools, and experienced community leaders and teachers who inspired and motivated me to get an education. I always knew that I wanted to return to the community where I grew up and give back, today I can do that, and what better place to do it than BLCI.
Coordinator: Volunteer & Community Partnerships
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, COLUMBIA
B.A., Political Science
After serving for twelve months as an Americorps VISTA, Tyler extended his stay as a full-time staff member. In college, Tyler mentored at-risk youth at Gentry Middle School and Centro Latino; in fact, working with a VISTA there is part of what inspired him to serve at BLCI!
Tyler studied abroad in University of Alicante in Spain, which helped to strengthen his love for the Spanish language.
While I was lucky to have a great college experience, I realize that not everyone is so fortunate. Making college attainable for all kids, regardless of their background, is a goal that I truly believe in, and BLCI is dedicated to that very cause.