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
The San Francisco Beacon Initiative amplifies the leadership of community school professionals to empower youth, families, and communities to create thriving schools together.
How We Work
At SFBI, we work with Community Based Organizations and public schools to implement high quality, collaborative community schools where leadership is shared and youth and community voices are incorporated at all levels. Through our ecosystem of growth and learning, we build infrastructure for systems change by providing leaders with coaching, peer learning and best practices that increase student achievement, belonging, success, and joy.
Our Team
Sally Jenkins-Stevens
Executive Director
Sally has been a dedicated member of the SFBI team for nearly a decade before officially stepping into the role of Executive Director on March 11th, 2024. As the Executive Director, she is honored to champion Beacons and SFBI at all levels, with staff, principals, funders, city and district partners. Sally cultivates Advisory Board membership, leads the close-knit SFBI team to greatness, brokers new partnerships and ensures SFBI has funding and revenue to thrive. A Bay Area native, Sally brings over 20 years of experience in education, facilitation and coaching. Prior to joining SFBI, Sally served as a high school math teacher and coach in St. Louis, New York City, and the Bay Area, before becoming a Program Specialist at the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF). She earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Cornell University, and a Masters in Math Education from City College of New York.
AJ Frigillana
Workforce Development Program Manager
AJ activates Beacon’s mission-driven vision into practice, working to support the staff of vital youth development programming through her commitment to job quality, coaching Beacon coordinators, facilitating professional learning communities, and collaborating with workforce development practitioners state-wide. She’s been a member of the Beacon Network since 2015, building and leading several youth-serving programs, including cultural and identity- based programs at the Richmond Neighborhood Center's Beacon sites. One piece of her work that brings her joy is facilitating intentional spaces where staff at all levels can continue to hone their skills and cultivate their leadership. AJ earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Communications Studies from the University of San Francisco.
Jibraan Lee
Program Manager
Jibraan Lee, a dedicated non-profit manager and media enthusiast, is deeply committed to shaping vibrant communities through education and innovative initiatives. With over a decade in San Francisco Community Schools, Jibraan has emerged as a trusted advocate for systems change. Since 2018, Jibraan has been the Beacon Program Director at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School; he oversaw vital community partnerships and managed a team focusing on Behavioral Health and Wellness, Expanded Learning, and School Transitions. Jibraan's passion for creating positive change extends beyond education, with a keen interest in storytelling to bridge community gaps.
Erica Hernandez-Sexton
Program Manager
As a child of immigrants, San Francisco native, and mama of two SFUSD students, Erica joins the Beacon Initiative team with lots of enthusiastic Capricorn energy to move the mission and vision of the organization forward. Erica focuses on leadership development and systems thinking for San Francisco Beacons, including individual coaching of Beacon leaders, leading evaluative projects, and managing network-wide structures. She has specialized in youth and community development since 2002, including working at Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K.) Visitacion Valley Beacon as a Beacon Coordinator and Director. Erica attended San Francisco State University where she earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies and Minors in Asian American Studies and Health Education. She is also a professional coach certified with Coaching for Healing, Justice, and Liberation.
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.
Kevin Wilson
Program Manager
Kevin brings extensive experience in nonprofit work, dedicated to serving youth and families throughout San Francisco. He has specialized in areas such as youth development, social justice advocacy, family support services—including health and wellness, daycare, and positive parenting practices—and more. Over the past five years, Kevin has served as the Beacon Director for BGCSF Beacon at Carver Elementary School, where he emphasized the importance of community-based education and worked to create a meaningful after-school experience for all Carver Village stakeholders. As one of the newest Program Managers for the San Francisco Beacon Initiative, Kevin is now focused on providing high-quality coaching, holistic site-based support, and expanding opportunities for collaboration. His goal is to share best practices and enhance the community school model, ensuring its positive impact across the city.
Mandy McGowen
Program Manager
Mandy’s love for community, collaboration, and creativity was born in high school theater and has since transferred to the world of community schools. In 2021 Mandy joined the SFBI team as a program manager and takes great joy in coaching Beacon Directors and community school coordinators. She has served the San Francisco Beacon Network for over a decade with a 3 year stint as a Beacon Director at A.P Giannini MIddle School. She received her undergraduate degree in Comparative Literature at UC Irvine and Masters Degree in Educational Theater at New York University.
Crystal Cervantes
Program Manager
Crystal has worked in the Beacon Network for over eight years, with experience coordinating various community-based programs at A.P. Giannini Middle School, and is now embarking on a transformative journey with SFBI as a Program Manager focused on BIPOC Youth Liberation. Crystal was born and raised in Los Angeles but has called San Francisco her home for over a decade. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology with complementary studies in Child Psychology from SFSU, she continued her academic journey by earning her Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis on Public Policy. Crystal is extraordinarily passionate about creating a positive impact on social justice and equity in the public education system. When she isn’t enthusiastically dedicating her time to uplifting her community, Crystal enjoys curling up with a good book, running around one of the city's many scenic parks, or decompressing through a mindful yoga session.
Lota Gaetos-Miller
Operations Coordinator
Lota oversees fiscal operations (in concert with the Tides Center), communications, and manages the committee, Beacon Bridge. Her career spans nonprofit youth development in Visitacion Valley and Excelsior-Ingleside, which included tutoring, leading enrichment classes, summer programming, and Saturday programming. Her growing experiences in programming led her to become a site coordinator. Lota graduated from San Francisco State University, with a minor in Asian American Studies and a B.S. in Biology Physiology.