Jesse Diaz

Born and raised in the working-class neighborhood of Boyle Heights, Jesse is a proud
first-generation college graduate. His journey in education and youth empowerment
began after earning his bachelor’s degree at Doane College, where he pursued his
passion for football. However, an injury ended his playing career, leading Jesse to
discover his passion for servant leadership—supporting youth facing systemic barriers
and championing education.
He pursued an opportunity in the nonprofit space, serving as an AmeriCorps member
with City Year San Antonio, an experience that solidified his decision to pursue a career
as an educator. Returning to Los Angeles, Jesse pivoted back into athletics, earning his
Master of Science degree in Sport Administration while coaching football as a graduate
assistant at Eastern New Mexico University.
Most recently, Jesse had the privilege of serving as a Partnership & Recruitment
Manager with Propel America, a job-first higher education nonprofit. Propel America
exists to serve students from historically marginalized communities, providing an
alternative pathway to upskill and gain access to meaningful jobs in healthcare in less
than one year.
He is genuinely excited to bring his diverse background and experiences to the
Partnership Success Manager role.