Javier Ortega

Family and Community Engagement Manager

He/Him/El
Hablo Español
jortega@breakthroughsv.org

Javier is probably the first person most students meet at the start of their Breakthrough journeys. As the Family and Community Engagement Manager, Javier leads the recruitment and onboarding of new students and their families into the Breakthrough program. He works closely with BTSV’s partners from the Franklin-McKinley and San José Unified School Districts to identify prospective students and support them throughout the admissions process.

Like the students he is recruiting, Javier grew up in South San José and is a first-generation college graduate, with a B.S. in Ethnic Studies and Political Science from Santa Clara University.

After graduation, Javier was an Education Policy Organizer at Sacred Heart Community Service, working with SJUSD families. He then moved to a Policy Analyst role at the office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee, covering the policy areas of public safety, transportation, and social justice, among others.

He is a huge Bay Area sports fan. In addition to the pro teams, you will also find him cheering on the SCU Broncos!

“What motivates me in my work is knowing I am supporting first-generation families on their journey to higher education through the different components of the Breakthrough program. I love seeing the students and families participate in workshops, summer classes, and college advising sessions.”