Staff

Dara Cerwonka, Executive Director, started with Operation Jump Start in September 2004. After graduating from Providence College, she received her Master's degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York. Since then, she has worked for numerous organizations designing and implementing health and human service programs for the community. Among her experience, Dara served as Executive Director of an organization serving women and families on Long Island.

Noreen Cruz, Program & Resource Development Coordinator, joined Operation Jump Start in June 2007. Noreen is primarily responsible for the development of new programs for our mentored students and acquiring resources to support program operations. She plans and coordinates all fundraising events which include the annual Scholars Day Celebration and the prominent Holiday Gallery of Trees. In addition, she works closely with the Executive Director to establish collaboratives with other youth-oriented organizations. Noreen earned her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with a minor in Psychology from California State University-Long Beach.

Mayra Alvarez joined Operation Jump Start in April 2007 as the part-time Program Assistant. Mayra is responsible for assisting with the case-management functions of the organization and providing Spanish-language translation as needed. She also works closely with the Program and Resource Development Coordinator on new initiatives. When not at OJS, Mayra attends California State University, Los Angeles full-time. She is scheduled to graduate next year. Mayra is also a graduate of the Operation Jump Start Mentoring program.

Samantha Lang, Case-Manager, joined Operation Jump Start in June 2007. She is responsible for identifying the incoming students and recruiting the mentors for the program. She also manages the progress and performance of Operation Jump Start students and the student-mentor teams. In addition to this, she plans and coordinates the educational workshops, cultural activities, community service events and social activities each semester. Prior to working with Operation Jump Start, Samantha worked for 3 years with a non-profit organization serving foster youth in Orange County. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from University of California, Santa Cruz.