Karina Velazquez, a former recipient of the Jim McEntee Scholarship, is a first generation college graduate from San Jose State University. Karina earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies and an Associates of Science and Associates of Arts degrees from San Jose City College. As a college student, Karina worked full time in several agencies serving the County of Santa Clara, including the Registrar of Voters and the Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles and Silicon Valley. Currently, Karina oversees the operations of over 200 after school classes/activities at various underserved, Title 1 high schools in San Jose. Funded by the Federal Government through the California Department of Education, the programs’ focus is to bring academic achievement, enrichment, school safety, and student leadership to high school students that would otherwise not have these opportunities. Karina has also devoted her time to serve as a mentor for youth and first generation college students. Her passion is to continue serving her community and help open doors for immigrant and first generation college students.