Monday, February 10, 2025

10 Things About Eva Pacheco & Excellence and Justice in Education

Share

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi.

Excellence and Justice in Education (EJE) was founded by Eva and Jesus Pacheco over 30 years ago. What began as a small grass-roots parent advocacy organization evolved into EJE Academies, the dual language TK-8th grade independent charter school providing quality bilingual education for all students attending EJE Academies. EJE Academies is a 90-10 dual language (Spanish & English) school serving 800 low-income students, with a waiting list of about 700. EJE Academies is a space where the needs of the whole child are met. EJE strongly believes that by providing support to the entire family, EJE is investing in their students’ success.

Eva Pacheco

#1 I grew up in León Guanajuato, México. My husband, my children and I immigrated to the US in 1989.

 

#2 I came to this country with my family as an undocumented immigrant who did not know any English.

 

#3 I am very alert in the morning; it is when I do my best thinking. The peace and quiet gives me time to prepare for the day, eat breakfast, exercise and be ready for our students and families.

 

#4 Every free minute I have, I immerse myself in a book. I love reading.

 

#5 Our dog Luna is a 14-year-old poodle mix. She is our walking partner and beloved companion.

Eva Pacheco with children

#6 Since my children and grandson are here in San Diego, there is nowhere else I would rather be.

 

#7 The United States is one of the only monolingual countries in the world; it is time to start recognizing multiculturalism and bilingualism as an asset.

#8 As an immigrant parent seeking quality bilingual education for my children, I soon learned the school system wasn’t made to support literate students who were learning a second language (English) and came from low-income families. This experience led to a lifelong career advocating for quality bilingual education programs for all students. The advocacy work also included organizing and teaching parents to be their own children’s educational advocates.

 

#9 Educating the whole child includes providing proper nutrition, physical activity, emotional support, preventative health and college/career support to our entire school community, including graduates and their families.

 

#10 The aging buildings on our campus have not been renovated since the school was built in the 1960s. The importance of creating a campus specifically designed for students and teachers to excel is vital and necessary. EJE Academies is in the initial stages of a capital campaign, “Pave the Way” for EJEA.

Eva Pacheco NONPROFIT

www.ejeacademies.org

Lori Walton
Lori Walton
My love and appreciation for nonprofit work began in college when I was selected to represent UCLA’s undergraduate service organization. As a student, I didn’t have a lot of money to donate but I quickly learned that I could make an impact by giving my time. All you have to do to make a difference in someone’s life is care. For the last 30 years, San Diego has been my home. During this time, I have served on over 17 boards and chaired 27 fundraisers. No matter how much work I do with nonprofits, I am always amazed at the number of awesome causes and dedicated supporters out there. San Diego definitely has the best weather in the world but what makes San Diego America’s finest city are the people. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to live in a city that has so many kind and selfless souls who genuinely care about making our community a better place for everyone. As Giving Back Magazine’s Philanthropy Editor, each week, I feature a hero and the causes that are creating a positive difference in our world. Always remember that philanthropy is about more than giving money, it’s about caring enough to help others who are in pain. So, go out there and make every moment count!

Read more

Latest