Hi! My name is Lorena and I was the first Student Engagement Intern for San Diego Unified. I graduated in 2022 from Scripps Ranch High School and am now studying Political Science at SDSU. 

In high school I was an active member and leader of several clubs on campus including Chess, Circle of Friends, CSF (California Scholastic Federation), Debate, French, and Spanish Clubs as well as the Varsity Tennis and Badminton teams. From 2020-’22, I contributed as a member of my school’s SSC (School Site Council), Principal’s Advisory Committee and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) focus groups. In 2020, I was selected as a member of the Student Advisory Board. This kickstarted my passion for advocacy at the district level. My senior year, I co-led the Student Advisory Board as the board’s Vice President and represented students on various committees including those seeking student input on the academic calendars for the 2023-’24 and 2024-’25 school years, Standards Based Learning, Superintendent Selection panel and police reform, among others. In addition to this, I also helped organize and put on events like the Salute to Excellence and the two Meet the Student Board Member Candidates Forums.

In college, I knew I wanted to continue the work I had started in high school. When the opportunity of an internship opened up, I jumped at the chance! I knew that in this role I would be able to play a role in bringing students and the district closer together.

My goal is to centralize and highlight relevant opportunities, student organizations, district news, and scholarships for all students in San Diego Unified through various strategies (including this site, the @sdusdstudents Instagram page, and the monthly student newsletter), bridge the gap between district to student communication, increase student engagement, and empower students across our district because I believe students should be active partners in their education, not just recipients.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions! My email is lford@sandi.net.

Hi! My name is Jacqueline and I’m the current Student Engagement Intern for San Diego Unified. I am a senior at East Village Middle College High School and have been in SDUSD since preschool. I will be attending the University of California, Berkeley this fall, majoring in Political Science. 

I became involved in the district in 2020 when I joined the Student Advisory Board (SAB) as a ninth-grade student. Before joining the Student Advisory Board, I was very uninformed about anything related to the district I had been a part of my whole life. However, I found a passion for being involved in the district and voicing my opinion, which prior to joining the board I never felt mattered to anyone. 

I was able to serve three terms with the Student Advisory Board, one of which was as the Director of Equity and Inclusion. In that role, I worked hard to ensure that the application process for the board was equitable and fair to all the students who applied. This allowed the board to elevate more diverse voices and have a proper representation of the district as a whole. I have also taken part in the Superintendent Selection Panel where I worked to be a voice of the students during the very important process of selecting the next Superintendent of the district. Over high school, I have been able to deeply enjoy the work I’ve done within the district, especially when it comes to elevating student voices. 

When the amazing opportunity to be the student engagement intern came up, I found that it was something I had to do. I love the work I have been able to do and take it very seriously. Helping bridge the gap between students and district leaders is something I pride myself on. 

I hope to continue the amazing work Lorena has already done. I want to ensure that San Diego Unified students have access to resources and opportunities that will serve them well. This can be having access to scholarships, student organizations, district news, and opportunities. My work includes fighting to increase student engagement within the district to ensure that students are informed about decisions that can affect their education.

Outside of the district, I work with Barrio Logan College Institute where I am part of the planning committee for Circulo De Mujeres and have been involved with the Leadership Council. At school, I currently serve as Interact Club president and am part of the senior committee. During my ninth-grade year, I was also the Gay Straight Alliance club secretary. I have also been involved in the graduation ceremony committee and ASB.

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have and love hearing other students' voices. So please, feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions! My email is jdeanda@sandi.net