The SAUSD Board of Education proudly recognized the exceptional leaders of the Nicholas Academic Center (NAC) for their outstanding contributions during last night’s meeting.
Since the 1990s, the NAC has transformed the lives of underserved youth by providing mentorship, academic support, and fostering a strong sense of community. The passion and dedication of the NAC team have profoundly shaped the organization’s impact, with each member playing a crucial role in advancing the mission of fostering educational growth and student success.
Their unwavering commitment has built a nurturing environment where students feel empowered to pursue their dreams. Special thanks go to Rodolfo Duarte, Jose Luis Ochoa, Diana Tercero, Elizabeth Mootz, Julieth Duarte, Miguel Beltran, Maddy Gonzalez Stoermer, Ilda Oropeza Zepeda, Fernando Martinez, Rosa Diaz, Pats Vazquez, and Valerie Magdaleno for their tireless efforts in shaping future leaders. Continue reading to learn more about them.
Rodolfo Duarte, Executive Director and NAC Alumnus
Rodolfo Duarte first joined the Nicholas Academic Centers (NAC) as a scholar in 2008, when the center first opened its doors. After earning his degree in Neuroscience from Wabash College, he returned to give back to the community that helped shape his success. Now, as Executive Director, Mr. Duarte leads with passion and purpose, championing NAC’s mission to provide every student with the guidance and support needed to reach their full academic and personal potential and graduate from college. His journey from scholar to executive reflects his unwavering commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for all NAC students. As Mr. Duarte says, "It is my time to let these students stand on my shoulders, just as I had the chance to stand on those who helped me." His dedication continues to inspire and shape the next generation of NAC scholars and staff.
Jose Luis Ochoa, Student Transportation Driver
For 16 years, Jose Luis Ochoa has been an integral part of NAC, safely transporting students to and from the center, enabling them to participate in after-school programs. His kindness, unwavering support, and dedication have impacted countless lives, providing not only vital transportation, but also encouragement and care. Mr. Ochoa's role goes beyond driving; he is a comforting presence who helps make the NAC a welcoming space for all. In fact, several former students, now NAC employees, fondly recall the kindness and support he offered during their time as students.
Diana Tercero, Director of Operations and Events
Since joining NAC in 2011, Diana Tercero has become an indispensable pillar of the organization. Her dedication ensures smooth daily operations and forms the backbone of the NAC’s success. Admired by her peers for her professionalism and commitment, Ms. Tercero plays a vital role in helping NAC students thrive in their college journeys.
Elizabeth Mootz, Director of Academics
Since joining the NAC in 2009 as a math tutor, Elizabeth Mootz has grown into her role as Director of Academic Services, playing a key role in supporting student achievement from 8th to 12th grade. She develops and oversees programs that provide academic guidance, mentoring, and the resources students need to navigate their paths from school to college and career planning. Ms. Mootz’s dedication has been instrumental in building the NAC’s comprehensive academic support system, ensuring that each student is well-prepared for success in college and beyond.
Julieth Duarte, Former Director of Mentoring and Social Services
Julieth Duarte, former Director of Mentoring and Social Services, played a vital role in shaping the organization’s compassionate, student-centered therapeutic services and advocating for students throughout their collegiate journeys. Her unwavering commitment is exemplified by her dedication to a first-generation student in need; when the student’s phone was stolen, Ms. Duarte helped her secure a new one while she was away at college, allowing her to maintain contact with her parents, who had recently returned to Mexico. This is just one of many examples of how Ms. Duarte and the NAC staff genuinely care for their students, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Board Member Brazer Aceves would also like to honor her brother, John "Johnny" Zapata, who was her dear friend and classmate in high school. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire the beautiful and compassionate work that Ms. Duarte does in our community.
Miguel Beltran, Chief Creative and NAC Alumnus
Miguel Beltran is a NAC alumnus who has now worked at the NAC for over nine years and currently supports students and staff as Chief Creative. Having once been a NAC student himself, Mr. Beltran brings a unique perspective on the transformative power of the organization. By leveraging his creativity and experience, Mr. Beltran inspires and engages the next generation, embodying the spirit of growth and opportunity that the NAC fosters.
Maddy Gonzalez Stoermer, Former Director of Mentoring and Social Services
Maddy Gonzalez Stoermer, former Director of Mentoring and Social Services, played an essential role in creating supportive and enriching environments for NAC students. Her dedication to mentoring and social services helped countless individuals navigate their academic and personal journeys, ensuring they had the resources and guidance they needed to succeed. Ms. Gonzalez Stoermer's compassionate approach and commitment to empowering students have left a lasting impact on the NAC community, inspiring both students and staff alike.
Ilda Oropeza Zepeda, NAC Board Member, Founding Member of NAC, and NAC Alumnus
Ilda Oropeza Zepeda, a NAC Board member and former student, is a staunch advocate for providing current students with opportunities to attend colleges that align with their dreams and aspirations. As a first-generation student who attended college out of state, Ms. Oropeza Zepeda has dedicated herself to helping other families navigate this experience with pride and confidence.
Fernando Martinez, Former Director of College Access
Fernando Martinez, former Director of College Access, played a crucial role in empowering students to pursue higher education. His dedication to providing resources and support helped countless students navigate the college application process and the challenges faced by first-generation college students, ensuring they had the tools needed for academic success and retention. Mr. Martinez's commitment to fostering access and opportunity has left a lasting impact on the NAC community.
Rosa Diaz, Former Executive Director, Founding Member of NAC, and NAC Alumnus
Rosa Diaz, former Executive Director and founding member of the NAC, has dedicated her life to empowering her community and Santa Ana’s youth, inspired by the mentorship she received from Judge Jack K. Mandel, a co-founder of the NAC. As one of the original “Judge’s Kids,” Ms. Diaz has tirelessly worked to nurture the talents of students and help them achieve their dreams of higher education. Her commitment to fostering positive change in the community and her passion for mentoring have left an indelible mark on countless lives, making her a true champion for the next generation. Ms. Diaz now serves as Chief of Staff at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Pats Vazquez, NAC III Alumnus, 2018
Pats Vazquez, a NAC III alumna from the class of 2018, graduated from Holy Cross College in Indiana as a first-generation college student. Board Member Brazer Aceves had the distinct privilege of getting to know Ms. Vazquez during a workshop for immigrant students at NAC III, and they have stayed in touch over the years. After graduating, she has made a significant impact by serving immigrant families through her work with an immigrant-serving organization, and she continues to support the next generation of NAC students. Ms. Brazer Aceves believes the world truly needs more individuals like Ms. Vazquez. It is Ms. Brazer Aceves's honor to be a small part of her remarkable journey.
Valerie Magdaleno, NAC I Alumnus, 2016
Valerie Magdaleno, a proud NAC alumna from the class of 2016, found her second home at the NAC, where she could rely on adequate study space and those famous NAC sandwiches to help her dedicate countless hours to her studies after cross country practice at Santa Ana High School. Fun fact: Rodolfo Duarte, the Executive Director of the NAC, was actually Ms. Magdaleno's AVID tutor at Santa Ana High! As a first-generation Latina, the resources and scholarships provided by the NAC laid a strong foundation for her education, enabling her to graduate from California State University, Fullerton, and earn a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. Committed to giving back, Ms. Magdaleno has worked as a program coordinator with the Parks and Recreation Department, reactivated the Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association as Co-President, and organized workshops on tenant rights for her community. Through initiatives like the back-to-school supply giveaway and advocacy for affordable housing with organizations such as CHISPA, Ms. Magdaleno continues to inspire and empower her community, embodying the spirit of the NAC.
