The Spotlight Is On: Joann Castillo

The article below featuring Joann Castillo was recently published in her employer’s publication: Accenture Spotlight on People

JoAnn Castillo helps inner-city youth pursue their college dreams

August, 2008

Knowledge is power-power that JoAnn Castillo, has been passing on to underprivileged high school students for eight years now. As a volunteer with the East Bay College Fund (EBCF), she mentors underprivileged young people struggling to earn a college degree.

“I believe all students, regardless of background, should have equal access to educational opportunity,” explained JoAnn, Level C-Financial Services. “As a mentor, I listen, help students prepare for unfamiliar situations, encourage them to seek help, and follow up with gentle urging. The ultimate goal is to help them mature so they can make their own decisions.”

JoAnn became involved with education by volunteering for the Parent Teacher Association while her daughter was growing up. Eventually, her commitment to public education, diversity and student safety led her to the Community United Against Violence (CUAV), an anti-violence organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities. As a speaker with CUAV for 12 years, JoAnn frequently gave presentations to high school students.

“I found that I loved interacting with teenagers. The more questions they had, the more challenges they presented, the better,” said JoAnn.

JoAnn liked working with teenagers so much she got a certificate in college advising through the University of California, Berkeley. Through her classes, she learned about EBCF, which supports underprivileged college-bound youth through scholarships, counseling, building life skills and mentoring.

As part of EBCF’s scholarship selection committee, JoAnn read applications recounting the struggles of foster children, recent immigrants and others with difficult lives. Seeking to do more to help them, she became a mentor.

Providing a support net
So far, JoAnn has mentored two students, and admits she hasn’t always succeeded. Despite working very hard with her first student, Jose, he ended up dropping out of college after the first year.

“I watched as he made poor choice after poor choice because he didn’t know how to organize his own life to improve his chances for success,” JoAnn recalled. “For instance, because he didn’t enroll in housing, he ended up living in three different places, none of them conducive to studying.”

Although Jose was embarrassed by his failure, he still calls JoAnn for advice.

JoAnn’s next scholar, Ellen, became the first person in her family to attend college. She’s succeeding in pre-nursing courses at a local university. JoAnn stresses that this no small accomplishment, especially given the immigration problems and other challenges Ellen faces.

Not only has JoAnn helped improve the lives of others, they have enriched hers along the way.

“I learn from my scholars. They invite me into their lives to witness the world from their perspective,” she says. “They broaden my horizons as much as I try to broaden theirs.”

More information
East Bay College Fund

Contact
joann.castillo@wamu.net