Luis Valentino

Q&A

What aspects of CISLA's mission resonate most with your personal values?
~What resonates most with me about CISLA is its unwavering commitment to supporting the whole student. The organization's holistic approach—addressing both academic and nonacademic barriers such as hunger, housing instability, and healthcare —became clear to me when I visited Jordan High School and met with some of the CISLA students. This aligns deeply with my values of equity, compassion, and social justice.


What is the most compelling reason you believe in the importance of our organization?
~The most compelling reason for my belief in CISLA is its concerted effort. For five consecutive years, CISLA has achieved a graduation rate of 99% or higher. In a city where many face systemic barriers, CISLA's consistent, measurable results prove that sustained improvement is possible.


How do you see CISLA making a positive difference in the lives of students and families in the Los Angeles community?
~CISLA makes a tangible difference by embedding trained Site Coordinators directly within schools. This allows for immediate, personalized support through a three-tiered system, which includes school-wide services, targeted group programs, and individualized support.


What sets CISLA apart from others working in this field, and why is that important?
~What sets CISLA apart is its embedded site support staff model and its multi-tiered support. These elements combine to make CISLA's model both highly effective and scalable—a blueprint for systemic change in education.


Have you attended an event or met a student who has significantly impacted you and motivated you to continue supporting CISLA's mission?
~I was inspired to be part of the CISLA board after my conversations with board members and my visit to Jordan High School, as well as reading through the organization's impact stories. Whether it's students gaining new confidence after participating in career panels or families overcoming major barriers with CISLA's help, the testimonials are deeply moving. CISLA's ongoing adaptation to student needs—such as its mental health initiatives and community partnerships—continues to motivate my support.