Jaime Balboa

Executive Director at 826LA

Jaime Balboa is the Executive Director of 826LA, a nonprofit organization focused on providing writing and literacy support to students aged 6 to 18. He has a rich background in both education and nonprofit leadership, having previously served as the assistant dean of Undergraduate Education at UCLA, where he worked on initiatives aimed at closing achievement gaps for vulnerable students.1 2

Career Background

Before joining 826LA, Balboa held significant roles in various nonprofit organizations, including:

Chief of Staff at Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco, which assists homeless and runaway youth.
Director of Public Education at the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.
Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon, an LGBTQ advocacy group.2 3

Contributions to 826LA

At 826LA, Balboa integrates his passion for writing with educational advocacy. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in education, particularly in light of recent societal traumas. Under his leadership, 826LA serves approximately 6,000 students annually through various programs that include after-school tutoring and writing workshops.1 3 Balboa is also involved in training staff and teaching writing courses, aiming to foster a supportive community for young writers.1

Writing and Personal Interests

Balboa is also an accomplished writer, having published a collection of short stories titled Missing Possibilities in 2023. His writing often reflects on societal issues and the experiences of marginalized communities.1 5 In his personal life, he has a strong commitment to social justice and community service, rooted in his upbringing in a family actively involved in nonprofit work.1 2

Vision for Education

Balboa's vision for 826LA aligns with its mission to empower students through creative expression and literacy, ensuring that every child has access to quality writing education. His leadership style focuses on building community among students and fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and creatively.3 4