President and Founder Leslie Miller Saiontz
Leslie Miller Saiontz is a dedicated philanthropist, educational activist, and impact investor. In 2015, she founded Achieve Miami to launch and scale transformative programs that close the opportunity gaps within low-income communities.
Her work in the non-profit sector is backed by decades of experience as a successful entrepreneur in the retail and real estate industries.
While her professional impact is extensive, Leslie’s proudest accomplishment is her six children and seeing them dedicate their own time and resources to strengthening their communities.
Executive Director Melissa Sawyer
Melissa Sawyer is the former Co-Founder and CEO of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), where she spent over two decades dedicated to eliminating barriers to success for young people and families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Melissa moved to New Orleans through Teach for America and, after working to reform Louisiana’s juvenile justice system, founded YEP in 2004, the state’s first program dedicated to supporting young people transitioning from incarceration back to their communities.
Her transformative ideas and leadership earned her numerous honors, including Woman of the Year by City Business (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024), CEO of the Year by Biz New Orleans Magazine (2022), and New Orleanian of the Year by Gambit Weekly (2016).
Meet Our Team
Lydia Muñiz
Executive Consultant
Rachel Saiontz Geary
Director of Philanthropy
Claudia Bojorquez
Deputy Director of Programs
Maria Gabriela Castro
Administrative Director
Cynthia Blanco
Director of Recruitment, Engagement and Marketing
Stephanie Oshinsky
Director of Community Engagement
Isabella Tozzi
Director of Professional Development & Digital Inclusion
Fritz Dorigo
Director of Music Programs
Lauren Bien-Aime
Director of High School Programs
Dana Rosenberg
Director of Saturdays and Summer Programs
Marcus Torres
Senior Program Manager
Laura Calero
Philanthropy Manager
Emily Pendas
Manager of High School and Alumni Programs
Devang Dave
Evaluation and Data Quality Manager
Corina Suarez
Philanthropy Coordinator
Johanna Rivadeneira
Accountant
Our Board of Directors
