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 Executive Director of Achieve. She is also the Co-Founder and former CEO of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), where she spent more than two decades advancing its core purpose: to empower young people to improve their lives and the lives of others.
Melissa began her career in New Orleans through Teach For America and later worked on reforms within Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. In 2004, she founded YEP – initially focused on supporting young people transitioning from incarceration – and grew it into a comprehensive youth development organization, internationally recognized as an innovative leader in high-quality programs for young people.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Melissa’s leadership has been recognized with several honors, including Woman of the Year by CityBusiness (and later 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
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
