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OUR TEAM

Founder and President

Leslie Miller Saiontz is a philanthropist, educational activist, and impact investor. Leslie founded Achieve Miami in 2015 with the goal of launching, scaling, and developing programs that narrow the opportunity gaps facing low-income communities. Into addition to serving as the President of the board at Achieve Miami, Leslie chairs the board of the Miami-Dade chapter of Teach for America, a national organization building a massive network of outstanding leaders who have committed at least two years to teaching in low-income neighborhoods. Before launching Achieve Miami, Leslie spent decades as a successful entrepreneur in retail and real estate. Leslie’s proudest accomplishment is seeing her six grown children dedicate their time and resources to strengthening their own communities.

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Meet Our Team

Lydia Muñiz

Interim Executive Director
Prior to this role, Lydia served as Interim President & CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound and did the same for Amigos for Kids. With over 40 years of professional non-profit leadership experience, Lydia served for 30 years as the President and CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. During her tenure, the organization grew exponentially, where over $ 40 million was raised to grow its services and realize the organization’s dream of owning its own permanent “home”, “the Carnival Center for Excellence”. Through her company, LIVE YOUR DREAMS, Lydia helps social impact organizations unlock new opportunities for growth, sustainability, and fundraising effectiveness. Amongst her clients, are Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Centro Mater Foundation, Rebuilding Together, Brooke USA and The Education Fund. Ms. Muniz holds a B.A. from InterAmerican University, San German, Puerto Rico and a Master of Science in Social Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. Muniz’s post graduate education also includes Harvard Business School’s “Strategic NPO Institute,” the Aspen Institute in Colorado, and Bank of America’s Neighborhood in Excellence Leadership Institute.

Rachel Saiontz Geary

Director of Philanthropy
Rachel is Achieve Miami’s Director of Philanthropy, where she proudly spreads the word about Achieve and works with partners and donors to support the Achieve Miami programs. Rachel has worked with and at Achieve Miami for many years and has formerly served as Director of Summer Programs and Interim Executive Director. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Princeton University and a Masters in Education and Social Change from the University of Miami. Rachel is a Miami native, a Teach For America Miami-Dade alumnus, and after marrying her middle-school sweetheart, she is now proud mother to Bensen, Jude, and Emma.

Maria Gabriela Castro

Administrative Director
Maria Gabriela was born and raised in Machala, Ecuador and lived in Massachusetts for 3 years before moving to Hialeah, FL at 11 yrs old. She attended the University of Central Florida where she earned a B.A. in Anthropology and certificate in TEFL, and fell in love with understanding culture and diversity. Since graduating, she has been working in non-profit organizations, most notably 7 years at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science where she wore many hats through her tenure including positions in the Education and Guest Services departments. Maria Gabriela is passionate about making education accessible to all and serving her community by understanding cultural needs. In her spare time, MG loves to travel, try any and all foods, visit any garden she can, and go to the beach as much as possible!

Claudia Bojorquez

Deputy Director of Programs
Claudia is the Deputy Director of Programs at Achieve Miami. She is a driven leader with experience managing high-impact strategic media campaigns at both Univision and MTV Networks, which have mobilized thousands of people to take positive action in the areas of education, health, social justice, civic participation, and personal finance. Claudia also served as a member of Teach for America, where she taught 4th and 5th-grade math and science in Miami-Dade. Claudia graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in Policy Studies and Public Relations. She loves to travel, paint, play basketball, go to the beach, and spend time with her daughter, Ana-Isabel.

Isabella Tozzi

Director of Professional Development & Digital Inclusion
Isabella is the Director of Program Innovation and Evaluation at Achieve Miami. She was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and moved to sunny South Florida when she was five. She is very passionate about education and the students we serve! She began her career at Achieve Miami after her first year teaching and incorporating a project-based curriculum, which she weaved into her teaching in the Lenora B. Smith Elementary School classroom. During the pandemic, Isabella continued utilizing technology to enhance student learning and is now working on building Achieve Miami’s information technologies and program evaluation. She works with The Miami Foundation on our collaborative initiative, Miami Connected! She is continuing her journey and impact at the University of Miami, pursuing a Master’s in Community and Social Change.

Adrienne Lemon

Financial Manager
Adrienne serves as Achieve Miami's Finance Manager, brings over 25 years of comprehensive accounting experience in both profit and non-profit sectors. Holding a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and a Master's in Accountancy from Florida Atlantic University, she adeptly oversees financials and budgets. Her unique insights help streamline financial management. Beyond work, Adrienne loves to travel, taste new foods, and embrace novel experiences.

Stephanie Oshinsky

Director of Community Engagement
Stephanie Oshinsky, our Director of Community Engagement, works diligently with students, parents, and community partners to ensure that everyone has a positive and meaningful experience with Achieve Miami. She has been with Achieve Miami since its inception, serving as a key liaison between Achieve and the Greater Miami community. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys concerts, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Fritz Dorigo

Director of Music Programs
Fritz Dorigo is the Director of Music at Achieve Miami. He was born and raised in South Florida. In 1992, after graduating from Barry University with a B.A. in Music, he began to pursue a career in the music business. In 1996 he signed his first recording contract, and in 1999 scored a regional hit with his band, Crease, and secured a second record deal on Roadrunner Records. Fritz has taught guitar, piano, bass, and drums in music schools and privately in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties. He founded an artist management and label services company in 2012, Rock Power Management where he has worked with Alex Di Leo, Brother Sundance, Jim Camacho, and Stokoff. Fritz is very excited to bring all his knowledge and experiences to Achieve Miami and to help students develop their musical skill.

Lauren Bien-Aime

Director of High School Programs
Lauren is a first generation Miami native and graduate of The University of Florida. At UF, Lauren received a Bachelors of Science in Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition and was involved in many community service organizations and academic fraternities. As a Teach For America Alumnus, she had the opportunity to weave her passion in STEM with community service, and come back to South Florida to teach in both Miami Dade County and Broward County Public Schools. Some of Lauren’s hobbies include anything related to food and biological science, traveling, educating others on health and nutrition, as well as biking.

Stephanie Albury

Manager of High School and Alumni Programs
Stephanie is the Manager of High School and Alumni Programs at Achieve Miami. Born and raised in the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos, she is passionate about serving her community and advocating for children and young adults. Her devotion for her community and youth stemmed from actively participating in nonprofits at a young age. She has served in multiple leadership capacities for several nonprofits through Miami Dade County and Broward County. Stephanie has an Associates in Early Childhood Development and is a Silver Knight Award recipient in Speech. Stephanie spends her free time traveling, relaxing in nature, crafting and with family.

Marcus Torres

Program Manager
Marcus was born and raised in Miami, FL, but spent his high school and college years in Indiana, where he attended Wabash College (Go Little Giants!) and received a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature, with two minors in Rhetoric and Philosophy. A highlight of his college career would include studying abroad in Havana, Cuba where he explored his Cuban roots. After eight years in the Midwest, Marcus returned home to Sunny South Florida to begin his teaching career with Teach for America. It was during his time there that he discovered a deep passion for building community and empowering others. Marcus hopes to do the same at Achieve and in the communities we serve. In his free time, Marcus likes to read, ride bikes, run, and travel. So, if you have any recommendations on books, bike routes, or travel destinations, send them his way!

Laura Calero

Philanthropy Manager
Laura Calero is the Communications and Development Associate at Achieve Miami. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she moved to Los Angeles when she was 18 years old to attend the University of Southern California where she earned a B.A. in Communication. During her four years in college, Laura spent most of her time volunteering at local non-profits where she developed a passion for mission-driven work and appreciation for cultural diversity. She has studied different forms of music, theater, and art throughout her life, in which she experienced and learned the significant impact that the arts have on social and mental wellbeing, as well the educational benefits they provide. In her free time, Laura loves to paint, practice yoga, or spend time at the beach.

Devang Dave

Evaluation and data quality manager
Devang brings a solid background in data analysis and automation, showcased through a diverse array of professional experiences. Devang is dedicated to robust data quality management and evaluation analysis, focusing on key performance indicators for the improvement of students and the community. In his previous role as a Data Analyst at the NYC Department of Transportation, Devang collaborated with stakeholders and applied advanced machine learning techniques to predict floods, achieving real-time image classification. As a Senior Analyst at Ernst & Young LLP, he played a key role in automating data processes, conducting thorough analyses for conflict-of-interest scenarios. Devang holds a Master's degree in Applied Urban Science and Informatics from NYU Tandon School of Engineering. In his leisure time, he enjoys soccer, stargazing, and streaming new shows.

Dana Rosenberg

Director of Saturdays and Summer Programs
Dana Rosenberg is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner committed to fostering a love of reading through exploration and engagement. With a Master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University, she has excelled as an educator, curriculum designer, and director of education and programming at the zoo. Dana's passion for reading began in elementary school and continues to shape her work today. She has led educational programs for over 400,000 children and coached new teachers to enhance their skills. Dana combines her enthusiasm for reading with a commitment to making learning accessible and enjoyable for all.

Corina Suarez

Philanthropy Coordinator
Corina (Cory) Suarez, born in Miami and raised in Sarasota, Florida, brings a unique blend of energy and warmth to her work. Growing up in a multicultural household, she developed a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity and a love for exploring and celebrating different cultures. Cory holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional and Technical Communications from the University of South Florida. Combining her academic background with extensive experience in client care has enhanced her ability to foster relationships, drive innovation, and deliver thoughtful, efficient solutions. Forever passionate about education and the power of learning, Cory is dedicated to creating positive change for future generations. Outside of work, Cory enjoys discovering local coffee shops, staying active, traveling, and adding records to her vinyl collection.

Our Board of Directors

Anshu Motwani

Bayview Asset Management

Claudia Chagui

NBCUniversal

Claudia Grillo

University of Miami

Eric Pinto

PwC

Evelyn Langlieb Greer

Evelyn Langlieb Greer, P.A.

Gonzales Austin

SVB Leerink

Kevin Ruiz

Northeastern University

Leslie Miller Saiontz

Achieve Miami

Rebecca Fishman Lipsey

The Miami Foundation

Russell Benford

Royal Caribbean

Samantha Hoare

Amplify

Stephen Bittel

Terranova Corp

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