Originally from the Salinas Valley, Andrea has worked on community building and paths to higher education for youth since her days as student at Hartnell Community College. There, she worked as a tutor  with ESL students and international students while helping to organize conferences and workshops for local kids. Later, she earned her BA in History and MA in Humanities from Cal Sate Northridge while continuing to work as a tutor and as a project assistant for a grant offering Assistive Technology through the National Center on Deafness at CSUN. From 2011 to 2017 she coordinated the MEND Afterschool program in Pacoima, CA growing the program to serve 100 children each semester with tutoring, field trips and special youth & family events. Some of the most rewarding moments came from meeting, training, working with and learning from the many volunteer tutors that came through the youth services department doors to give their time and talents.

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Her husband, three daughters and new baby boy are a constant source of support and inspiration to her. She enjoys cooking big, yummy meals for her family, and should have probably gone to culinary school.

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Connect with Andrea for questions regarding Connectopod  scheduling, curriculum, package options, sponsorship and donations at ALopez@connectopod.net or 818-400-7594.