Jacob grew up in Lemoore, Calif. — a small town about 40 minutes south of Fresno. Raised in a family of educators, he learned early in life about the many challenges teachers face to create change in the classroom and board room. Following their example, Jacob developed a desire to connect with people and lift them up, which led him to embark on a nine-year journalism career focused on telling stories in communities that otherwise wouldn’t be told.
He received a BA in history and BA in journalism while at Fresno State and worked with the Fresno Bee covering breaking news while he was a student. He has volunteered with Youth Homes to support foster youth in the Bay Area and Baja Bound to build homes for the working poor in Mexico.
Jacob decided to transition away from journalism with the goal to create positive change on a larger scale. He believes that Educators for Excellence is the perfect fit for his passion to elevate education for all students — regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances — and his storytelling ability.