When she was five years old, Julie (Juliana) Villanueva first stepped into a KidWorks’ classroom as a preschool student.

Now a freshman business major at Orange Coast College, Julie overflows with gratitude and thanks for the journey she’s taken with us from childhood to young adulthood.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, Julie perfectly exemplifies the true meaning of the holiday.

This is how she describes her KidWorks’ experience:

“I am incredibly thankful for KidWorks and all they have done for me and so many others. This program has been a life-changer, providing support, guidance and opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and academically.

“KidWorks provided me with tools to succeed and shown me that I have the power to make a positive difference in my community. I’m deeply grateful for the mentors, staff, volunteers and all the people behind the scenes who make this program possible.”

Recently, Julie shared her story with attendees at our October “Rosé on the Bay” fundraising event, an evening filled with food, wine and inspiration overlooking the scenic Newport Harbor.

She took the stage for an interview with Amanda Zimmerman, a commercial real estate development professional and Julie’s KidWorks’ mentor. Amanda was also our February 2023 “Volunteer of the Month.”

“KidWorks helped me with the opportunity to attend and graduate from Mater Dei High School, enroll in college, secure a scholarship and so much more,” Julie told attendees. “Never in my life could I have imagined dreams like this coming true for me.”

She added, “KidWorks taught me to overcome so many obstacles and to never give up, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I am forever grateful.”

Since 2022, Julie has been a dedicated volunteer during our after-school programs for both second and eighth graders.

“Julie gives our students so much to admire and look up to,” says Rachel Cervantes, KidWorks’ Volunteer Manager. “I’ve witnessed Julie’s growth over the years, having first met her when I was her fourth-grade teacher in our after-school program. The growth and maturity I see in her makes me confident that she will continue to succeed and strive for her dreams.”

“I help the students with homework, while being a positive influence and teaching good manners,” she says. “I also assist with administrative duties at the center. KidWorks has shown me the power of community and how one person can make a big difference in someone’s life.”

Anyone observing Julie can see how well she’s accepted and respected by our students as she volunteers in the second-grade classroom led by Fernando Estrada, a KidWorks program assistant.

Julie brings a mix of warmth and discipline that’s the result of her own time as a young student at KidWorks.

“I am able to look back to when I was a student and be more understanding of other students’ situations,” Julie says.

She adds, “Students are also able to feel more comfortable knowing that I was once in their shoes. It creates a bond of trust and understanding. They feel supported by someone who’s been there.”

Julie has big plans for her future as she considers the perfect career for her talents and interests.

“As of right now, I’m still trying to figure out exactly which career path I want to take,” she says. I plan to earn my real estate and notary licenses soon. I’m also considering attending law school after graduation.”

She adds, “Because of KidWorks, I’ve been able to dream bigger and work hard towards a brighter future.”

KidWorks is deeply grateful for Julie and the impactful ways she’s guiding our students on a path that’s just as inspiring as her own.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

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