Last week, Navin Alavez, program director at YMCA of San Diego County’s Expanded Learning Programs (ELP) was recognized as a 2021 Season for Nonviolence Community Honoree by Escondido Unified School District. She accepted the award as part of their annual Escondido Unified School District Nonviolence Commemorative Event on April 21, 2021. This year’s awardees were honored for showing kindness towards others, being inclusive and respectful, and serving as an example of peace and nonviolence for others at their school and in the community.
About Navin Alavez
Navin Alavez began supporting students in the Escondido Unified School District After School Education and Safety Grant (ASES)-funded before and after school programs at Glen View Elementary School in 2013. She has worked with students at various YMCA ASES programs over the past seven years, and currently oversees operation of site supervisors, youth leaders, and support staff at 10 of the 16 ASES programs in the district.
Ms. Alavez is known for her willingness to collaborate with school administrators, staff, and families, and her focus on establishing and maintaining a positive and safe learning environment for her students. This year, Ms. Alavez was instrumental to the creation of a safe childcare option for students and families at Escondido Unified schools, quickly organizing her staff to provide on campus programming following all state and county requirements as early as last spring. She remained steadfast in her vision of ensuring the health and safety of Escondido Unified students, responding at all times of the day and night to make sure safety protocols were followed and that students had a consistent, reliable, safe place to connect, relax, and learn throughout the year. Her dedication, flexibility, and positive attitude has been a consistent source of strength for the community during the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms. Alavez is truly a model of grace, hope, peace, and inspiration for her staff, as well as for Escondido Union School District students and families.
