New building closeangle

About

Empowering families in North Fair Oaks through community, wellness, and academic success

Our Mission

LEVANTAR UPLIFTS IMMIGRANT FAMILIES IN NORTH FAIR OAKS AND REDWOOD CITY—OFFERING EDUCATION, CULTURAL ENRICHMENT, AND RESPONSIVE SUPPORT THROUGH TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS.

Levantar logo color v2

Since 2007, we’ve walked alongside families and students in North Fair Oaks, building relationships that last. Through gentrification, school closures, the pandemic, and even our own forced relocation, we’ve stayed.

Our dedicated team meets the needs of our community and partners with local schools, congregations, businesses, and city leaders. Together with hundreds of volunteers, we help students and parents grow — in literacy, life skills, confidence, and connection. Academic support, cultural celebrations, and learning workshops are just a few of the ways that we foster belonging and connection. This work brings together generations and cultures, planting seeds of hope and lasting change in our community.

North Fair Oaks is a vibrant neighborhood near Redwood City, known for its cultural richness, resilience, and strong community spirit. Families here create a welcoming environment full of tradition, connection, and possibility — the very spirit Levantar celebrates and supports.

¡Levantar!

Our History

The vision for Levantar (formerly Generations United, or GU) arose from empathy. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area to immigrant parents and raised by a single mom, Pastor Angie Ibarra-Miller possesses intimate knowledge of the challenges many families must overcome.

After 25 years of professional service in the corporate sector, Angie left to devote her life full-time to empowering struggling families in the Redwood City community. In 2012, a pilot program for an after-school evening program was initiated at the local Hoover Elementary School.

This cooperative and holistic endeavor formed the philosophical basis for Levantar, a community-based organization that has reached over 1,000 children at schools in Redwood City and the North Fair Oaks neighborhood.

Backpack drive

  • Children Reached Annually

    0+

  • Volunteers Mobilized

    0+

  • In Seed Grants

    $0+

Our TEam

  • Angie headshot

    Angie Ibarra Miller

    Founder and Executive Director, Pastor

  • Keith

    Keith Miller

    Director of Operations

  • Candice photo

    Candice Bún

    Communications and Administration Manager

  • Cryatal t

    Crystal Ibarra Tapelu

    Social Media

  • Juancarlos bio pic scaled

    Juancarlos Cancilla

    Volunteer Coordinator/Community Liaison

  • Josselin Antonio Juarez

    Josselin Antonio Juarez

    AEC Site Associate

  • Ana betty photo scaled

    AnaBetty Lopez

    Program Assistant

  • Jenny headshot

    Jenny Yip

    Administrative Support

  • Daniela gochez

    Daniela Gochez

    AEC Associate

additional support

  • Enrique rodriguez lopez

    Enrique Rodriguez-Lopez

    College-Age
     Mentor

Our Board

Career Opportunities

Do you have a love for children, and a passion to see them reach their full potential as learners and productive members in their communities?

Are you…

  • Good with people
  • Responsible and hard-working
  • Eager to contribute your skills with a dedicated team of staff

Interested in..

  • Increasing your awareness about the broken systems of our
  • Practicing the cross-cultural bridge-building necessary to foster lasting, positive change?

If so, we encourage you to apply for a role with Levantar.
We are currently accepting applications for the following positions (click on the job title for the job description):

Timeline

¡Levantar! has empowered families since 2007 through the power of Proximity, Presence and Longevity.

Building a Foundation

  • Founded and Incorporated Generations United
  • Angie was on full-time staff at First Resort, then CityTeam Ministries
  • Moved efforts to Redwood City
  • Launched the San Mateo County Youth Network to empower youth pastors and mobilize the youth of our area.
  • Began serving with Peninsula Covenant Church
5 mid

Local Partnerships Formed

  • Partnership with Sequoia High School led to Moms ESL launch at Kennedy Middle School
  • PCC Partnership – Beautiful Day/Kennedy Christmas Store
  • Launched Moms ESL at Taft, Hoover, Fair Oaks, and Garfield schools
  • Partnerships with RWC Parks and Recreation, Redwood City Library, Redwood City Police Department, Redwood 2020, and a local church 
  • Evening Family education programs – computers, fitness, ESL, and more
Moms esl

Redwood City Reads

  • 2015 – Redwood City Reads was birthed at Roosevelt, Hawes, Taft
  • 2015 – Launched John Gill Redwood City Reads
  • 2017 – Expanded to Schaberg Library with a budget of $60k (Roosevelt School)
Young man reading to a small boy

Expansion of Partnerships

  • Thanksgiving Dinner at Fair Oaks School
  • Ballet for girls in NFO in partnership with the American Academy of Ballet
  • Menlo Church Compassion weekends
  • Young Men’s Service League (YMSL)
  • Taekwondo Classes with Henry Villar of Victory Taekwondo
  • Expanded partner relationships with Central Peninsula Church, Menlo Church, and Sequoia Church
  • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grantee (2017-2023)
Ballet
Tae kwon do

Dance and Academics

  • 2019 – Partnered with Danza Colibrí to offer dance & music classes for our students & community
  • 2019 – Secured space in a local church to independently operate our first AEC (After School Enrichment) with 4 staff
  • 2020 – Pivoted to providing academic support to students’ distance learning. Partnered with Verbo Church & Connect Community Charter School
An older man and young boy reading

Pandemic & Community Care

  • Food Distribution, Renaissance, Measure K, Sobrato
  • Warren Slocum (San Mateo County) feasibility study, $500K for small business owners
  • Summer Camp at Calvary San Mateo
  • Moved into Second Avenue & established AEC headquarters
  • Over 40 Partnerships with churches, businesses, schools, and others
  • Partnered with Laurel Arts for a Community Mural and CZI Community Room
  • Key Milestones: $500k budget and 200+ Volunteers, 20 Sponsors, Partners, and Grants
Levantar team loading food

Pastor Angie

Angie became a credentialed Pastor with the Evangelical Covenant Church

Angie headshot

Summer Camps and Entrepreneur support 

  • Expanded Summer Camp to 8 weeks in partnership with Peninsula Covenant Church, including VBS with the Salvation Army
  • Mental Health Art Summer Camp “Art Changes Lives”
  • Business Class 101 with 50 graduates qualifying for over $500K in seed grants for Small Businesses
  • Increased grant strategies with Stanford, Sobrato, and the County of San Mateo
Art Changes Lives

Community Learning and Engagement

  • Stanford Community listening groups
  • Salud Sabrosa Nutrition class partnership with Multicultural Institute & Sequoia Healthcare District
  • Beyond OK Mental Health classes partnership with Sequoia Healthcare District held at KIPP School.
  • Carpentry classes with Mr. John of Kids Carpentry
  • Partnership with Hope Horizon EPA for Summer Camp
IMG

Rebrand and Grand Opening

  • Name Change to ¡Levantar!, updated mission statement, launched new website
  • Moved into a new location (881 Hurlingame, RWC) and hosted a Grand Opening Celebration
Levantar logo color v2

Every contribution Makes a difference

Join us today!

Meghan Crowell

Meghan Crowell

Board Member

Meghan Crowell is a highly respected community leader and attorney who has made community service a lifelong commitment. She currently serves on the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women, where she works to advance policies and partnerships that improve the lives of women and families across the county. Meghan is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Episcopal Day School of San Mateo, where she helps uphold the school’s mission to prepare students to be leaders of positive change in the world. In addition, Meghan serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Help a Mother Out, where she supports efforts to expand access to essential resources for families with young children across the Bay Area. An active volunteer, she continues to support Peninsula families through her work with organizations including Peninsula Family Service, Samaritan House, CORA, and There With Care. On a personal note, Meghan enjoys spending time with friends and family—preferably with plenty of laughter and good food.

Stevejoh

Steve Joh

Board Member

Steve is a community builder, pastor, justice advocate and mobilizer. He brings two decades of pastoral experience in a wide variety of roles at two churches and is currently building a network of innovative, small, missional spiritual communities. A resident of East Palo Alto, along with his wife Amy and two girls, Steve shares a passion for bringing thriving to under-resourced communities and bringing people together for the common good. Steve loves spending time with his family, baking bread, making bacon, creating music, and is obsessed with all things soccer (God's greatest gift).

Katrina valera headshot

Katrina Valera

Board Member

Katrina Valera is a home and family manager, homeschool teacher to her two children, and small business owner based in North County San Diego. Her experience in community service and leadership started in the Bay Area, where she was born and raised. Katrina’s background includes involvement in fundraising and event planning, along with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. She has led educational programs for children and served as a member of the Parent-Teacher Association. Katrina has a longstanding passion for serving others, dedicating her efforts to community, education, and health. She prioritizes nurturing family and community connections and creating supportive environments that foster learning and growth. Katrina loves creating art and going on nature walks with her family.

Edwin headshot rotated

Edwin Guzman

Board Member

Edwin Guzman is the lead pastor and one of the founders of Iglesia Cristiana SE, located in Rohnert Park, CA. He has been serving in ministry for over 20 years. He was ordained Pastor and graduated in Theology with a major in Bible Studies from Liberty University. He also completed his studies in Behavioral Science, and has accreditations as a Master Coach in Neurolinguistic Programming, Neuropsychotherapy, and Neuroscience. In 2024 and after 17 years of service working as a Counselor Supervisor Edwin retired from the County of Sonoma/Human Services Department. Edwin has been married for 29 years to Sandra and they have one young adult child. Edwin is a visionary who beiieves in empowering and uplifting others for a better future. He actively works to enable individuals within the church and community to reach their full potential, fostering a sense of self-worth, value, and positive change through support and encouragement.

Patricia Solis

PATRICIA SOLIS

Board Member

Patricia Solis is a nonprofit leader with more than 18 years of experience advancing education, equity, and community empowerment. Originally from Colombia, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a postgraduate specialization in International Finance, and a degree in Special Education for Early Childhood. Patricia began her nonprofit career at Women’s Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting women at risk through entrepreneurship and financial education. She later worked in the Development Department at the American Red Cross before joining BizWorld, where she has spent the past decade helping expand entrepreneurship education programs that inspire and empower youth. Patricia also serves on the advisory board of Apoyo Financiero and as Secretary of her local PTA, continuing her commitment to civic engagement and educational access. We are thrilled to have her on the Board at ¡Levantar!

The alzates 2025

MATEO ALZATE

Board Member

Mateo Alzate is a pastor and ministry leader with over a decade of experience serving in faith-based and community-centered organizations, particularly serving urban youth. His work is rooted in a deep commitment to Scripture, justice, and the flourishing of local communities. Mateo has served in pastoral ministry, leadership development, and holistic outreach, with a particular passion for forming leaders, fostering belonging, and supporting restorative work at both personal and communal levels.

Peter morris

PEter Morris

Board Member

Peter Morris was born and raised on the San Francisco Peninsula. He grew up as a young boy in Redwood City, and received his public education in the Redwood City’s classrooms. Fond of this experience growing up, Peter has a special heart for local schools, and the families that attend them. As he always has enjoyed, he has great love for physical fitness and outdoor activities of every kind. He also has a love of music, and now performs the trumpet with the San Jose Wind Symphony as one of its principal brass players. Peter serves as a investment advisor with Lincoln Financial, where he helps clients achieve their financial goals and plan for their retirement. Married for over 40 years, Peter and Fredda have four adult children and five grandchildren. They are active members of Peninsula Covenant Church and the Peninsula Community Center. Peter’s wife Fredda has been instrumental in developing relationships with children and families through tutoring weekly with Generations United.

Benita square

BENITA HOPKINS

Board Member

Benita Hopkins is known by all as an “agent of change,” a reputation she earned while serving as the director of community engagement for Love Never Fails, a nonprofit committed to aiding the trafficked population. She seeks to bring hope to children around the world who have suffered from shame and abandonment, for example, Ghana, where she has advanced efforts in violence prevention and aftercare programs for trauma victims. She was awarded “2015 Abolitionist of the Year” by the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking, and the “Working Women’s Award” by the Dr. MLK Jr. Association of Santa Clara Valley. These distinctions reflect her competence as a cross-cultural educator and a champion for social justice in communities like the ones she serves through GU. Prior to joining the Board, Benita served faithfully as our Director of Education and led our AEC at Schaberg Library. In the Summer of 2021, she will join us in a support role to continue to put her expertise to work for our families.

Enrique rodriguez lopez

Enrique Rodriguez-Lopez

AEC Associate

Enrique is from Redwood City and is currently a student at Canada Community College. He dreams about becoming a future business owner to be able to give back to his community. He’s very passionate about serving others and tries his best to help those in need. Enrique enjoys spending quality time with his friends and family.

Daniela gochez

Daniela Gochez

AEC Associate

Daniela is a Redwood City native who has long been connected to Generations United programming. She and her family have been an integral part of our community for many years. We were thrilled to welcome her in 2024 as an intern and now she has a permanent role as an AEC Associate. She is engaging with students and a hard-working student herself. We are so proud to have her on the team.

Ana betty photo scaled

Anabetty Lopez

Program Assistant

Ana Elizabeth is better known as “Anabetty”. She came to North Fair Oaks from El Salvador and is married to Martin Enrique Rodriguez, from Mexico. They have 4 children. She says “I love to learn something new every day. I love to cook and help wherever I can. If life doesn’t smile upon you, give life a smile.”

Jenny headshot

Jenny Yip

Administrative Assistant

Jenny grew up in San Mateo with her divorced mother and three of her seven siblings in a one-bedroom duplex. She has since lived, worked, and worshipped in the San Francisco Bay Area, attending college at UC Berkeley. Together for over 20 years, Jenny and her husband, Jason, have been raising their two children - a collegiate daughter and a high school son - in Belmont.

God blessed Jenny with a job straight out of college in high-tech consulting, followed by another at an internet consulting company. Early in her career, she felt called to use her God-provided technical and consulting skills and experience to serve Christian organizations, including local churches, Billy Graham Crusades, and Family Life Ministries. In addition to her spiritual gift of administration and expertise in project management, Jenny has a passion for organization. She has helped fellow moms in her MomCo and Moms in Prayer groups declutter and organize their homes. Now, she’s excited to use her God-given gifts and skills to support the Levantar team in furthering God’s kingdom in North Fair Oaks and Redwood City.

Kopo USA

Kopo Tapelu

 Facilities and AEC Support

Bio coming soon!

Josselin Antonio Juarez

Josselin Antonio Juarez

Family EnGagement Coordinator/AEC Site Lead

Josselin is a native of the Bay Area. She was born in Redwood City, moved away for a few years, but has been calling the East Bay home since 2010. She studied Sociology at UC Berkeley and has a passion for helping others and giving back to the community. During her time at Berkeley, she was the Events Chair Officer for Direct Action for Farmworkers, a student-run mutual aid organization dedicated to helping farm workers and their families. Josselin brings valuable experience as a former youth program coordinator, where she helped design and lead a summer art program for an after-school center. Josselin will be the point of contact for families as well as the lead of the AEC and help coordinate community events.

In her free time, Josselin is all about baking up tasty treats, showing off her dance moves, and enjoying quality time with her family. If she's not catching up on the latest shows, she's out discovering new eats and catching live music with friends!

Juancarlos bio pic scaled

Juancarlos Cancilla

Volunteer Coordinator/Community Liaison

Juancarlos, born and raised in Redwood City, graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in biology in 2022. He is a dedicated pre-medical student eager to give back to the Fair Oaks community before beginning his medical school journey. With a strong background in clinical research, he sought a meaningful shift into community service, where he could use his skills to make a real difference. Previously, Juancarlos lent his support to Levantar’s after-school Taekwondo program, helping local youth develop confidence and resilience. Now, he’s thrilled to expand the organization’s reach, aiming to leave a lasting positive impact on the community. Juancarlos will be working directly with volunteers in our AEC as well as helping to coordinate our community events.

Outside of his commitment to service, Juancarlos enjoys exploring the Bay Area, whether it’s hiking along scenic trails, visiting quirky local spots, or discovering hidden gems in the city. Juancarlos also finds joy in soaking up the energy of live performances and experiencing the diverse music scene that the Bay Area has to offer.

Cryatal t

Crystal Ibarra Tapelu

Program Manager/Social Media

Crystal is a Bay Area native and long-time staff member of Levantar. She has worn many hats - including AEC Site Director all throughout 2020, and supporting our students and families throughout the pandemic. She currently works as our Social Media Manager and provides leadership to our on-site AEC team. She is a mother of 2 and has been married to Kopo since 2012. They have traveled the world together and we are blessed to have them in Redwood City working with our team.

Keith

Keith Miller

Director of Operations

Keith joins us from Vancouver, WA with a broad business development, leadership, and entrepreneurism background. He has had a vision for over 25 years to support small businesses. We are grateful that he has brought his gift to Levantar and will lead our efforts in 2021 as we empower small businesses past the challenges of 2020.

Keith joined to partner and provide small businesses and families support in the challenging times of the pandemic.

Keith is the Dad to two adult daughters and has been married to our Executive Director, Angie Ibarra Miller, since 2020. In his free time, Keith spends time with his bride and the beautiful community we serve, plays tennis, and loves to sail when he can.

Candice photo

Candice Bún

Communications and Administration Manager

Candice is a native of the Bay Area, growing up in Millbrae and San Bruno, and finally making her way to Redwood City where she and her husband lived with their son until the fall of 2017. Living part of her life as a high schooler in her ancestral Mexico, she developed a deep love for her heritage and language, bringing these to the Latino community she served faithfully in the Bay Area. She has volunteered and worked in various non-profit settings related to youth and families, including working on the ground with Levantar as well as the Mission Preparatory Charter School in San Francisco where she served as the communications director.

She loves spending time with her husband and family, traveling and exploring places she has never seen before. In fact, in September of 2017, Candice and Norman packed up and moved across the country to the Charlotte area and in 2018, they bought a home in Rock Hill, just across the border in South Carolina. In 2019, they welcomed a baby girl to their family.
After serving for many years on the board, Candice rejoined the Levantar team as Communications and Administration Manager in a remote capacity in 2020. She travels to CA several times a year (and use technology outside of those visits) to stay connected with the work that still needs to be done.

Angie and a young lady posing for a photo

Pastor Angie Ibarra-Miller

Founder & Executive Director

Founder Angie Ibarra is a San Francisco native, born to immigrant parents but raised, along with several siblings, by a single mom. With an intimate understanding of the struggles of life on welfare, she has always held deep compassion for families in her community. 

Read more about Angie or book her for a speaking event