Our Team

Bernard's commitment to mentorship and community service began through direct outreach to individuals and families in his community.

From 2013 to 2019, he provided community outreach support to individuals experiencing homelessness and people working toward recovery from substance addiction. His service included distributing food, helping individuals with transportation to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, providing mentorship and encouragement, and facilitating Bible studies and opportunities for church participation.

From 2017 to 2019, Bernard organized and led mentorship activities, prayer groups, and Bible studies for at-risk youth in Guam. He worked closely with boys approximately 6 to 12 years old, providing positive mentorship and creating opportunities for them to experience environments outside of their everyday circumstances.

Activities included trips to movies, restaurants, water parks, beaches, and community events. These experiences were intended to encourage positive social interaction, confidence, personal development, and a broader perspective on what was possible for their lives.

Through these relationships, Bernard personally witnessed meaningful changes in many of the young people he mentored. He saw participants become more respectful toward one another, move away from fighting and other harmful behaviors, encourage and support each other, and develop greater concern for their families and communities.

These experiences helped shape Bernard's belief that consistent mentorship, positive experiences, encouragement, accountability, and exposure to new opportunities can have a lasting impact on a young person's development.

That philosophy continues to influence the mission and programs of Gear Up today.

Gabriela Escobedo brings extensive experience in community health, outreach, advocacy, and organizational support. Since 2018, she has served as a Senior Community Health Worker in Austin, where she connects individuals and families with healthcare, education, and community resources.

As a bilingual professional in English and Spanish, Gabriela is committed to supporting diverse communities and helping families access the resources they need. Her background in customer service, financial transactions, recordkeeping, and daily operations also supports her responsibilities as Treasurer.

Gabriela is proud to serve on the Gear Up board and contribute her experience, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening programs that support children, families, and the community.

Jacqueline has built her professional experience around communication, service, organization, problem-solving, and community engagement.

She currently works as a Community Health Worker with the City of Austin's Austin Public Health department, where she engages with diverse community members and stakeholders, supports public health initiatives, connects individuals with services and resources, and contributes to programs designed to improve community well-being.

Her work requires effective communication, thoughtful coordination, critical thinking, and the ability to work with people navigating a variety of needs and circumstances.

Jacqueline also brings experience in organizational development, public speaking, process improvement, team building, staff development, customer service, and community outreach.

Earlier in her career, Jacqueline worked in a healthcare support role serving military service members, retirees, beneficiaries, providers, and their families.

Her responsibilities included reviewing and resolving medical claim issues, processing enrollment payments, creating and updating referrals, explaining program information, interpreting eligibility requirements, providing required documentation, and preparing daily referral reports.

This experience strengthened her ability to manage detailed information, communicate policies and procedures clearly, maintain accurate documentation, and coordinate information between individuals and organizations.

As Secretary of Gear Up, Jacqueline brings these transferable skills to the organization's leadership team. She helps support organized records, meeting documentation, internal communication, information management, and continuity across organizational activities.