Jaleesa Hernandez

Synopsis: Jaleesa is a tech-savvy, dynamic 22-year-old with a mixed heritage of African-American and Mexican-American. She's a Digital Marketing Campaign Manager & Research Scientist in San Bernardino, CA, and she's on a mission to empower Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women by enhancing their digital literacies and technical skills through an Open Educational Resource (OER).
 
Summary: Jaleesa is a go-getter with a vibrant personality. She's a natural problem solver, always quick to crack a joke, and has an infectious enthusiasm for technology and digital marketing. She's known for her habit of turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth and her signature phrase, "Let's get digital!"
 
Role in the Story: As a main character, Jaleesa is the driving force behind the development of the OER. Her unique blend of digital marketing expertise and research acumen makes her the perfect leader for this ambitious project. She's passionate about bridging the digital divide and giving underrepresented communities the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.
 
Occupation: Digital Marketing Campaign Manager & Research Scientist.
 
Motivations & Goal: Jaleesa's primary motivation is to create a comprehensive OER that empowers Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women with digital skills and knowledge. Her goal is to break down barriers, providing free access to resources that will help these communities thrive in the tech world. She envisions a future where gender and ethnicity are no longer obstacles to success in the digital realm.
 
Conflicts: Jaleesa faces the challenge of balancing her full-time job with her commitment to the OER project. She also grapples with self-doubt, wondering if she's doing enough to make a difference. Her mixed heritage sometimes puts her at odds with the expectations of her community, leading to moments of internal conflict as she navigates her identity.
 
Narrative: Throughout the story, Jaleesa's determination and creativity drive the development of the OER. She faces setbacks, including budget constraints and technical hurdles, but her unwavering commitment keeps the project on track. Along the way, she forms deep connections with the people she's helping, further fueling her passion for digital literacy. As the OER gains traction, Jaleesa learns valuable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the power of community.
 
Jaleesa's journey is one of growth, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of a more inclusive digital world.