Jon Porter (He/Him)

I am a community leader, member of the LGBTQIA+ community, an educator at heart, and someone that wants to see each and every person succeed on their own path. I am driven to see to it that all learners are able to overcome the many barriers which can be faced when seeking their opportunity to thrive. 

As a multi-generational (fourth generation) college student, I faced several challenges with discovering myself as a gay man as well as navigating the college system with a single parent/income household with two younger siblings to support and ensure that my education would not create a burden that would impact my siblings own ability to seek their own path and thrive in life as well. I am a Central Valley Native born and raised, I was born in Tulare, CA and Tulare is where I currently reside. I attended College of the Sequoias Tulare Campus where I achieved my Associates of the Arts degrees and then transferred to Fresno State.

I completed my Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Education with a focus in Animal Science and passion for Agricultural Business, which fueled my passion for education, the importance of equitable opportunities and individual empowerment. I have also completed my Master's in Business Administration through Quantic School of Business and Technology while working full time and continuing my community involvement, which helped me understand the range of education opportunities and offerings which students can pursue depending on their learning styles and passions. 

My passion is for the continued successes of all learners, that they are able to get the same opportunities that I did through scholarships, themtorships, and a community which wants to see them succeed. As Director of Finance & Operations I plan to continue to support and ensure the continued success of Central Valley Scholars as well as ensure the continued growth of the organization and the vision/mission of the Founders, the Board, and our Executive Director.