B4E
About us
History
The Bikes for Excellence Foundation was established in 2006, and the focus was primarily on increasing attendance. “I told students that if they increased their attendance, they would be rewarded; however, I had no idea at that time what the award would be…but I knew it would make an impact” said director, Martha Jaimes. “Educators and students certainly appreciate pizza parties and popcorn afternoons, but my goal was to provide a more tangible award.”
As a former HPD officer, Martha Jaimes wanted Bikes for Excellence to include a law enforcement component. There is a real issue between local, state, and national law enforcement and the community they serve. We want to mend the relationship, so that our students come to trust, not fear, law enforcement.
Mission
Promote persistence in education by empowering our students to take ownership of their future by proactively striving for excellence. The Bikes for Excellence Foundation was created to recognize exemplary elementary school students with a tangible award. During our experience with after-school and tutorial programs, we realized there was a need to help students increase their learning potential. We discovered that our students exemplify a more positive attitude toward learning when incentivized.
BOARD
DIRECTORS
Martha Patricia Jaimes
PRESIDENT
A native Texan from San Antonio. Martha’s family moved to Houston when she was still very young. She attended schools in the east end. Martha is a proud graduate from Charles Henry Milby High School. Martha was raised and continues to reside in the robust east end. After graduating from high school, Martha moved to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to attend college at the Universidad Regiomontana where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication.
Upon her return to Houston, she worked a short while at KQQA 106.5 FM as an on-air personality. She was also a free-lance writer for Texas Hispanic Magazine. Martha saw the need for better opportunities and started working for HISD as a teacher and continued going to school at the Houston Community College System and earned an associate degree in criminal justice.
After ten years in the classroom, Martha decided to join the Houston Police Department. She worked as a police officer and later as a polygraph examiner. Martha continued working as an adjunct instructor at the Houston Community College System teaching in the evenings. Martha returned to public education, seeking to grow yet again and attended the University of Houston Clear Lake to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Martha currently works at her alma mater as an assistant principal. She continues to teacher at the Houston Community College System in the evenings. Martha is very active in her community. She believes this is the community that helped shape her and therefore will give back. Martha is a member of several organizations that foster community service.
Yolanda Alvarado
V. PRESIDENT
Yolanda Alvarado, a native Houstonian, with a Masters of Social Work from University of Houston. Currently works for the Houston Independent School District as a Wraparound Specialist. She has worked in the education field in various capacities for most of her career. She’s provided educational services for: Houston Community College as a Campus Manager, City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services leading youth health initiatives, Director of Expectation Graduation, a non-profit initiated by Mayor White. Previously, she served as Director of Education for Planned Parenthood of Houston.
She also previously worked as a counselor in private practice. Her experience with youth and women provided her with special counseling skills for teens and women. She also managed educational outreach programs for Planned Parenthood such as: Brighter Futures, Promotora, and HIPPY Programs. The Brighter Futures Program has been nationally recognized as a program that “works” by experts in the field on teen pregnancy prevention and youth development.
Yolanda’s interest in film and photography led her to write and produce two award winning documentaries on women and reproductive rights: The History of the Women's Movement in Houston and The Fight for Choice: Houston's Pro-Choice Movement.
She served on the Living Archives Committee for The University of Houston Friends of Women’s Studies. As a member of this committee, she produced taped video interviews of women telling their personal stories for the University of Houston Library, 2002-1007. Because of her interest in oral history and the preservation of personal stories, she has been trained by Dr. Marchiafava, former Director of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center for The Houston Public Library.
Gilda Mendoza-Trostmann
TREASURER
Gilda Mendoza is a third generation Houstonian. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant, a wife, and mother to 2 daughters. As a parent she has spent countless hours volunteering at her children’s school and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She has worked at various corporations and state agencies including the Port of Houston and Clear Lake City Water Authority. Gilda has utilized her experience and knowledge to help organizations such as her parish, St Theresa, as a finance committee member, as the former treasurer for her civic club, and most recently as the secretary for her professional organization, Houston Women’s Society of CPAs. She has also volunteered at Casa Juan Diego, Loaves and Fishes, and Houston Food Bank. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteerism so she is excited to be able to apply her skills and talents to Bikes 4 Excellence in the capacity of treasurer.
Luis Civallero
SECRETARY
A native Houstonian, Luis graduated from Hendrix College where he earned a degree in History and competed in NCAA soccer for four years. He spent the first few years of his career at Murrah & Killough PLLC as a law clerk then after graduating Luis shifted his interest in law towards the public sector. He currently runs Joaquin Martinez's campaign for Houston City Council District I as Field Coordinator. Luis is a passionate public servant and proud board member of Bikes for Excellence. He spends his free time registering young people to vote as a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar, he teaches Sunday school to youth groups at First United Methodist Downtown, and still enjoys playing soccer on weekends.
Ty Kekoa
SGT. AT ARMS/MEDIA SPECIALIST
Ty Kekoa, a native of Hawaii, spent his formative years in San Antonio, Texas, completing his high school education. He furthered his academic journey at the University of Houston, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. With a diverse professional background, he served as a regional director for Battle Ground Texas, overseeing staff and managing data input for VDVR across multiple counties.
He then transitioned to roles in public service, working as an office aide for Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee and later at Former Mayor Sylvester Turner's Boards & Commissions office. Notably, he led Council Member Mario Castillo's successful 2023 campaign as campaign manager and currently serves as the Director of Constituent Services at Castillo's office. Beyond his professional commitments, Ty is an active member of LULAC Council 60 and enjoys staying active through pickleball and gym sessions in his free time.
Ashley Gorelik
CONTENT DESIGNER
I am a mother, educator, and wife with a passion to help people. I am committed to making a difference in the world, and I believe that education is the key to a better future for all.
As a mother, I am raising two young children who are my world. I am teaching them the importance of kindness, compassion, and hard work. I am also teaching them to be responsible and independent thinkers.
As an educator, I am passionate about helping my students succeed. I believe that all students can learn, and I am committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.
As a wife, I am a supportive and loving partner to my husband. We are a team, and we work together to raise our children and build a happy and fulfilling life.
I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and I am committed to using my gifts and talents to make the world a better place.
Gloria Alvarez-Rodriguez
EVENT COORDINATOR
Gloria Alvarez Rodriguez, a native Houstonian and an active leader in the community. Presently employed by City of Houston, as Director of Constituent Services for Councilmember Robert Gallegos of District I. She is a graduate of Incarnate Word Academy and a graduate of the University of Houston in Business Administration.
Ms. Alvarez Rodriguez has served as President of Hispanic Women In Leadership, a role she took to heart. She has served as Board Member & Chair at the YMCA Cossaboom as well as a Board Member of Texas Executive Women. Presently is a LULAC 60 Member & Board Officer, Advisory Board Member of Barrio Dogs, Board Member for Unity for Solution, & Board Member of Bikes 4 Excellence. Member & Board Member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 472 (Women). She belongs to the Navarro East End Community Council, a part of Yolanda Black Navarro Middle School.
Ms. Alvarez Rodriguez has been quoted as saying, “civic involvement was a major part of my upbringing and the greatest legacy that my parents have passed on to me.” She observed the art of giving through her parents who were directly involved in the Hispanic community working and striving to improve conditions for families, Seniors and kids. She is a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Jesse Rodriguez
CEI
Jesse Rodriguez is owner of J Latin Entertainment, Events and Etc. a one stop full service entertainment, production, marketing, campaign, consulting and promotional service company. Jesse Rodriguez is better known as DJ Jumpin Jess and is a lifelong resident of Houston. He has been in the entertainment, marketing, club and radio business for over 47 years. He has worked for companies such as the City of Houston Parks and Rec., United Airlines, BSP Events, La Mafia, KQQK 106.5, Puro Tejano 104.9, BandidoRadio.com, AmigosRadio.com, the Island Club, Tequila’s Club, Club Rio, ZAZZ, Tejano Rodeo in Dallas and Fort Worth, Voltage Discos and Entertainment, Hollywood Records Latin owned by Disney, PlazAmericas Mall, and various political campaigns. When Jumpin Jess is not spinning the music, emceeing an event, he may be promoting or coordinating special events in Houston or Las Vegas via email blasts, social media, radio or street marketing. He has received numerous awards, recognitions and accolades.
Belinda Ybarra
CEI
Meet Belinda Ybarra, a dedicated advocate with an unyielding passion for justice for pets. Belinda has been a driving force in raising awareness about local issues and promoting sustainable spay/neuter of cats and dogs.
Through community organizing and educational initiatives, with Barrio Dogs she has empowered individuals to take action for a better future. Belinda's commitment to positive change extends to her collaborations with organizations like Barrios Dogs and Magnolia Dia de los Muertos. Belinda is happy to be on board with Bikes 4Excellence and all that she is involved in with 5th graders in the elementary schools in her community. Her efforts inspire us all to protect our community & ensure a healthier, happier world for generations to come.
Erin Gonzales
CEI
Erin Gonzales is a proud Houston native and Texas A&M graduate. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and also completed a Pre-Law certificate. After graduation, Erin interned at Bose Public Affairs Group in Washington, D.C., gaining experience in education, technology, and energy policy.
Following her internship, she worked as a legislative aide for Texas State Senator Cesar Blanco. During the 88th Legislative Session, she supported Senator Blanco on the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee. She has since served as a policy analyst for Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado working on transportation issues for the state. She is honored to be a member of Bikes for Excellence and looks forward to uplifting students in HISD and giving back to her community.
Juan Pablo Cabello
CEI
Juan Pablo Cabello is a proud Texas A&M University graduate from the Class of 2022, where he majored in Political Science and minored in Philosophy. With a deep passion for politics, government, and public service, he has experience working in the Texas state legislature and in local government. Juan Pablo is currently pursuing a master’s in legal studies to further his commitment to public service.
ADVISORY BOARD
AMBASSADORS
Ambassadors
- Lonnie Reynolds Jr
- Oscar Romero
- Erin Gonzales
Advisory Board
- Ardis Eichhorn – Philanthropist
- CM Robert Gallegos – District I
- Eva Loredo – HCCS Board of Trustee
- Irma Galvan – Chef, Restauranteur, owner of Irma’s Original Restaurant
- Victor Trevino III – Justice of the Peace Judge Pct. 6
- Dr. Sergio Lira – LULAC President 4967
- Patricia Yvette Cantu – Assistant Chief Houston Police Department