Alberto Esparza with IRise Foundation
IRise Foundation is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to providing STEM education to underserved and underrepresented communities.
Alberto Esparza founded Si Se Puede Foundation in 1993 and retired from the organization in December 2021 to pursue other career opportunities and create the I Rise Foundation and which will continue to provide STEM and other educational programs to girls of color, Native American Youth and support LGBTQ+ Initiatives.
Alberto earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and obtained his master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. His efforts teaching young people the importance of education is on-going as has and will continue to develop the next generation of community leaders and engineers.
Alberto has served on several volunteer boards and commissions, including the Phoenix Human Relations Commission (HRC) and as co-founder of the City of Phoenix national award-winning cultural diversity program, “We’re all on the Same Team.” While serving on the HRC, he served as ambassador for cultural diversity by promoting opportunities for positive exchange among diverse groups through community outreach, education and cultural diversity awareness. 
Over the last thirty-four years, Alberto has been a bridge builder and leader in providing community programs that improve the quality of life and strengthen communities, families and youth in the Phoenix East Valley. Alberto is highly visible in low-income communities within the East Valley, listening to the needs of the residents and providing programs that empower children and families to enrich their lives by participating in programs such as STEM/Robotics and other educational programs offered by the I Rise Foundation.
Under Alberto’s 34-year leadership, approximately 30,000 youth and community residents have left with a life-changing experience. Alberto takes pride in serving underserved populations and looks forward to expanding the STEM/Robotics and Scholars Programs to other communities in Arizona. Alberto’s charisma and ingenuity has opened doors to unlimited opportunities for encouraging communities to become more active in providing children with the necessary tools to be successful.
Connect with Alberto on Facebook.
