Our Team
PODER is run by students and recent graduates who volunteer their time to tutor, mentor, and guide the next generation through free academic support. Meet the team turning that mission into weekly tutoring sessions, mentorship, and community partnerships.
Meet the Team
Each of our tutors brings their own background, subjects, and story to PODER.
CEO / Founder
Tim is a graduate of Emory University, where he earned a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Growing up in a multicultural environment and speaking English and Korean, Tim developed an appreciation for how language and culture can shape a student's access to education, mentorship, and opportunity. After graduating from high school, he also spent several months living in Argentina, learning Spanish and was inspired by the breadth of Latin American culture.
Tutor / Mentor
Adrian Vazquez is a recent graduate of Emory University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. During his undergraduate career, Adrian gained experience in clinical care, research, teaching, and community service. He worked for two years as an emergency department medical scribe and served as a Scribe Ambassador, where he helped train and support new scribes. He has also volunteered at a local community clinic, assisting with patient care and providing Spanish interpretation, and has contributed to molecular biology research at Emory. Adrian is passionate about medicine, service, tutoring, and improving access to resources within his community. On his free time he likes to exercise or play video games.
Tutor / Mentor
Emiliano Lara is an alumnus of Emory University with a B.S. in Biology and is currently applying to medical school. During his undergraduate years, Emiliano served as a Supplemental Instructor for Biology II, leading review sessions for a course of about 100 students and reshaping his sessions based on student feedback. He also mentors and tutors Spanish-speaking children through Recursos para Padres, a community organization supporting Hispanic families, where he helps with parent workshops as well. As a bilingual volunteer at Clínica de la Salud Hispana, he worked with patients from underserved communities, focusing on making health information clear and accessible. Emiliano is passionate about education, medicine, and making sure language is never a barrier to learning. In his off-time, he enjoys tennis, gaming, and trying new restaurants.
Tutor / Mentor
Frank Martinez is a current 4th-year undergraduate at Emory University, working towards earning his bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Throughout his undergrad years, Frank was involved in screening events providing free resources to Hispanic and Latino communities in Atlanta. He also had the opportunity to travel abroad to India to learn about Tibetan Mind-Body Science and how it can potentially be implemented into modern day medical practices in impoverished communities. He has also volunteered in the Children's Hospital of Atlanta in the NICU and the Emergency Department, and has worked in pain research exploring the usage of neuroimaging techniques to understand chronic pain conditions. Frank is passionate about medicine, research, and supporting local communities through providing accessible resources. In his off-time, Frank enjoys cooking, gaming, and running.
We're always looking for tutors, mentors, and organizers who want to give students the support they deserve.
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