This month, we’re shining a spotlight on four incredible members of our United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) team — Jackson Bourgon, Katya Navarrete, Catherine Burbank, and Elena Ladislao — our dedicated United Readers Mentors! Each of them plays a vital role in helping local students strengthen their literacy skills, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
As United Readers Mentors, Jackson, Katya, Catherine, and Elena work directly with students from kindergarten through fifth grade, helping them build foundational reading and fluency skills. Whether it’s connecting with a child one-on-one or celebrating progress in the classroom, they’re making a lasting impact on the next generation of readers in Southern Nevada.
Each mentor brings a unique passion and perspective to their work. Jackson, who was inspired by his experience with Opportunity Village and background in early childhood education, loves connecting with students in the community. Katya joined UWSN because she believes deeply in helping children thrive academically and finds joy in seeing their growth each day. Catherine’s inspiration comes from her own children (“my littles”) and her enthusiasm for helping others learn. And Elena is driven by her passion for giving back and her belief that supporting children today helps shape a stronger future for all.
Outside of mentoring, this talented team enjoys a wide variety of interests—from Dungeons & Dragons and Pilates to singing with the Las Vegas Master Singers and exploring local attractions like Red Rock Canyon and the Adventuredome. Together, they remind us that learning can happen anywhere—and that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Learn more about the United Readers program and how you can support early literacy in Southern Nevada at uwsn.org/earlyeducation