MEET THE TEAM
Our Story
A little over three years ago, Tony's little sister Candy was in a horrific car accident that nearly took her life. She went into a comma and spent many months in the hospital with family, friends, and a medical team by her side every day until she made a full recovery. When she left that hospital dancing - Tony became driven to pay it forward and give back to those around him. This experience led him to found Operation Give A Smile and help put smiles on as many faces as possible.
TONY JAKSTIS
President and Founder
From a young age, Tony has had an entrepreneurial spirit. In high school, Tony initiated the 'Anti-Prom' for over 300 students as a first class alternative to the standard high school prom. This parlayed into Tony's first company, Platinum Proms. Now, Tony is the co-owner of Casa De Lago Events, providing premier, full service event coordination at 5 different venues, alongside his brother and reputable Orange County-based business partners. After his sister's car crash, Tony committed himself giving back to those that find themselves in crisis, thus forming Operation Gift A Smile. Passionate about his family and his friends, Tony carries that same love into our organization.
LOREANI GUADALUPE
Vice President
Loreani is an Orange County native and Long Beach State University graduate with four years of experience in Public Relations and Communications for a Fortune 500 company. As a first born American, she is passionate about helping financially vulnerable populations and the Latino community. Loreani loves to travel, experience new foods and cultures, spend time with family, and has even ran a marathon to raise $3,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of a close family friend.
TIM LINEBERGER
Co-Treasurer
Tim has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Chapman University and is currently a Juris Doctorate candidate at Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law. With four years of experience in campaign management and fundraising, Tim is our legal and politics guy. He is an avid sports fan and found his love for traveling after circumnavigating the globe via ship at age 20.
BILL BRADDOCK
Co-Treasurer
Bill is a highly motivated Distribution Sales Engineer at DMG Corp in Orange, California. Having studied Business at Fullerton College, he has also volunteered his time coaching the women's basketball team and boy's youth travel team. Bill prides himself in being surrounded by a strong network of friends and business relationships. Married to his wife, Brittany, family means everything to Bill and he loves to give back to.
David Lee
Board of Director
With a passion for storytelling and documentary filmmaking, it’s a dream of David's to find the stories that aren’t being told and inspire those who watch his films to do their part to change our world. He is driven to bring awareness to the efforts of the organization and inspire as many people as possible through documenting of projects and events.
Isabella Paz
Board of Director
A Long Beach State graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Administration and minor in Child Development and Family studies, Isabella aspires to continue her education by obtaining her Masters, and giving back to the community every chance she gets. She is passionate about her family, traveling, and helping her community.
Alma Gomez
Board of Director
Alma is a Western Governors University graduate with a Master's degree in Business Administration. She attributes her achievements to the unconditional support of her family and friends. Her gratitude inspires her to work with the organization. Appreciating the little things, Alma has a light-hearted and humorous personality that is eager to gift smiles all around.
Victoria Jakstis
Board of Director
Victoria is a Long Beach State graduate with a Bachelor's of Science in Community Health Science. Her sister's car accident is what geared her even more towards the medical field. Victoria enjoys spending time with her family who means the world to her, and helping others by giving back to the community.
Vanessa Rigsby
Board of Director
Vanessa is a Cal State Fullerton graduate with a Master's of Science in Kinesiology. She has experience within the non-profit field and working with youth. She loves to give back to the at-risk and underserved communities and embraces life to the fullest. Her favorite quote to live by is, "Be the change you wish to see in the world" by Mahatma Gandhi.
