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Clarisa was a Youth Alliance student 10 years ago, began volunteering with the organization, and is now a Program Leader.
“During my elementary school years I joined the Power School program, not knowing how much of an impact it would have on my life today. The program provided a safe environment for me and all of my program leaders were always willing to help me through any hardships I had. Whether it was something as simple as putting a smile on my face to checking in on me and listening to how I felt. My program leaders had a positive impact on my life, and till this day many of them continue to impact me in positive ways that have helped me grow as a person. With that being said, I decided to volunteer in the program as a Youth Mentor and it gave me the experience of helping students with homework and being able to create a bond with them, that showed them I was willing to listen to them and support them. Now, I am a program leader and in the past few months, I have truly enjoyed being able to carry on that safe environment and support the children that the program provided for me in the past.”
-Clarisa Velazquez
Nancy started as Program Leader in October 2012, and then promoted to a Program Coordinator from 2015-2019. Since then, she left to finish her bachelor's degree and is now working as a teacher. During the summer, she would help out at Super Summer Camps and work as a substitute at various school sites. Nancy also helped at YA’s Neighbor Sites and during the Census and WeVax community outreach projects.
“My journey at Youth Alliance has reminded me every day of why I wanted a career in Education. I am honored to have been, and continue to prepare myself to be in the lives of children, youth, and their families! My responsibility as a Maestra is to continue to share wisdom, joy, and love within our Comunidad. Youth Alliance has provided many tools that can and will benefit the children I see on a daily basis. Thank you Youth Alliance for allowing me the opportunity to build these relationships, connections, and forever experiences.”
-Nancy Garcia
Youth Alliance Youth Engagement Advocate
“To me being a youth advocate is being able to assist our youth in developing their skills in all areas of life. (Education, social justice, health, and employment.) You want them to advocate for a positive change in their world and have them think about what is really important to them. Being able to empower our youth and engaging in active roles when it comes to advocacy. Giving them the voice they have always had but were scared to use it. Also, getting them to engage in civil society. Making the youth know how much they mean to their community and how they are the future leaders of tomorrow!”
-Riana Salazar
Enrique’s introduction to Youth Alliance was through a highschool support group. He wanted to be involved in as many positive activities as possible, and to participate in football and wrestling despite his physical and economic barriers. With the support from YA’s staff, he did not only participate in both sports but continued to do so all 4 years of highschool while participating in YA’s programs as a member, a volunteer, and mentor. He maintained a 3.55 GPA and passed multiple AP tests. Enrique was awarded more scholarships than any other student in his school year. Enrique graduated with a bachelors in education and linguistics from the University of California Riverside. Since graduating Enrique has been working as a teacher in training with the plan to soon enroll in graduate school to obtain his masters to become a full time elementary school teacher for a dual language academy. During his time at UC Riverside Enrique was involved in multiple organizations, worked as a community outreach assistant/manager for a nonprofit, became a USIBA academic all american, worked as a behavioral interventionist for students on the spectrum all while being on the dean's list. Enrique credits his success and ventures to his time in GUIAS and continued mentorship from David Gutierez.
“One of the best memories that I had with the group and Mr.G is when we went to visit Stanford University. Taking a tour at Stanford made me realize that college was not something that I could take lightly. I had to work hard and be dedicated in order to someday attend a four year university. Without visiting Stanford I sincerely believe that I may have not taken high school academics as serious. Not only has GUIAS helped me become more vocal in expressing my opinion, but it has also helped me become more involved in the community. Without GUIAS and Mr.G I think that I would have never been involved in Tech Wizards* which was the best volunteer experience that I had throughout high school. Due to being involved in GUIAS throughout my four years of high school I believe that my high school experience has been a lot better than what it may have been if I had not been involved in GUIAS and Mr.G’s group.”
-Enrique Ojeda
