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OUR

PEOPLE

Nuestra

STAFF

Eder G.

Executive Director (he/him/el)

Patricia S.

Associate Director (she/her/ella)

Danielle B.

Grants Associate (she/her/ella)

Gary C.

Director of Development (he/him/ya'll)

Kathleen K.

Capacity Building Manager (she/her/ella)

Tania R.

Director of Grantmaking (she/her/ella)

Cristal R.

YMC Coordinator (she/her/ella)

Maile S.

Communications Manager (she/her)

Eder Gaona-Macedo

Executive Director (he/him/el)

Patricia Solorio

Associate Director (she/her/ella)

Cristal Robles

YMC Coordinator (she/her/ella)

Danielle Bollinger

Grants Associate (she/her/ella)

Kathleen Knight

Capacity Building Manager (she/her/ella)

Tania M. Reyes

Grant Programs Manager (she/her/ella)

INTERNS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Arcelia S.

President (she/her/ella)

Joyce H.

Vice President (she/her)

Annette C.

Board Liason to GMC (she/her)

Rachel J.

Treasurer (she/her)

Debbie G.

Secretary (she/her)

Eric C.

(he/him)

Fernando M.

(he/him)

Kristin F.

(she/her)

Kenya L.

(she/her)

Mahil S.

(he/him)

Quetzal S.

(she/her)

Eric Cárdenas

President (he/him)

Andrew Oman

Secretary (he/him)

Annette Cordero

Board Liason to GMC (she/her)

Arcelia Sencion

(she/her/ella)

David Silva

(he/him)

Debbie Goldsmith

(she/her)

Joyce Howerton

(she/her)

Kristin Flinkinger

(she/her)

Kyle Richards

(he/him)

Mahil Senathirajah

(he/him)

Quetzal Maria Sanchez

(she/her)

Ted Rhodes

(he/him)

Grant Making Committee

Lyiam G.
Co-Chair

(he/him, they/them)

Juliana N.

Co-Chair (she/her)

Robert G.
GMC Liaison to Board

(he/him)

Alhan C.

(he/him)

Deb K.

(she/her)

Hershelle M.

(she/her)

Kim J.

(she/her)

Alejandra E.

(she/her)

Lady F.

(she/her)

Lauren T.

(she/her)

Melissa S.

(she/her)

Rich S.

(he/him)

Nettie F.

(she/her)

Rosalyn C.

(she/her)

Victor A. C.

(he/him)

James K.

(he/him)

Lyiam Galo
Co-Chair

(he/him,they/them)

Juliana Neel

Co-Chair (she/her)

Robert Gibson
GMC Liaison to Board

(he/him)

Alhan Diaz-Correa

(he/him)

Deb Karoff

(she/her)

Kim Johnson

(she/her)

Lady Freire

(she/her)

Lauren Trujillo

(she/her)

Rachel Johnson

(she/her)

Rich Sander

(he/him)

Learn more about the Racial Equity Grant of the County of Santa Barbara Grant Making Committee HERE

Youth Making Change - North County

Lisbeth A.
Facilitator

(she/her)

Britney K.

Facilitator (she/her)

Angie G. N.

Shani P.

(she/her)

Erica R.

(she/her)

Jesus C.

(he/him)

Adriana G. I.

Nicolas L.

(he/him)

Audrey G.

Yaquelin V.

(she/her)

Kruz B.

(he/him)

Rafael Z.

(he/him)

Yasmin M.

(she/her)

Mariana R.

Yeonjae K.

(she/her)

Chae M. K.

(she/her/)

David L.

(he/him)

Bennett Sorenson
Facilitator

(he/him)

Cesar Vasquez

Facilitator (he/him)

Adam Pacheco

(he/him)

Audrey Gerardo

(she/her)

Britney Kwon

(she/her)

Chae Min Kim

(she/her/)

David Lee

(he/him)

Jesus Cayetano

(he/him)

Kaylee Tang

(she/her)

Kruz Balbona

(he/him)

Leslie Perez-Sanchez

(she/her)

Lisbeth Angeles

(she/her)

Nicolas Lucas

(he/him)

Rafael Zepeda

(he/him)

Shani Peinado

(she/her)

Yasmin Mendez

(she/her)

Yeonjae Kim

(she/her)

Youth Making Change - South County

Lorenzo L.

(he/him)

Marshall G.

(he/him/el)

Aliya S.

(she/her)

Irys G.

(she/her)

Isaac S.

(he/him)

Karina C.

(she/her)

Bradley M.

(he/him)

Blake K.

(she/her/ella)

Natalie M. V.

(she/her)

Brisa R.

(she/her)

Amelia S.

(she/her)

Saron O.

(she/her)

Priscilla P.

(she/her)

Angelique M.

(she/her)

Honorary Board

Nancy Alexander
(Founder)

Herman Warsh
(in Memoriam)

Sevren Coon

Don Olson

Kate Adams 
(in Memoriam)

Sarah Shoresman
(in Memoriam)

Susan Rose

Nancy Weiss

Selma Rubin
(in Memoriam)

Naomi Schwartz
(in Memoriam)

Nancy Franco 

Susan Bower
(in Memoriam)

Katy Peake
(in Memoriam)

Susan Jørgensen

Carnzu Clark
(in Memoriam)

David Peri
(in Memoriam)

Interested in joining our team?

VIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Eder Gaona-Macedo

Executive Director

Eder Gaona-Macedo has more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining the FUND, Eder served as the Senior Officer for Community Engaged Research at the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center (CSRC) where he led participatory action research throughout the State of California. He is also the former Executive Director for Future Leaders of America, an organization that provides leadership and education experiences to Latinx youth in California. During his seven-year tenure, FLA addressed education and health disparities through youth-led grassroots organizing efforts.” Under his stewardship, FLA increased its budget from $150K to $2M/year. 

In 2018, Eder co-founded the 805undocufund alongside CAUSE, MICOP, the McCune Foundation, and the Ventura County Community Foundation. The 805undocufund offers disaster relief to undocumented immigrants in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties during natural disasters, climate-related events, and pandemics. In 2020, under his leadership, the 805undocufund distributed more than $6.1M dollars to 4,500 undocumented families impacted by the COVID19 pandemic. 

Eder resides in Santa Maria with his wife Gloria and two puppies Pequitas and Chickis. 

Patricia Solorio

Associate Director

Patricia has been with the FUND since 2017 and currently serves as Associate Director. A mother of two, she has a passion for issues related to families and youth and as a daughter of immigrants from Mexico, she has a first-hand understanding of the need to protect and uplift immigrants. Patricia is a bilingual and bi-cultural community leader and native of Santa Maria who has a profound understanding of communities in North County. Prior to joining the FUND, she was with Future Leaders for over 12 years, including as Executive Director for Central Coast Future Leaders. Among her numerous recognitions, in 2016 Patricia received the Working Families Award from the Santa Barbara County Action Network for her many efforts to improve the lives of working families in the region.

Cristal Robles

YMC Coordinator

Cristal Robles is a dedicated community advocate, born and raised in Santa Maria. With immigrant parents from Oaxaca, Mexico. She grew up speaking English, Spanish, and Mixteco, enabling her to bridge language barriers and support the Mixteco-speaking community in accessing vital services. Cristal’s passion for community service and her desire to empower youth led her to pursue the position of YMC Coordinator. Drawing from her own upbringing and the support she received from mentors, she aspires to provide guidance and support to the young people in her community, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Danielle Bollinger

Grants Associate

Danielle Bollinger was raised in a multicultural family in Northern California before moving to Santa Barbara for college. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Studies and an outside concentration in Environmental Justice. Danielle’s passion for sustainability and social equity led her to move from her previous non-profit work to the Grants Associate role with the desire to empower and uplift her community. Danielle has a special place in her heart for Indigenous sovereignty, ensuring food security, and criminal legal system reforms.

Kathleen Knight

Capacity Building Manager

Kathleen is driven to help create a more just and sustainable world rooted in compassion and recognition of our interconnectedness, which is heavily influenced by her background as a tropical conservation scientist and community activist. An avid traveller, she is influenced by different cultures and peoples when working collaboratively to create foundational change that is as diverse as the world we hope to create. She enjoys surfing deserted beaches, cooking food for others, and reading with a hot cup of tea.

Tania M. Reyes

Grants Program Manager

Tania, immigrated to Santa Barbara from Jalisco, Mexico at an early age. Having been raised on unceded Chumash territory and recognizing the prevalent social injustices in our communities, Tania offers a uniquely insightful perspective into the root causes of local issues and the intersectional frameworks that connect us all. As the FUND’s Grant Programs Manager Tania supports our most vulnerable community members by fostering strategic partnerships aiming to address the root causes of issues directly impacting them. She is a proponent of social justice and progressive change and plays a crucial role in leading grantmaking efforts and coordinating grantmaking programs.

Eric Cárdenas

President

Eric Cárdenas is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of LOACOM, a movement-based marketing agency that cultivates, connects, and activates ecosystems of change-makers to build vibrant communities and nurture a thriving planet. Eric has expertise in marketing, community organizing, facilitation, policy development/design, and event management/production, and has worked at the Board/Staff/Advisory level with the Ag Innovations Network, Johnson Ohana Foundation, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Roots of Change, and others.

Andrew Oman

Vice President - North County

Despite being discouraged by some in his school system, Andrew was able to attend college (in the U.S. and Mexico), and graduate school. After many years as a newspaper reporter, he spent 17 years as a teacher of Spanish language. Always involved in his union and in social justice issues, he became a California Teachers Association staff member in 2009. In Santa Maria he works with teachers and classified staff in 13 union chapters in northern Santa Barbara County. I am a husband and father of two college graduates.

Annette Cordero

Annette Cordero was born and raised in Santa Barbara where she attended local schools including SBCC and UCSB. She is an enrolled member of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation. Prior to retiring in 2020, Annette was a faculty member at SBCC for almost 30 years. She also taught at Allan Hancock College where she served as the first Native American/Latina president of the Academic Senate. Over the past 42 years, Annette has been a community activist and member of numerous organizations, commissions and boards, including SBUSD Board of Trustees, Just Communities Central Coast, Latinos for Better Government, the original SB Tenants’ Union, PUEBLO, the SB County Affirmative Action Commission, the SB County Human Relations Commission others, consistently working on behalf of equity, access and inclusion for disenfranchised populations.

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Arcelia Sencion

Arcelia Sención lived with her four siblings in East Los Angeles until attending college in Santa Barbara. Her upbringing and participation in programs such as Upward Bound informed her values and awareness of inequities in various institutions, including education and government. For over 30 years, Arcelia has worked in the non-profit sector in mission-driven organizations, including gender-based violence and youth and families. Arcelia believes systemic and structural changes are essential to address societal disparities while providing a safety net for community members. Arcelia’s greatest gifts are her two daughters, Deyanira and Zoraida, who continuously challenge her to rethink and learn. She lives in the Santa Ynez Valley with her loving and supportive husband and Mero, their dog.  

DAVID SILVA

David Silva is the Senior Director of Development for Annual Giving at UC Santa Barbara and the recently elected Mayor of the City of Buellton where he and his husband Jason have lived for the last 5 years.  During his time on Buellton City Council, David has been focused on supporting social services within the City like funding Meals on Wheels for Seniors, community-funded art projects, and amenities and activities for the children of the City. 

David is excited to be part of the Fund for Santa Barbara to be able to bring his two career passions of supporting nonprofits and investing in government services to ensure communities continue to thrive and feel supported at the local level.

Debbie Goldsmith

I was fortunate to have been raised in a close-knit Italian family and community in Santa Barbara. I survived 12 years of parochial school, graduating with the “Woman’s Libber Award.” Thank you, Sister Maurene! On to UCSB! Along with my parents and husband, we operated a lighting store, P & P Lighting, for many years, before moving to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Twin sons, and Chapman University, I completed my Master’s in Special Education, along with two teaching credentials, and so began my second career in Special Education. During this time, I served as a Board Trustee for the College District (22 years), PTA at the unit and District level(current), YMCA Campaigner for 27+ years and counting, and President of my Teacher’s Union, having successfully unionized our Classified staff. Retiring formally from the school District in 2022, I most recently have started part time work for the Chumash Educational Center, where I will continue to do what I love; assist students in their academic journey, and support both students and parents accessing all the potentials of an IEP. But my greatest accomplishment, as the Matriarch of my family; Frankie, Anthony, Leo and Rai. My grandfather (Nonno) Luciano always said, “I would rather be born lucky then rich.” I am truly lucky!

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Kristen Flinkinger

An activist at her core, Kristin began her career in the LGBTQ+ arena as an intern for the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force in the ‘90s, and cut her teeth in politics managing a field office during the same-sex marriage campaigns of the 2000s.

At the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Kristin served as the Director of Programs for the world’s largest LGBT organization, and a Director of AIDS/LifeCycle, where she raised over $20 million for HIV services. Most recently, Kristin served as Executive Director of Pacific Pride Foundation, where she led an amazing team dedicated to ensuring a vibrant, thriving, and visible LGBTQ+ community.

Kristin is Principal & Founder of Flickinger Consulting, LLC, a consultancy focused on executive support and transition planning, and dedicated to joy for leaders. For fun, she rides bikes long distances, and continues to pursue her goal of being on the television show, SURVIVOR.

Mahil Senathirajah

Mahil is a healthcare analytics and policy consultant with a focus on improving the quality, equity, and cost of healthcare principally within California and at Federal government-levels.  Mahil was born in London, England; grew up in Toronto, Canada and moved to Santa Barbara in December of 1999.  Among his community activities, Mahil has served on the Board of the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, has been active in local politics and participated in the Santa Barbara film festival. Mahil has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. 

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Quetzal Maria Sanchez

Quetzal Maria Sanchez is an experienced administrative professional with a robust background in financial management, executive support, and nonprofit administration. Over her career, Quetzal has honed a comprehensive skill set, including bookkeeping, budget management, donor relations, and staff training. Known for her attention to detail and strong interpersonal communication skills, she has successfully managed multimillion-dollar budgets and played a crucial role in organizational audits and financial reporting.  For the last six years, Quetzal has served as the Executive Affairs Manager for Future Leaders of America (FLA). In this role, she handles all external affairs partnerships for FLA and manages the invoicing, procurement, and financial oversight of multiple County and State grants. Quetzal is also an experienced bookkeeper, having supported both FLA and the 805UndocuFund in streamlining their bookkeeping processes by cleaning books and accounts. Additionally, she has worked on internal and external audits to ensure compliance with State and County grants.  Quetzal’s dedication to nonprofit administration and her extensive experience in financial management have made her an invaluable asset to the organizations she has worked with. Her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements underscores her commitment to excellence in her field. Moreover, Quetzal is deeply committed to social justice and movement building, leveraging her skills and expertise to support initiatives that drive positive change in her community.

Ted Rhodes

Ted Rhodes lives with his wife, Joni, in Carpinteria, where they have raised two children, Jesse and Rachel, now grown. A retired Hollywood Key Grip, Ted has been an activist, fundraiser, political strategist, and community leader on a number of local grassroots issues including saving the Carpinteria Bluffs. His activism began back in the late sixties with his involvement in the peace and civil rights movements. When times get tough, Ted blows his harp with his band, the Americana Cats.

Lyiam Galo

Co-Chair

Lyiam Galo is a first generation Honduran immigrant and UCSB alumnus. A lifetime volunteer and optimist, he strives to foster an equitable community with a focus on the historically underserved — specifically the unhoused, the LGBTQ community, and people of color. Lyiam coordinates a county-wide United Way AmeriCorps program that serves veterans and people experiencing homelessness. He supports accessible resources for monolingual Spanish speakers, advocacy for undocumented folks, and creative food security initiatives. Lyiam rents in downtown Santa Barbara with his partner and 23 plant children.

Juliana Neel

Juliana was born and raised in the Santa Maria Valley. After graduating from Ernest Righetti High School in 2018, she attended Allan Hancock College, where she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Behavioral Studies, and she currently attends the University of California, Berkeley. Juliana got her start in the social justice community working with the Women’s March of Santa Maria Valley as their social media manager. She has since worked with various organizations to push for progressive and equitable change in the Santa Maria Valley.

Robert Gibson

Robert is committed to utilizing the skills, knowledge and expertise gained as project manager to support a range of programs serving underserved communities.

Alhan Diaz-Correa

Alhan earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Montana in Missoula in 2019. He values solidarity and is actively working in the areas of racial, economic, and environmental justice. Alhan is excited to help his community form strong bonds and connections. He hopes to reduce human and ecological risk through academic research and in service of vulnerable communities.

Deb Karoff

Deb Karoff is a retired administrator having worked in human resources at SB County and in educational administration at UCSB in faculty governance and in Student Affairs. She has served on several non-profit boards advancing women’s reproductive rights and violence against women. She is actively involved in the Indigenous Reparations and Justice and Equity Committees at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. She is part of a small group supporting/sponsoring an asylum-seeking family from Mexico. Deb and her wife, Anna, have lived in Santa Barbara for forty years and are the parents of two adult children. In her free time, Deb enjoys reading books, walking on the beach, and watching movies and plays.

Kim Johnson

Kim is a mission-driven Marketing/DEI professional with 15+ years of leadership in both nonprofit and corporate environments. Guided by her values which include authenticity, humor, inclusion, and leadership, she aligns her vocation and volunteerism with societal impact in mind. Originally from Connecticut, Kim has been in California since 2012 and serves on the board of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast and serves on the Pride Committee for Pacific Pride Foundation. Her previous appointment to the Community Formation Commission on Police Oversight for the City of Santa Barbara paved the way for Kim to dive deeper into social justice work in SB County. For pure joy, Kim performs improv comedy and adventures with her partner and Husky dog (who they are teaching to communicate through buttons).

Lady Freire

Lady is a Social Anthropologist with 10+ years of experience in non-profit organizations and governmental programs in California and Chile, her native country. Her work has been around supporting women who want to achieve their dreams and change their realities. She is passionate about working with the community to contribute to constructing a more just and equitable society.

Lauren Trujillo

Lauren Trujillo first came to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB where she received a B.A. in History. She received her Masters in Library and Information Science from UCLA and has worked with several nonprofits and organizations in Santa Barbara including the Isla Vista Memorial Project, the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. She sits on the board for the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, United for Libraries, Women’s Literary Voices, the Northside Optimist Club, Association for Fundraising Professionals, EDC, and is a member of the Junior League of Santa Barbara.

Rachel Johnson

GMC Liaison to Board

Rachel Johnson (she/her/ella) has been on the Fund’s Grantmaking Committee (GMC) since 2018, currently serves as the GMC Liaison to the Fund’s Board of Directors, and is the Chief Program Officer at the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College. Her professional and volunteer work is deeply rooted in social justice and educational equity, and guided by her core values – justice, curiosity, health, collaboration, and authenticity. Rachel’s work at the SBCC Foundation supports programs and community collaborations that address a broad spectrum of issues, including educational access, comprehensive basic needs support, sustainability projects, and more. Rachel also serves on the board of the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network and recently completed an appointment to the Community Formation Commission on Police Oversight for the City of Santa Barbara.

Rich Sander

Rich Sander has more than a decade of experience as an executive leader and strategist in the Southern California region and has lived in Santa Barbara for nineteen years. He serves as the founding Executive Director at SB ACT where he has grown the organization from a volunteer food distribution into a 501(c)3 organization. Rich currently sits on the Santa Barbara City Community Formation Commission, a commission dedicated to creating systems of transparency and accountability for local law enforcement in response to nationwide issues of systemic racism and violence. 

Bennett Sorenson (1)

Bennett Sorenson

Bennett Sorenson is a student at Ernest Righetti High School with a strong dedication to social, political, and environmental justice. Bennett is deeply passionate about several critical issues: the environment, mental health, women’s rights, and LGBTQ rights.

Bennett’s concern for the environment stems from the urgent need to protect our planet for future generations. He is troubled by the ongoing environmental destruction and feels strongly about addressing this issue. Mental health is another area of focus, as Bennett recognizes the failures of mental health services in the United States and the harmful stigma associated with mental health issues. He advocates for better support and understanding for those affected.

Bennett is also committed to advancing women’s and LGBTQ rights, driven by the recent setbacks such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the diminishing rights in various states. He is determined to fight for equality and ensure that everyone is treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

In his free time, Bennett enjoys running and discovering new music. He integrates these hobbies into his daily routine, often finding new tracks while on a run. Outside of his involvement with Youth Making Change, Bennett is an active member of the cross country and track and field teams at his school.

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Cesar Vasquez

I am most passionate about the issues regarding the lack of recourses for youth. I feel that a lot of times a lot of the issues youth experiences can be tied to the lack of recourses that are provided to them. I enjoy volunteering for other organizations and going to the gym, reading comics, eating a lot of food and sleeping. Other organizations that I’m involved in include Future Leaders of America, R.E.A.C.H, and UCLA Youth Research Fellow.

Adam Pacheco

Adam Pacheco

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Audrey Gerardo

Audrey Gerardo

Audrey Gerardo is a student at Pioneer Valley High School with a deep commitment to mental health advocacy. Having faced personal struggles with mental health, Audrey is passionate about changing the stigma surrounding seeking help. She believes that understanding and validating each person’s feelings, particularly those dealing with anxiety and depression, is crucial for improvement and support. Audrey advocates for accessible mental health resources and emphasizes that mental health should be respected and prioritized in all aspects of society.

In her free time, Audrey enjoys reading books, volunteering, and spending quality moments with her sisters. Although her busy schedule can sometimes make these activities look different, she values them greatly and engages in them as often as possible.

Audrey is actively involved in a variety of school and community activities, including the PVHS cheer and swim teams, Key Club, EAOP, and Honors. Additionally, she volunteers at Marian Hospital, where she contributes to the community through her dedication and service.

Britney Kwon

Britney Kwon

Britney Kwon is a junior at Ernest Righetti High School with a strong commitment to advocating for women’s rights. Her passion for this cause is deeply influenced by the impactful women in her life, motivating her to work towards gender equality and empowerment.

In her free time, Britney enjoys a variety of activities including playing tennis, weightlifting, traveling, and spending time with friends. These pursuits provide her with a balanced lifestyle and enrich her personal experiences.

Outside of her involvement with Youth Making Change, Britney is actively engaged in several school and community activities. She competes in wrestling and tennis for her school and is a member of Latinos Unidos and the National Honor Society. Additionally, she volunteers at the hospital, contributing her time and effort to support others in her community.

Chae Min Kim

Chae Min Kim

As a student at Ernest Righetti High School, I am deeply committed to addressing environmental and mental health issues. These concerns are prevalent in our communities and have a significant impact on individuals’ lives and well-being. I believe that without a healthy environment and robust mental health support, it is challenging to lead a fulfilling life.

In my free time, I enjoy drawing and regularly engage in exercise, which helps me stay active and balanced. I am actively involved in community service as a VolunTeen at Marian Regional Medical Center, where I contribute to various hospital activities. Additionally, I participate in a youth program focused on mental health and wellness advisory within the Santa Maria district, furthering my dedication to improving mental health support in our community.

David Lee (1)

David Lee

I am passionate about protecting the environment, promoting mental health, and advancing social justice. Ensuring the sustainability of our planet and fostering eco-friendly practices are vital for our future. I believe in providing everyone with access to the mental health support they need, as it is fundamental to well-being. Social justice is also crucial to me; I am dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive society where all individuals have equal opportunities.

In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and tennis, engaging in these sports several times a week either with friends or as part of a team. These activities not only keep me active but also provide a great way to relax and unwind. I also volunteer at the hospital, which allows me to give back to the community, and I contribute to my club basketball team, helping me stay involved in sports.

Beyond my involvement with Youth Making Change, I am active in various school clubs including Key Club and Interact Club. I serve as the secretary for both the Korean Club and California Scholarship Federation (CSF). Additionally, I am a member of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), where I help create and support projects and events that benefit young people in our community.

Jesue Cayetano

Jesus Cayetano

I am a student at Santa Maria High School with a strong passion for advocating for immigrants’ rights. My dedication to this cause is deeply personal, as my parents are immigrants who have faced numerous challenges. Their experiences have inspired me to work towards creating a more supportive and equitable environment for immigrants in our community.

In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and guitar. I play guitar almost every day, which allows me to express myself creatively and unwind. I also play soccer about three times a week and am an active member of a soccer team, where I enjoy the camaraderie and physical activity.

Kaylee Taing

Kaylee Taing

I am passionate about environmental issues because they impact everyone, regardless of their beliefs or background. I believe that addressing environmental challenges is crucial for the well-being of all communities, as a healthy environment benefits everyone and enables us to reach our full potential.

In my free time, I enjoy sleeping as often as I can, which helps me recharge and stay balanced. I am also involved in Cal-Soap Tutoring, where I contribute to supporting educational efforts and assisting students in their academic pursuits.

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Kruz Balbona

I am interested in youth rights and mental health because I believe that everybody should be heard regardless of their age and should be able to get care for their mental health. I am on the local football team, The Antlers (local volunteer club). 

Leslie Perez- Sanchez

Leslie Perez-Sanchez

I am passionate about ensuring that my peers are aware of the resources available to them, whether for personal issues or academic support. I believe that having access to the right information can make a significant difference in their lives.

In addition to my advocacy work, I dedicate a substantial amount of time to practicing with my school’s marching band, spending between 5 to 10 hours a week depending on the season. I also have a strong interest in raising livestock for the county fair, which allows me to connect with my community in a unique and rewarding way.

I am actively involved in several school and community organizations, including Marching Band, FFA (Future Farmers of America), Close Up, Alpine, GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), and Link Crew. These activities not only keep me engaged but also allow me to get to know people and contribute to various aspects of my community.

Lisbeth Angeles (1)

Lisbeth Angeles

I am most passionate about issues regarding immigration and mental health. I come from immigrant parents, and knowing how and what they can do in this country will always be something I’m passionate about. I am also passionate about mental health because, in this generation, many struggle with their mental health and are more open about it, which is inspiring. It encourages me to advocate for resources and support that they and others can use.

I enjoy baking as a pastime. While baking, I like to listen to music or podcasts. I do this when I feel overwhelmed or just want to take a break from what I’m doing.

I am Vice President of Latinos Unidos at my school and also volunteer at Marian Regional Medical Center on weekends.

Nicolas Lucas

Nicolas Lucas

I am a student at Ernest Righetti High School and am most passionate about women’s rights and mental health. I believe everyone should have the right to be heard, no matter their gender, race, or religion. Mental health is crucial in anyone’s life, as many people might be depressed and unsure where to seek help. Too often, people bottle up their emotions, thinking they’ll get better over time, but seeking help is the best course of action.

Some of my hobbies include listening to music, riding my bike around my neighborhood, and playing video games, which I engage in very often. I am also part of a group called “Future Leaders of America,” play club soccer, and work with my cousin’s business, “HanoHano Shave Ice.”

Rafael Zepeda

Rafael Zepeda

I am a student at Ernest Righetti High School, and I believe that mental health and financial stability are areas that deserve more recognition. Mental health issues have caused significant pain, whether personally or through the struggles of others. No child should have to suffer from poor mental health, as it can profoundly impact their future. Prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being.

Financial stability is another growing concern, with rising homelessness and poverty rates affecting families and children. Access to safe housing, clean clothes, and food is essential for people to reach their full potential and live safely.

My main hobby is basketball, which I play 2-3 times a week, more frequently during the basketball season. I also enjoy drawing, focusing on realism and graffiti, and I draw once every 1-2 weeks in my free time. Additionally, I’m committed to fitness and go to the gym 4-6 times a week, depending on my schedule.

Shani Peinado

Shani Peinado

I am a student at Ernest Righetti High School, deeply passionate about women’s rights and ensuring women have access to the care they need. I am also committed to eliminating the stigma around mental health, especially among teens, as it’s a significant issue that has been overlooked, causing many to suffer.

An avid reader, I try to make time for books as much as possible. Painting and drawing are my creative outlets, and I find baking for friends and family especially fulfilling. During the holidays, I often bring cookies, but I have the most fun experimenting with new recipes.

I’m on my school’s golf and swim teams and volunteer with the Careers with Children Club, where we help out at local schools. I also serve as the newsletter editor for my division’s Key Club and work as a Youth Advisory Board member at Youthwell, advocating for teen mental health.

Yazmin Mendez

Yazmin Mendez

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Yeonjae Kim

Yeonjae Kim

I am a student at Ernest Righetti High School and am particularly concerned about mental health, whether for teens or all ages. I believe that mental health is a crucial part of life, and neglecting it can create risk factors that impact not just the individual but those around them. As a teenager, I am familiar with the societal issues that negatively impact mental health, which fuels my passion for this issue.

A hobby I’ve recently acquired is playing the guitar. I play almost daily, with each session lasting around 20 minutes to an hour. Although I’ve been playing for a little under a year, I’ve made significant progress only recently as I started taking it seriously.

The YMC is my first experience being involved in an organization. While I don’t currently participate in other clubs or organizations, I’m hoping to join more given the opportunity.