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Mission

The Youth Advisory Board works to empower young people and facilitate their growth by creating spaces of respect and trust to allow all individuals to engage and collaborate on important policies & projects . We aim to bridge the gap amongst counties and amongst youth and young adults so they can connect with, uplift, and advocate for one another. We build partnerships with communities and systems to transform systems of harm and failures to networks of care and success.

Values

• Integrity
• Innovation
• Respect
• Empowerment
• Empathy

MEET

The Youth Advisory Board Members

Reid
I’m 23 years old and from El Dorado County. I recently graduated with my A.A. and am now a senior at Chico State. Reciprocity is my theme, meaning I want to ensure that anyone affected by the Juvenile Justice System will not slip through the cracks like so many youth these days do. My goal is to end locking kids up, and it starts with an unmet need in the community.

Daisy
I’m 20 years old and was raised in San Jose. I’m a co-founding member of Santa Clara County’s SYTF advocacy council, Ontrack. I joined YAB to uplift voices of youth and young adults like me and strive for reforms that support change within the juvenile justice system. While in custody, I began pursuing a health science degree, and soon after, a degree in radiologic technology. Education has helped me envision a future I didn’t know was possible. I’m using my lived experience to support other youth impacted by the system.

Juan
I’m 29 years old and live in Los Angeles County. I have an A.A. in human development and human services with a certification in alcohol and drug studies. I have worked mentoring youth while doing case management with the intention of uplifting youth voices and promoting hope. I want to empower the next generations of young adults to know they have the power to change their future and lead society in a different direction.

Marco
I’m pursuing a BA in sociology. At 25, I bring a combination of formal education and lived experiences to my work through Brown Issues with youth who are labeled “at-risk.” I have received awards for my work with youth from the City of Woodland, Yolo County Office of Education, League of Women Voters of Woodland, and the U.S. Congress. I am eager to advocate for alternatives to incarceration, help youth heal and thrive, and work toward solutions that give youth the opportunities they deserve. 

Mikaela
I’m from East Oakland, I’m 25, use she/her pronouns, and am enrolled in school for public health. My parents are formerly incarcerated, and I’ve had family and friends also be impacted by the system. I’ve seen first–hand how much struggle and stress goes into navigating the whole process. I don’t think incarceration is the solution, but I understand we can’t just drop it. Until we get there, I want to improve the circumstances for people still being impacted by the system so we can prevent further trauma.

Mikey
I’m an amazing youth advocate who helped launch YAB. I’m 20 years old, grew up on the Eastside of San Jose, and was recently released. I didn’t know if I was going to spend the rest of my life in prison. I beat all odds. I took that opportunity to get to know myself and work on me. I helped launch Ontrack voices in my least restrictive program, step down in Secure Youth Treatment Facility, and continue to do the work. It’s my mission to give back to the world in any way possible.

Nathan
I’m 20 years old, and from East Oakland. After being in and out of the system since 16, I hope to help other youth who have followed a path I once went through. I work in a fellowship at a nonprofit called CURYJ in Oakland. I believe incarceration isn’t the solution to society’s problems. My values are loyalty, respect, and honesty. I also worked on the Prop 6 campaign and have spoken at events about my experiences. I hope to be the mentor to others that I wish I had.

Peyton
I’m from Butte County and am currently working towards my associate’s degree in psychology. I have shared my story in Sacramento at the in–person launch, earned my high school diploma, and was nominated by the Boys and Girls Club as Youth of the Year. My main values are integrity, respect, and communication. I joined YAB to bring opportunities to youth inside or impacted by the justice system that I never had the chance to receive. I also want to lower recidivism rates.

Rony
I joined YAB because I felt a strong need to give justice–impacted youth a voice in the juvenile justice system. Many youth who have been inside the system feel unheard and limited in their opportunities to express their thoughts and experiences. I want to help bridge that gap, ensuring their perspectives are recognized and valued. By advocating for their rights and sharing stories that matter to everybody, I hope to contribute to positive change in the system and empower these youth to take an active role in shaping their futures.

Rosaline
Despite what a lot of people told me, I’m making it in this world. For the first time, I’ve found my purpose in life, and joining YAB is part of that. I know what it’s like for a lot of justice–impacted youth. People make mistakes every day. If I can stop one kid from going into the system, I know it’s worth it. YAB is important because we are advocating for youths’ needs as a whole and what will truly help them better themselves. 

SaVaun
I’m 18 years old and from Butte County. I graduated high school and am working toward my AA in business management. I never thought I would make it to my graduation. I joined YAB because I know how it feels to be a youth that feels powerless and like you’re not being heard. While working with YAB I can make changes so youth don’t feel like that. I hope to achieve a master’s in business management and a degree in microeconomics.

Tony
I am 23 years old. I am a certified dog trainer and behaviorist with a passion for teaching the human to understand the dog. In addition to that work, I am a student at Cal Poly Pomona with a major in animal science. I joined YAB because I feel people need to understand that the youth have a voice and to express why I chose my passion of working with dogs.