I am an organizer dedicated to building the power of young people, especially young people from marginalized groups (women, people of color, LGTBQ people, low-income and working class people, etc.) I am dedicated to building a movement for racial, economic and reproductive justice. I believe that young people, when working in service to their communities, are the most powerful force for addressing America’s most pressing issues.

My experiences:

• In November 2008, I co-founded Feminista!, a multicultural social justice student organization that works to secure and defend the human rights of all people including women, people of color, the LGTBQ community and those with disabilities on a local, state, national and global level. As a Lead Coordinator, I developed and implemented 10 original social justice programs per semester for college students including film screenings, lectures, artistic performances, workshops and conferences. I created original promotional material and videos to increase attendance at evenings to recruit new members. I managed a 10 person team of coordinators to implement programming and planned organizational development activities.

• From August 2008-Feburary 2010, I interned at the Compton Center for Peace and Social Justice. I planned and facilitated regular social justice events for community members relating to gender justice, environmental justice, fair trade and farm worker’s rights. I also identified key resources to be placed in the Compton Center and the community to further social justice.

• During January 2011, I served as an Outreach Intern at Chicago Freedom School, a non-profit organization that provides a space where young people and adult allies can deepen their understanding of current social problems and develop strategies for change. As an intern, I participated in the design and development of the organization’s first national youth organizer and youth worker training. I researched and contacted youth and social justice community-based organizations for future partnerships. I also created original promotional material for online distribution.

My interests:

• Teaching young people how to be active citizens in their communities and make a difference
• Building democracy through citizen service and civic leadership
• Demonstrating the power and idealism of young people
• Developing young leaders for the next generation
• Leveraging the talent, energy, and idealism of young leaders in community change and social justice work
• Engaging young people as citizens to benefit the common good
• Animating a culture of idealism
• Harnessing the power of young people to make positive social change

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