2021 COHORT
Genesis De La Rosa (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Guatemalan parents.
In 2020, Genesis earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA.
Currently, Genesis works as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Inglewood, CA.
Her goal is to attend medical school and become a physician to help be a voice to those underrepresented in healthcare.
Kevin Pizarro (he/him/his) was born in Queens, New York and raised in Lawndale, CA by Peruvian parents.
In 2019, Kevin earned a B.A. in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach. While at CSULB, he learned that systematic oppression denies his community the ability to reach their full potential.
Currently, Kevin works as a Site Coordinator for an afterschool program in Compton, CA, where he connects students with resources and opportunities to continue their education.
His goal will always be to fight for underrepresented communities and give them a platform to share their voices..
Zulema Micaela Higareda (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican parents. She is the youngest of three siblings.
In 2015, Zulema earned a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish Studies with a focus in Literature and Culture, as well as a minor in Education, from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She went on to finish her studies at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City, MX. Afterwards, she went on to teach English in Spain for a year and proceeded to fulfill her dream of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. She served as a Teaching English, Leadership, and Life-Skills Volunteer in Panama.
Currently, Zulema works with toddlers at a preschool in Santa Monica, CA and as a part-time barista at a local Black-female owned coffee shop in Inglewood, CA.
She has always had the drive to give back to her community and help future generations achieve their goals and aspirations. As a proud Inglewoodian, she aspires to make Inglewood a closer-knit community that promotes spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health and is conducive to personal, academic, and professional success for all generations.
Jesse A. Gonzalez (he/him/his) was raised in Westchester, Inglewood, and Lennox, CA by Mexican parents. He is the youngest of nine siblings, and a proud uncle to 11 nieces and nephews.
In 2018, Jesse earned a B.A. in Global Economics and Latin American & Latino Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He went on to work for a nonprofit in South Los Angeles, where he became more aware of issues impacting communities similar to his own.
Currently, Jesse works as a Policy Researcher & Grant Writer for a nonprofit that focuses on poverty alleviation in Central America, specifically in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
He is passionate about economic development and socio-environmental justice. He is committed to lifelong learning to understand the intersections of policy, governance, and communities.
Nisha Joseph (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.
Nisha is a third year student at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies.
Nisha is passionate about social justice. Her goal is to pursue a career in public policy or public health to address health disparities that target underserved communities.
Ariyana Griffin (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.
Ariyana is a third year student at Clark Atlanta University. She is majoring in Mass Media.
Her goal is to pursue a career in journalism and tell stories that normally don’t get media coverage.
Guadalupe Rivera (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican parents.
In 2020, Lupe earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice with two minors in Sociology and Counseling from Sacramento State University.
Currently, Lupe works as a Resudential Care Manager at a domestic violence shelter.
Lupe aspires to invest in the youth in Inglewood, CA.
Daniel Armas (he/him/his) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican parents.
In 2020, Danny joined the U.S. Marines and became a Lance Corporal. He is now a Reservist and is planning on enrolling at Santa Monica College this year. He wants to major in Art.
Currently, Danny works as an Administrative Clerk at Kaiser Permanente in Westminster, CA.
His goal is to become an Art Teacher. He is passionate about health advocacy for both mental and physical health.
Estefani Marin (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican parents. She is a proud role model to her eight younger siblings.
In 2017, Estefani earned a B.A. in Sociology with a Spanish minor from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.
Currently, she is earning her PhD in Sociology at the University of California, Irvine where she researches sibling support throughout the life course.
Estefani hopes to become a professor to help build transformative and inclusive learning spaces.
Gabriela Aquino (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA.
In 2017, Gaby earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and in 2020 she earned her M.Ed. in Policy and Education from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.
Currently, Gaby is an elementary school teacher. She loves teaching and growing with her students.
Joselyn Quintanilla (she/her/hers) was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Inglewood, CA to Mexican and Salvadoran parents.
In 2015, Joselyn earned her B.A. in Psychology from Smith College in Northampton, MA and in 2017 she earned a M.Ed from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.
Joselyn has been a science teacher for the last 6 years in the San Fernando Valley teaching both middle school and high school students.
She hopes to continue fighting for more equitable school systems and making learning enjoyable for her students in the years to come.
Ruddy Lopez (she/her/hers) was raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican parents. She is a proud role model to her two younger sisters.
In 2011, Ruddy earned her B.A. in English Literature and English Education from California State University, Long Beach.
Currently, Ruddy is an educator and transitioning into editing and publishing.
Ruddy is passionate about amplifying BIPOC voices and hopes to help share their stories with the world.
Kevin Martinez (he/him/his) was born and raised in South Central LA, CA by a strong single Mexican mother.
In 2016, Kevin earned his B.S. in Sociology from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT and in 2018 he earned his M.Ed. in Education, Culture and Society from the University of Utah.
Currently, Kevin works as a Sr. Community School Coordinator at a high school in Los Angeles, CA where he leverages resources to address the diverse needs of students.
He is passionate about social justice, youth empowerment, and participatory action research.