Miguel Angel Falcon Luevano
Angel is a powerful and inspiring leader who recently graduated from Mt. San Antonio College with high honors, earning three Associate of Arts degrees in Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Justice Studies, all with academic distinction. During his time at Mt. SAC, he demonstrated exceptional leadership as the president of the Sociology Club, as a leader in the Rising Scholars program, as a fellow for the legal advocacy group CARECEN, and as a peer mentor for ACCESS, supporting students with special needs. Now studying Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley, Angel remains dedicated to his goal of becoming an immigration lawyer.
Angelina Pome’e
Angelina Pome’e is a proud Indigenous woman who recently graduated from the College of San Mateo (CSM) with an Associate of Arts in Ethnic Studies, focusing on racism in law and Indigenous culture. During her time at the College of San Mateo (CSM), she demonstrated exceptional leadership by serving as a Peer Assistant with Project Change, a Student Ambassador for the Berkeley Underground Scholars transfer program, Co-President of the Puente Club, a member of CSM MANA, and a student leader in the Youth Law Center and Rising Scholars Statewide Youth Justice Leadership Cohort. Angelina is transferring to San Francisco State University (SFSU) where she will be majoring in Race and Resistance Studies.
Jasmine Green
Jasmine is currently a dedicated student and powerful leader at San Diego City College majoring in Social Work. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in California, Jasmine has over eight years of lived experience in the juvenile justice, child welfare, and adult justice systems. She is deeply committed to becoming a trusted mentor and advocate for youth facing similar challenges. Her goal is to be the go-to person for young people navigating difficult obstacles, providing them with the consistency, attention, and support they deserve. As a LeX Leader (Lived Experience Leader) with FosterClub, Jasmine has traveled across the country to conferences and events sharing her story and advocating for the betterment of foster youth. She is currently working on developing a navigation app in partnership with FosterClub, designed to help transitional-age youth easily access resources and navigate various systems.
Leah Pinedo
Leah is an outstanding leader and advocate who defied all odds from surviving the criminal injustice system to graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. During her time at UCLA, she led with heart and integrity within the Bruin Underground Scholars program and made significant contributions to the campus community and beyond. Currently, Leah serves as a case manager with California Care Coordinators (CCC), where she assists community members in successfully securing permanent housing and the life saving resources that they deserve. Leah recently took her LSAT and is on a dedicated path toward becoming a lawyer for her community and a powerful force for those oppressed by the system.
Maritza Lopez
Maritza is a proud transfer student from Santa Monica College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History with a minor in African American Studies at UCLA. During her time at UCLA, Maritza advocated for and participated in two newly launched programs in the Fall of 2019: Bruin Underground Scholars and the Bruin McKinney-Vento Initiative. As an intern at the Bruin Resource Center (BRC), Maritza supported programs addressing barriers for students who experienced homelessness, incarceration, and food insecurity in higher education. Currently, Maritza serves as the Director of Bruin Underground Scholars, where she is honored to support formerly incarcerated and system-impacted (FI/SI) students. Maritza’s passion for this work stems from having loved ones, friends, and family members with a history of experiencing incarceration, which motivated her to assist community members.
Matt Pratap
Matt is a powerful and outstanding student leader at the College of San Mateo, where he is currently majoring in Business Administration. He is an active leader in Project Change, the College of San Mateo business club, and student government, demonstrating his dedication to personal growth and leadership. As a leader in the Youth Law Center and Rising Scholars’ Statewide Youth Justice Leadership Cohort, Matt is ready to inspire, lead, and continue growing into a role that allows him to champion the causes he believes in.
Tammy Williams
Tammy is an inspiring and powerful student leader, currently majoring in Politics in Racism and Law at San Diego City College. Their leadership extends far beyond campus, serving as a member of City Scholars and as a powerful advocate for system-impacted youth. Tammy’s dedication is further exemplified through their internship with the local City Council, where they have gained firsthand experience in policy and community engagement. Their involvement in STEM initiatives and policy work at San Diego City College, combined with their leadership in the Youth Law Center and Rising Scholars Statewide Youth Justice Leadership Cohort, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to system change and youth empowerment. In addition to their academic and leadership roles, Tammy is also working on a book titled “All the Things Your Parents Didn’t Know!”—a guide to navigating life post-2020 and developing an innovative app designed to assist students with productivity both inside and outside the classroom.
Yefry Samael Mata Diaz
Yefry Mata is an inspiring leader, dedicated to advocating for educational and leadership opportunities while dismantling stigmas around justice-involved youth. He graduated from Cabrillo College with high honors, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, and an Associate of Science Degree in Construction Management. During his time at Cabrillo College, he served as President of the Rising Scholars Club, Student Trustee, Peer Assistant with the Rising Scholars, and tutored immigrant youth in Watsonville elementary schools through the MILPA Collective. Now attending the California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), Yefry is majoring in Collaborative Health and Human Services with a concentration in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, continuing his commitment to uplifting others and inspiring his peers.
