Meet the Youth

I’m Raquel, a current Senior, pursuing Ethnic Studies and Media Studies with a concentration in Global & Cultural Studies at UC Berkeley. I’m a lifelong East Palo Alto resident, and I started with YUCA in 2019 when I was only 14 years old. Since then, YUCA has always held a special place in my heart, and I'm happy to say that I’m still able to help YUCA with their social media and marketing efforts, contributing to my future career goals after graduation.

Estefani is a current senior at a local high school. She started at YUCA in 2022 as a core member and has climbed up the pipeline since, currently holding the position of Youth Organizer. Estefani’s interest lies within the environment and creating/maintaining community which she holds as a value. In recent years, she has grown to be a public speaker and advocate for her community.

My name is Dylan Martinez, and I've been at YUCA since May of 2025. I was born and raised in East Palo Alto (EPA). Before I knew about YUCA, I volunteered at schools and the YMCA. YUCA has made me more courageous, more of an upstander, and better informed about my community. During my time at YUCA, I've learned more about housing rights in EPA. If you're looking for a place that will make you feel at home, it's YUCA!

Moana Kofutua, currently serves as the Senior Youth Organizer at YUCA. She is a proud Tongan and has been involved in this work for about five years. She started as a 16-year-old high school student and has since grown into a mentorship role, supporting middle and high school youth in their leadership and professional development. YUCA has played a significant role in her personal and political growth. She is passionate about organizing, learning, and advocating for both my rights and the well-being of her community. In these challenging times, she remains committed to building people power and continuing the fight for justice.

Gabi Romero joined YUCA in June of 2025. She has learned and become passionate about social and environmental justice and how she can take actions for the betterment of her community. While at YUCA Gabi has used her creative skills for projects such as an Immigration resource trifold and painting a mural at the front of the YUCA house. During her time at YUCA Gabi has grown in her leadership and public speaking skills and hopes to empower fellow youth and community members by being a part of the welcoming and friendly space that is YUCA!

Janelle is a current Junior in High School and has lived in East Palo Alto since childhood. She started off with YUCA in August of 2024 as a member. One of her interests is housing because she believes everyone deserves housing and a place to call home. In the future, Janelle hopes she can continue advocating for her community. 

Litzi is a senior in high school and became involved with YUCA in 2024, her experiences in the community have fueled her dedication to environmental justice and addressing social inequalities. Through her work with YUCA, she continues to develop leadership skills and a strong commitment to create positive change in her community.

Diego is a student at Ravenswood middle school in East Palo Alto and he became a member here at YUCA in 2025 because he wanted to learn more about his community. During his time at YUCA he developed new skills and wants a positive change in his community and addressing social injustices.

I've been a member of YUCA since November 2025. I have been living in East Palo Alto since 2015, Before I found out about YUCA I was a student athlete that was attending games all weekend and after school programs throughout the week. YUCA has made me feel more confident to speak up for what I believe in. During my time at YUCA I've learned more about immigration problems. If you're looking for a safe place to be yourself and speak up, come to YUCA.

Ingrid is a senior at the University of California, Davis, majoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems to pursue a career in agricultural law. She currently works as a Senior Research Assistant at the university's dairy facility, where she helps care for a herd of 40 cattle and manages their feed. Her help is focused on 3-NOP as a feed additive across three different diet formulations to examine its effects on methane production in the cattle.