Our Staff

Youth On Root’s mission is powered by a passionate, diverse team dedicated to fostering change and creating impactful opportunities for young people in our communities. Our staff brings together expertise from various backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to supporting youth empowerment, education, and advocacy. Each member of our team plays a vital role in designing, implementing, and supporting programs that make a real difference in the lives of young leaders.

Get to know the inspiring individuals who make Youth On Root’s mission possible. Our staff works collaboratively with partners, youth, and community leaders to create programs that resonate and bring about lasting change. Learn more about each team member and their contributions to Youth On Root below.

  • Rachael Meyers has been working in the intersection of youth leadership and outdoor/environmental education for over ten years. Originally from New England where she struggled to find belonging as a gumptious Mixed Black girl, nature was her safe haven. Her experience growing up low-income in both urban and rural spaces informs her environmental justice leadership, as she learned early that unique communities require unique solutions. Rachael found her permanent home in Oakland, California, in the unceded territory of the Chochenyo Ohlone people who are the true stewards of this land. Her personal mission is to nurture self-determination in Black & Brown youth as they grow into their power as radically liberated community leaders who have a deep sense of belonging and connection with nature. She believes deeply that young people hold the answers to protecting our planet, and finds immense joy in supporting their ever-evolving vision and growth.

  • Josiah Edwards (he/him) is a youth climate justice organizer who has been organizing with young people for the past five years. He knows well the impacts of environmental racism, having grown up as a low-income, Black kid near the largest refinery on the west coast. Born and raised in the South Bay of Los Angeles, the unceded territory of the Gabrielino-Tongva people who are the true stewards of the land, this lived experience motivated him to fight for environmental justice and a Green New Deal as an organizer with Sunrise Movement. Josiah is especially excited to further his commitment to climate justice at Youth on Root as the Project Coordinator for Convenings. He hopes that, by bringing BIPOC, poor and working class young people together from across the state of California, they can set the direction for a movement of young people across race and class, truly dedicated to combating the climate crisis, transforming their communities, and creating millions of good jobs in the process.

  • Sumaira Yasin (she/her) carries the powerful legacy of Indian women—fierce, resilient, and deeply rooted in justice and equity. A political scientist and development professional with global experience, she has spent five years in community organizing, communication and development in India, honing skills in policy analysis and grassroots advocacy. Based in Fremont, California, on the unceded land of the Ohlone people, she draws inspiration from diverse communities. With dual master’s degrees in International Relations and Political Science and a bachelor’s in Journalism and Communication, Sumaira's expertise spans international security, defense, and environmental justice. She presented groundbreaking research on Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASATs) at the 2023 IAPSS World Congress in Montreal. As a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Sumaira combines academic insights with her passion for addressing systemic inequities, empowering youth, and fostering sustainable development.

  • Ashley is a youth organizer, teacher, and second generation Chinese American. She currently lives in Oakland, California, on the unceded territory of the Chochenyo Ohlone people. She is excited to bring her experience working with youth, in the classroom, and on the streets fighting for environmental justice to Youth on Root. She believes that youth, especially youth of color, are who we should be centering, listening to, and making space for in the environmental and social justice movements. She wants to collectively create futures that are more just, free, creative, gentle, and loving.

  • Evelyn is a proud first-generation college graduate who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. Born and raised in California, she now resides in Orange County, the ancestral territory of the Tongva (Gabrieleno) people, who are the original stewards of this land. With parents who immigrated from Honduras, Evelyn embraces her identity as a Latina woman with a strong passion for helping others. Over the past four years, she spent many years in the education field, finding it an incredibly rewarding experience. Evelyn is also deeply passionate about animals, nature, photography, and advocating for environmental justice. Now, she is proud to be part of the change, working toward a future where environmental racism is challenged, and a more sustainable, equitable world becomes a reality.

A Statement of Gratitude for Our Incredible Student Staff

Sometimes we’re lucky enough to have student staff join our team, and when they do, we make sure to celebrate their hard work and achievements! Head over to our social media to see how we highlight and honor their impact. Thank you to all our student staff — past, present, and future — for helping us grow stronger and dream bigger.

At Youth on Root, we are deeply grateful for the dedication, passion, and resilience of our student staff. These young leaders bring fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and a fierce commitment to environmental justice. Their contributions are invaluable, and their work inspires us every day to keep pushing for transformative change.