What is the Youth Advisory Board?

About the Youth Advisory Board

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a dedicated group of passionate youth organizers from frontline environmental justice communities across California. The YAB is responsible for guiding YoR’s mission, ensuring that all of YoR’s programs and operations are designed by and for frontline youth of color. YAB members gain opportunities to learn by actively participating in organizational decisions, taking on meaningful project leadership roles, and honing skills youth already possess such as strategic thinking, innovative problem solving, community organizing, and non-hierarchical decision-making. The YAB comprises youth leaders who reflect the rich diversity of California communities.

Leadership Development: Gain invaluable leadership experience by working alongside experts and peers who are driven to make a difference.

Advocacy and Representation: Become a representative of youth voices, advocating for positive change in various fields including education, health, and community development.

Skill Building: Enhance essential skills like communication, project management, teamwork, and problem-solving through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with other young leaders, community organizers, and professionals who share your passion for change and community growth.

Youth Advisory Board Members

  • Melissa Cervantes is a fifth-year undergraduate majoring in Society & Environment and Conservation & Resource Studies at UC Berkeley. Their academic interests revolve around food systems and environmental education, specifically looking at the role that media has in sharing knowledge and diverse narratives. They’ve had opportunities to research these intersections with Global Sustainability Scholars and Latinxs and the Environment. Melissa works at the Berkeley Food Institute and UC Berkeley’s Latinx Student Resource Center. They enjoy spending time in nature, queer spaces, and independent cinemas. If you have similar interests or are curious about their academic journey.

  • Ash Valentin is a first-generation McNair scholar, environmentalist, and lifelong resident of Logan Heights. For Ash Valentin, environmental justice is not just about sustainability, but also about collective healing, honoring community members' lived experiences, and preserving ancestral teachings. In 2023, Ash graduated from the University of San Diego with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Business Administration and Ethnic Studies. Currently, she is a founding board member and the secretary of Tierras Indigenas Community Land Trust. Valentin also serves on the Youth On Root youth advisory board, Centro Cultural de la Raza community advisory council, Environmental Justice and STEAM Committee at the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, and as an AB 617 Portside Community Steering Committee member.

  • My passion lies in contributing 

    to the resolution of the contradictions and inequities related to environmental problems, aiming for an environment where everyone can enjoy the same benefits of safety and healthy environment. The Youth on Root's Youth Advisory Board excites me greatly due to its emphasis on empowering

    young minds in environmental advocacy. It is an inspiring community of young individuals who genuinely care about the environment and strive to make a difference.

  • Melanie is a current junior at Rialto High School. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, she holds her culture's values close to her heart in every endeavor. Melanie resides in a community affected by environmental racism, which sprung her into action to spread awareness. She enjoys sharing her love for nature and passion for environmental preservation as president of Wilderness Club. Additionally, she devotes her time to the Diversify Our Narrative campaign dedicated to increasing diversity in the English curriculum. She works as a waitress at her family's local Mexican restaurant, and never forgets to treat herself to some tacos. Amidst a hectic week, she loves spending time with her piano, a good book, and of course, her cat.

Stay tuned for future applications

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