Abel is a proud member of the Indigenous Mixtec community raised in Santa Maria, California. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

With more than five years of professional experience, Abel has worked across nonprofits serving as a case manager, facilitator, court navigator, researcher, and nonprofit executive, building accessible pathways to resources and culturally responsive support systems. In his capacity, he has served youth of color, undocumented and first-generation college students, farmworker families, Mixteco-speaking parents, and survivors of violence.

Abel’s work is rooted in advancing language access, equitable education, and the rights of Indigenous migrants, alongside other social justice initiatives that strengthen community well-being.

Araceli is a proud multicultural multi generational Latina whose ethnic heritage is rooted in El Salvador and Texas. Born and raised in the Central Valley of California, she understands the inequities faced by BIPOC persons, especially by BIPOC women.

She graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a B.A. in Sociology, concentrating on feminism, and minors in Psychology and Communications. She brings over 15 years of experience in community engagement, education, training, and advocacy to the team. Araceli believes that poverty shouldn’t be a punishment and access shouldn’t be a privilege. She uses this North Star to guide her in advocating for social justice for individuals who have endured systemic oppression, helping her keep moving forward.

In her free time, Araceli enjoys cooking, baking, gardening, reading, and binge-watching a good show with her family and friends.

Originally from the municipality of Coicoyán de las Flores, Oaxaca, Aurelia is an indigenous woman from the Mixteca del Cerro del Aire Yukutachi. When she was nine years old, she moved to Santa Maria, California. She continued her studies to help her parents. Aurelia has experience with the struggles of low-income indigenous populations and is aware of the lack of culturally appropriate service systems for low-income communities.

Aurelia attends Allan Hancock College and is majoring in Sociology. Aurelia began her advocacy work at a young age, getting involved in the education system and outside of school advocating for the rights of her communities at the Department of Enumerated Services. As an adult, Aurelia continues to work with non-profit groups to advocate for low-income communities with limited access to resources. She believes that to create systemic change, we must speak out and unite as a community to secure and advocate for our rights.

Aurelia advocates for culturally responsive services for low-income communities, language access, equitable education, immigrant rights, indigenous rights, farmworker rights, women’s rights, and other social justice issues.

Cecilia has extensive experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, age groups, and life experiences. Her professional background includes work in mental health, substance-use services, domestic violence support, and healthcare.
She holds associate degrees in Human Services from Allan Hancock College. She also earned certificates in General Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Studies, and Family Studies. Cecilia is committed to helping individuals and families access the resources, support, and services they need to thrive.

As the son of immigrant farmworkers who came to the United States in pursuit of a better life, Max understands the importance of hard work, family, and perseverance. His lived experiences have shaped his perspective and strengthened his connection to the young people and families in his community.

Max is expected to graduate from the Grizzly Youth Challenge Academy ISP in December 2026. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, drawing, taking daily walks, and staying active.