The CA FWD Young Leaders Advisory Council is composed of Californians ages 16-24 from diverse backgrounds who are committed to intergenerational collaboration in engaging underrepresented communities with the policy-making process through personal narratives and data-based recommendations.

Join the Council

Apply by June 17

Support Young Leaders!

DONATE TODAY

Read Our Call to Action

Learn More

CA FWD Young Leaders

Josh Lewis
 Co-Chair
Valerie Johnson
 Co-Chair
Mark Borges
Krystal Raynes
Sandy Mekany
Alexander Walker-Griffin
Abigail Mighell
Alexis Atsilvsgi Zaragoza
Sauntharya Manikandan
Ruben Mendoza
Anusha Kadiyala
Alvin Lee
Jewelian Johnson
Eric Yang
Alexander Duarte Jr.
Ashley Morrison
Kate DeMarsh
Stephanie Wong (黃詠賢)
Ani Chaglasian

Watch the Council in action during recent virtual events and webinars

Watch Our Presentations

Council News

Making Her Way into the Room to Represent California’s Rural Communities and Students
 1024 576 Nadine Ono

Once the first transfer undergraduate UC Student Regent, Alexis Atsilvgi Zaragoza now works to connect communities through rural economic development

CA FWD Young Leaders Advisory Council Welcomes New Members for 2022-23
 1024 576 John Guenther

Council introducing 12 new members to the dynamic group of policy-focused young leaders

CA FWD Young Leaders Advisory Council Releases 2022 Call to Action
 1024 576 Armando Sepulveda

Read this year’s recommended actions toward climate resiliency, educational equity and criminal justice reform

PolicyWise S3 E8: Young Leaders Take the Stage at the California Economic Summit
 1024 576 Nadine Ono

A special look back at the Summit session featuring members of the CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council

READ MORE STORIES

PolicyWise Podcast

PolicyWise S3 E17: Podcast Says Farewell to Founding Co-Host Michael Wiafe
 1024 576 Nadine Ono

Departing co-host takes a look back at the podcast’s conversations aimed at getting young people involved

PolicyWise Podcast: Madera Youth Talk About Pandemic’s Impact on Community
 1024 576 Nadine Ono

Six young people discuss their pandemic and quarantine experiences in the Central Valley

PolicyWise Podcast: Fresno Youth Share Their Vaccination Stories
 1024 576 Nadine Ono

In this week’s episode, two Fresno youth share their experiences getting vaccinated while living in an anti-vaccination household

HEAR MORE PODCASTS
The Young Leaders Advisory Council is a partnership between CA FWD and the Youth Leadership Institute