Chelsea Acevedo is a first-generation college student at the University of California Irvine. In June 2022 she will be receiving a BA in Criminology, Law, and Society with two minors in Humanities and Law, and Political Science.
She currently works as a peer academic advisor for the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine. Chelsea was first introduced to the Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) through her previous policy internship with CA FWD. She is passionate about furthering policy that dismantles the school-to-prison pipeline and enhances restorative justice.
Chelsea’s upbringing in the Central Valley has also made her eager to uplift voices that come from marginalized communities.
“Growing up in the Central Valley has been a unique experience. Despite the large number of racial and ethnic minorities that reside in the Central Valley there is very little minority leadership and representation when it comes to policy-making,” she says.
Through YLAC she aims to further regional representation in public policy and ensure that all Californians regardless of their background can use their voice to shape policy and social change.