Ale – Alejandra
Alejandra, a Houston native, is a first-generation student majoring in Psychology for sex and relationship therapy. Her education journey began at Lone Star College before moving to Austin. Here she enrolled at Austin Community College where she founded the Safe and Empowering Knowledge for Sexuality organization in hopes of providing information, resources, and education to ACC students, as well as providing support to students interested in sexual education. She believes that knowledge is power and this is why she is eager to join the Young Advocate Program.
Ariana Larios
Ariana was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated high school at YES-Prep Fifth Ward and received her associate’s in Social and Behavioral Studies at San Jacinto College. Ariana is currently attending the University of Houston, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Law, Values, and Policy. She hopes to pursue a career as a lawyer, focusing on Voting Rights Law. She is an involved member of the UH Pre-Law Society and a CHIP (Civic Houston Internship Program) intern with the East Harris County Empowerment Council. Before joining the Young Invincibles, she worked with a grassroots nonprofit called Denver Harbor Cares, where she co-directed the Youth Initiative, promoting civic engagement and planning a groundbreaking youth summit for the community. Ariana joined Young Invincibles not only to expand her knowledge and gain more experience but also to acquire the skills to empower youth to become more civically engaged and to influence policy and government decisions that positively change her community.
Audrey Pena
Audrey is a graduate student pursuing an MBA at the University of St.Thomas, with aspirations of attending law school in the future. Passionate about civic engagement, she works with organizations such as MOVE Texas, Campus Vote Project, Mi Familia Vota, and the League of Women Voters. On campus, Audrey is actively involved in Student Government and holds leadership positions as the President of LULAC, Texas College Democrats, and the Pre-Law Society. Outside her academic and civic pursuits, Audrey enjoys traveling, thrifting, and finding a new book to read. Excited about her participation in Young Invincibles, Audrey aims to amplify her community’s voice, inspiring active participation in civic activities and ensuring the collective voice resonates strongly.
Chanelle Ferrell
Hello Everybody, my name is Chanelle. A senior at the illustrious Prairie View A&M University. I am majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Behaviors in Political Science. Here at Prairie View A&M University, I have the pleasure of serving as the President to two gratifying organizations such as the Political Science club and Blackstone Pre-Law Society. Outside of school I spend my time doing lots of organizing for activist groups such as Planned Parenthood, Sunrise Movement, and Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement. I spend time in each of these organizations communicating with other community leaders on ways we can help achieve justice for all around. Lastly, I spend my other time helping people be registered to vote and inform them on what candidates they have as options.
Chinwe Nwaeze
Chinwe is an international student at the University of Houston (UH), pursuing a degree in Political Science and Philosophy while aspiring to attend law school after graduation. Chinwe’s academic interests lie in civic engagement, public policy, and criminal justice reform. She has been able to explore these interests as a district intern at the Houston City Council and gain insight into government administration and policy making. Beyond her studies and professional experience, Chinwe is actively involved on campus, serving as the Fundraising Chair for the UH Pre-law Society, Bible Study Coordinator for RCCG-UH fellowship and protecting the legal rights of the student body as an Associate Justice in the UH SGA. She hopes to gain further experience in advocacy, policy making and policy influencing through the Young Advocates Program.
David
I was born in El Paso but moved to Mexico only after 6 months, and I spent most of my childhood in Mexico. I had the opportunity of going to college in the United Kingdom, at the University of Chester. I graduated with a Bachelors in Criminology & Latin American History and a Master in Psychology. Highly skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving, navigating complex issues with a strategic and analytical mindset. I’m currently working for a non-profit organization that not only provides support for first generation students but also advocates for them. I’m dedicated to lifelong learning, I hold a commitment to staying abreast of emerging trends, theories, and methodologies in criminology, history, and psychology. I’m also passionate about leveraging my skills to contribute meaningfully to projects that intersect with social issues and eager to collaborate with professionals who share a dedication to positive societal impact.
Dmitra-Dejahnae Lucas
Dmitra is an educator, a mentor, an author and a student of life. Originally born in Fairfield, CA, she is now experiencing life in Houston, TX. Dmitra gained an awareness of social justice and the need for community activism in the Bay Area while studying at San Francisco State University and volunteering with organizations such as America Reads, SFSU’s Black Student Union, Generation Citizen and the Black Organizing Project. She studied abroad in Jaén, Spain focusing on the Spanish language and culture at the University of Jaén which aided in her cultural awareness as well as shifted her world view to different ways of thinking and living. In 2021, Ms. Lucas graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Policy, Advocacy and Systems and a minor in Africana Studies. Her experience and knowledge of public policy also stems from completing a year of graduate coursework in the Educational Leadership and Policy program at the University of Texas at Austin. Her personal interests include decompressing in nature, creative writing, learning about the cultures of the world through travel and helping others realize their full potential. Dmitra is excited to learn more about the community needs and strengths and the political climate in the Houston area and greater Texas. She is also looking forward to sharpening her organizing, collaboration and public speaking skills through the Young Advocates Program.
Jasmine Arias
Jasmine was born and raised in Houston, Texas. However, she is currently a first-year at the University of Texas at Austin studying International Relations and Global Studies with a minor in Mandarin Chinese. She chose to apply and join the Young Invincibles program to not only strengthen her leadership and advocacy skills, but to be a voice to her surrounding communities. Her goal by the end of the program is to learn how to effectively communicate with others on social issues and promote social justice within higher education. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball with friends and reading.
Jessaly Chavez
Jessaly is a current Sophomore at Rice University double-majoring in Political Science and Latin American studies. From a very young age, she was exposed to the injustices that minority communities face, and was inspired to aid her community in finding solutions to combat these inequalities. Jessaly’s passion is prison and criminal justice reform, that will allow for equitable justice within the United States court processes. It is her belief that people from all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds deserve adequate legal representation. Due to this, Jessaly is hoping to pursue a J.D. in Criminal Law, after her undergraduate studies, and wants to provide pro-bono work to low-income families seeking legal assistance. Jessaly is immensely inspired by the Young Advocates Program and is beyond excited to begin collaborating on efforts to educate our communities on the importance of civic engagement, and the ways in which they can ensure that their voices are heard in policy and government.
Sergio – Juan Longoria
Juan Sergio navigates the University of Houston with a quiet determination. Healthcare isn’t just an academic pursuit for him; it’s a personal mission for a fairer future. You’ll find him not just in his political science classes, but lending a hand at local clinics and registering voters in underserved communities. UH is just the beginning. He’s got his sights set on a Master’s here, followed by UT Law School. He wants to build bridges, not walls, ensuring healthcare reaches every corner of the Lone Star State.
Micheal Zimako
Micheal currently attends the University of St Thomas – downtown Houston as a Junior majoring in Computer Science. He has interned at Inprint and the Houston Met Dance where he has also choreographed and taught AfroBeats dances. He has also interned at Rice in high school which gave him an introduction to policy advocacy and he chose to join YI to further his knowledge on policy reform and help advocate on and for social issues. In his free time Micheal likes to play soccer and listen to Music.
Ola Dafaalla
Ola is a senior at the University of Houston double-majoring in Political Science and Sociology. She has previously interned at the Houston Mayor’s Office and is active in several on-campus political organizations. Ola is passionate about addressing systemic inequality and uplifting marginalized voices to build a better and more equitable future. After graduation, she hopes to use her education and her experience with Young Invincibles to advocate for policy reform. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time with friends and family.
Sam Parks
Sam (he/him) was born in Dallas, and is a native East Texan. He has worked previously with ETTY, an East Texas support circle, to bring gender affirming care, clothes, food, and community to transgender youth in Tyler and surrounding areas. He hopes to continue working for his community, and uplift the voices around him. In his free time, he writes zines, crochets, and creates other multi-media art pieces.
Suraiyahz Syed
Hi! My name is Suraiyah, and I am currently a second-year student at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a B.S. in Public Health. I also plan to minor in Law, Justice, and Society, and am pursuing a certificate in Applied Statistical Modeling. Apart from academic affairs, I’m involved in UT’s Natural Sciences Council and a South Asian multimedia magazine called Saffron. I am also an undergraduate researcher and mentor at the DIY Diagnostics lab at UT Austin, currently working on testing to create a functional at-home diagnostic test to detect UTI’s in an affordable and accessible manner for marginalized communities. I hoped to utilize my undergraduate education to help me on the path of becoming a leader in a community of science and art, promoting the protection and improvement of health, and building a foundation for a career investigating and combating health disparities faced by communities that are often underrepresented. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and stargazing! I’m excited to have Young Invincibles as a platform for my voice to have greater direction in improving functions in the healthcare system.
Angel Jackson
Angel is a born and raised Houstonian. Angel brings her knowledge and lived experience to empower youth. After aging out of care she realized her passion for Bipoc communities on issues concerning dual-status youth and providing children and their families with resources to better their wellbeing. Angel is a Community Health Worker with the University of Houston as well as a Peer Specialist certified through Foster Club. She is a strong advocate for youth justice and racial equity. Angel serves as a Regional lead as a partner with CLASP The Center for Law and Social Policy. She is a strong advocate for all Texans.
Brandon
Brandon is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Freshman Biology major in the pre-med track and aspires to become a Cardiologist in the future. Brandon has previous experience working as an EMT in his senior year of high school where he was contributing in ambulance and emergency room settings. Aside from his career, Brandon also wishes to improve himself as a leader and have an impact on those around him. Other interests he has include music where he plays the saxophone in his spare time, as well as long distance running.
Rayne Mouch
Rayne (she/her) was born in Tennessee. She went to different schools throughout her childhood to finally graduate at Crandall High School in Texas. She then moved to Tyler to start her degree in early childhood education at the University of Texas at Tyler. Where she is just starting her sophomore year in college. She hopes to become a third-grade teacher in Texas. Before joining Young Invincible’s Rayne had no prior organizations but was hoping to expand her knowledge on subjects to help herself and the community and her. Rayne has joined the Young Invincibles to help bring awareness to information that’s lacking in young adults.
Megan Ramos
Megan was born and raised in Carrollton, Texas. She is a second-year student at the University of Texas at Austin, double-majoring in Urban Studies and Sustainability Studies while minoring in Geography. She’s actively involved in the UT Habitat for Humanity Chapter, a former PR committee member of the Longhorns Don’t Litter pilot project, and a member of the University Orchestra. Megan has a background in advocacy for affordable housing and has joined Young Invincibles to make meaningful changes in her local community while expanding her leadership and teamwork skills. Beyond her advocacy work, she enjoys playing instruments, reading, and exploring local coffee shops.
Esther Gwa
Esther is originally from Nigeria, she is a student at the University of Houston, she is currently studying Human Nutrition and Foods as she desires to study medicine. She is the secretary of the Women In Pre med organization, the vice president of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Fellowship, and a member of the International student advisory board at the university.
She loves dancing, singing, and spending time with family and friends, she spends her time watching Korean movies and she is a passionate Christian who loves kids.
Audrey Arroniz
Audrey is currently attending the University of Texas at Austin. There, she is finishing her double major in Sociology and Health and Society, as well as a minor in Law, Justice, and Society, and a certificate in Forensic Science. In their pursuit of graduate school for a masters in Forensic Psychology, she hopes to gain experience and an understanding of policy work so she can ultimately use it to bring a more interdisciplinary lens to make changes to the criminal justice system. She deeply values diversity and individual experiences, and believes that it is by hearing one another’s stories, understanding the systematic forces at play in creating those stories, and making changes to the structures we have, that we may make changes to the stories we hear in the future. In joining YI, she hopes to improve her communication skills, as well as learn more about the technical aspects of research, advocacy, and policy change. During her free time they enjoy practicing music, learning new languages, and spending time with friends.