October is homecoming month, and YI has embarked on a campaign to highlight the many alumni who have passed through our programs!
Young Invincibles has empowered young adults for 15 years; our network of youth community and student leaders numbers in the thousands. Young adults have proven time and time again that they will be the change past generations have hoped for. All we need to do is set them up for success.
Some now work as our colleagues and teammates, while others have been trailblazers at other institutions and programs. Some started their own campaigns to empower others. All around the world, YI alumni are doing wonderful work in service of the community.
Check out our next alumni highlight, Japjeet Singh Uppal!
Throughout our Young Advocates Program (YAP) and Youth Advisory Board (YAB), YI gathers and trains the next generation of local community leaders. Throughout the program, advocates learn how to tell their stories impactfully, speak to elected officials, advocate for policy change, give public testimony, and cultivate community while gaining transferable skills.
This month, we contacted former CA YAP/YAB graduate Japjeet Singh Uppal to see his progress. We asked him some questions and asked if he had some wisdom to share with other advocates nationwide.
What are you up to now after your time at YI?
Since leaving YI, I’ve finished my Bachelor’s in Public Health @ UC Merced and am currently obtaining my Masters in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) through the University of Redlands. I’ve recently been appointed to the Planning Commission in my hometown of Livingston and am also running for City Council this year in Livingston. I’m in my 3rd year of coaching football at Livingston High School and volunteer with a couple community groups in the area.
What is a skill you learned during the program?
Being quick and concise with an introduction – a 30-second me goes a long way! It feels easy now.
Any advice for current and future advocates?