
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 serving the community.
Check out our next alumni highlight, Jesus Perales!
This month, we contacted former TX staffer Jesus Perlaes 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?
I recently transitioned into a new role as a Program Officer with the Trellis Foundation. We are a grant-making public charitable organization focused on improving postsecondary attainment for low-income students and students of color in Texas. Prior to joining the Foundation, I served as the Immigration Policy and Programs Coordinator at the Texas AFL-CIO, the state federation of labor unions.
What is a skill you learned during your time at YI?
I gained a unique perspective on how invaluable building strong relationships and consensus on issues with diverse stakeholders is for achieving impact. During my time at YI, I also learned the importance of elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals throughout the policy-making process.
Any advice for current and future advocates?
As you begin your advocacy work, make an effort to meet and connect with as many people as possible from all walks of life and with different viewpoints as you. I found that these connections and relationships are essential when navigating the advocacy space, and you will often be surprised by how willing your connections are to provide guidance and support on multiple fronts.