Meet our Texas Young Advocates

Jasmyn Coffin
Austin, Texas

My name is Jasmyn-Elise and I am very excited to be a part of the Young Advocacy Program. I am from Trophy Club, Texas and I’m currently attending the University of Texas at Austin. During my free time I enjoy reading, painting and dancing. I hope to leverage my experience as a Finance major to contribute to the YI’s mission. I am looking forward to making significant changes within my community with this amazing team.

Marco Vasquez ll
Austin, Texas

Marco Vasquez II is a native Texan, born in El Paso and raised in Round Rock. Marco currently attends Austin Community College pursuing an associate’s in Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. They have an active involvement in Student Government Association, serving on ACC’s E-board from the 2020-2021 academic year. Marco is involved in civic engagement to help inspire positive change in Texas. They dedicate their time outside of school and work as an election clerk encouraging and empowering everyone to vote. Marco joined Young Invincibles to build on his professional skills and inspire positive change in their community. They also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring national parks.

Naomi Cruz Ojeda
Austin, Texas

Naomi is originally from Jalisco, Mexico, but she grew up in San Antonio, Texas. She currently lives in Austin, Texas while attending UT Austin. At UT, she is a current senior majoring in Health & Society and Latinx Studies with a minor in Portuguese. Most of her passion points are centered around social justice, racial and educational equity, pathways to self-determination, and prioritization and restorative justice practices. In short [or not], she is committed to helping build a world that recognizes everyone’s humanity and operates to serve everyone in it with compassion, love, and real accountability. She wants BIPOC to have access to educational institutions, and public health resources that are equitable and don’t vary in resources, and she want that option to exist [emphatically & readily] for them to engage with if they so choose to because that is not part of the current reality & it should be. She hopes to learn activism skills that she can implement to her future career, and that she can share with the community to empower them to seek equality.

Omayma Chahbouni
Austin, Texas

Omayma Chahbouni is a Moroccan Muslim female studying as a 2nd year in the University of Texas at Austin as a B.S. Biology major. She was born in Manhattan, New York but was raised for the majority of her life in the heart of Dallas,Texas. After her own experiences through volunteering, joining various programs, and researching, she grew interested in wanting to grow her leadership development skills and to be actively involved with her community. Currently some of her biggest research interests are nutrition and how artificial ingredients affect the human body through time, generating better health care opportunities for people of lower income and minorities, and general research of various biology and ecological fields to study the effects of nature and how it can be connected to the developments of viruses and many other diseases. Omayma was selected to be a young advocate member of the YAP program in August 2021. This program was also one of interest because she saw it as an opportunity to learn and develop new knowledge of the different topics for advocacy in the general healthcare field which to her was vital to understand because it is a part of the medical path she looks to be involved in as she follows her Pre-Med track. In all, she continues to search for more opportunities of involvement and ways to grow as a leader and strong advocate.

Twee Shackelford
Austin, Texas

I’ve been attending protests since I was four. I’ve been a part of every major movement in the past two decades, and now as an adult I want to bring change to our government so that the American people can finally have their needs addressed. Scholastically I’ve been a part of model UN, student government, UT’s YCS fellows program, and ACC’s QEP committee.

Vojsava Ramaj
Austin, Texas

Hi, I am Vojsava Ramaj. I am currently a senior studying Government and Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. Through my college career, I have worked with campaigns and for candidates that prioritize health care, higher education, and reforms to the criminal justice system. I joined the Young Advocates Program because I know they care about those same issues. I wanna be a part of the effort to amplify young voices in communities and also help to influence policy decisions in those areas. I am eager to work with my fellow Young Advocates to try to make change and improve lives.

Alexa Cruz Flores
East Texas

Alexa Cruz Flores is a first-generation college student attending Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from Victory Early College High School in 2021 and is planning on graduating with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2023. She is also planning on pursuing a social work license to work as a licensed social worker in the future. Throughout her life she has always wanted to give back to her community, so when the opportunity to join the Young Invincibles came she gladly took it in order to finally give back to the community. She is also very passionate about learning and helping fight current issues like global warming, higher education, and health care. In her free time, she likes to stay involved around her campus, educate herself on current topics, hang with friends, and bike.

Hailee Mouch
East Texas

Hailee Mouch is currently enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University, majoring in political science with a minor in public administration. Since attending SFASU, Hailee has been an active member within her school’s Texas Rising chapter. She is currently the president of the chapter and works to organize young voters in the state of Texas. Hailee was drawn to Young Invincibles because they advocate for issues that she has advocated for as well. She believes that this program will strengthen her advocacy skills as well as further provide attention to these various issues.

Hunter Evans
East Texas

Hunter Evans is the County Chair for his local Democratic Party. He is currently among the youngest County Chair’s in Texas, elected at age 20. Hunter ran using his first-hand experience of how hard finding health care is in rural communities. His county lost its only hospital in 2014 and despite plans to rebuild it, the structure that used to be a full-service hospital is still just metal beams and concrete floors. Hunter is excited to be a part of the Young Advocates program and continue the fight for health care and hospital access in rural communities across Texas.

Jada Sanford
East Texas

Jada Sanford is currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University. She is majoring in international business, and is in her third year of college. Both her passion for social media marketing as well as various social issues has inspired her to use unconventional platforms to create awareness. She is the social media manager for the SFA Texas Rising chapter, which allows her the space to experiment with advocacy through media. Jada hopes to experience the community within the Young Invincibles program, sharing knowledge and experiences with like-minded individuals.

AJ Rivera
Houston, Texas

I’m AJ, a recent high school graduate looking to make a difference in this world. In my spare time, I’m an artist and enjoy seeking and creating representation through art. My goal is to create opportunities for others to learn the importance of mental health in all its complexities.

Andie Ellis
Houston, Texas

I am a junior at the University of Houston, double majoring in Political Science and Computer Science. My experiences have made me passionate about utilizing the ever expanding technology industry to bridge the gap between the socioeconomically challenged, the disappearing middle class, and the upper class.

Apollo Nguyen
Houston, Texas

My name is Apollo Nguyen and I am a first year at the University of Houston majoring in biology. I’m originally from Dallas, Texas but moved to Houston to go to school. I hope to attend medical school in the future after my four years of undergraduate career. I am an aspiring family physician and general practitioner that wants to be able to serve communities that have little to no representation and that are under served. Before joining Young Invincibles, I worked with local food pantries in Dallas in providing necessities to the poor and homeless such as food and temporary housing. I’m excited to be working with Young Invincibles because I believe the core values of the organization align well with my goals for the future. This organization’s idea that some goals are not meant to be achieved alone especially when it comes to public change resonates with me and it’s something that I believe in as well. I decided to join Young Invincibles to strengthen my skills in leadership and communication. I am also very excited to learn about and advocate for social issues happening with young adults in Texas.

Avi Nix
Houston, Texas

Born and raised in Houston, TX. A recent graduate from J Frank Dobie High School, as of May 29th, 2021 and currently attending San Jacinto Community College. Majoring in Natural Science. Has aspirations to be a veterinarian. Avionette has volunteer experience with the Michael E. DeBakey Hospital and also working with Restoring Justice. Heavily involved in various school and community activities, such as Green club, Dobie Theater,Dobie Dance, and bible study. Volunteered for Catherine Flowers campaign. Extremely passionate about working with Young Advocates. For Justice is to make a change and improve the community.

Dayana Iza
Houston, Texas

Hi, my name is Dayana. I am a first-generation Mexican American, and I am very passionate about social issues. I currently work for Mi Familia Vota here in Houston, TX. I hope to continue learning as I navigate through life in order to continue this beautiful and fulfilling work. I aspire to continue to teach our youth and community about the importance of civic participation. When I am not working or engaged in volunteer work, you can catch me going for a run, or spending time with family, friends, and my dog.

Drake Okeke
Houston, Texas

Hey Guys! My name is Drake Okeke and I’m a political science major at the University of Houston. I have dreams of becoming an advocacy lawyer and that was one of the driving reasons for me joining the Young Invincibles.

Esme Ledezma
Houston, Texas

Esme is currently a freshman at the University of Houston majoring in Sociology with a minor in Law, Values and Policy and U.S. Ethnic Studies. Prior to working with Young Invincibles, she worked with other organizations like March For Our Lives and Mi Familia Vota and also serves as a VDVR in Harris County. She joined YI in hopes to become a better advocate for her community and be able to pass information on to other organizers in her area.

Gloria Baltazar
Houston, Texas

Gloria Baltazar was born in Houston, TX. She has two children. After graduating from high school, she attended Stephen F Austin University but due to her mother’s cancer, she had to come back home, after two years of pursuing her BSN. Currently enrolled in Houston Community College to continue her studies. Gloria is working as a Registered Medical Assistant & Certified Nurse Aide in a family practice. She enjoys running, dancing, and crafting in her free time.

Jahnari Ball
Houston, Texas

My name is Jahnari Ball. I’m from Houston, Texas. I graduated from Bellaire High School June 2018. During my years at Bellaire, I was engaged in multiple extracurricular activities as far as sports and I had my few lines in a few plays. I joined the YAP team to learn how to see things from other people’s points of view, and I wanted to change the bad habit of judging a book by its cover. I also stand for equality and with me being a Libra I think that what plays a big role in what I stand for. I played football, basketball, and I ran track and while I played those sports I made sure to keep the morals I stood for intact. I plan on being a financial advisor for the future, and I want to find a way to make medical care free for others down the line. My sole purpose to me is to be successful in my environment without doing the things that most people from my environment do to satisfy their success. The purpose may change, because I know I’m not God, and God is more in control than anything. I just want to spread good energy and see where it takes me.

Jarvis Thompson
Houston, Texas

Hi, my name is Jarvis Thompson from Houston, TX. Inside my current life journey I have been involved in the SEA program, NSBE, and the Spirit Strong Scholars program. On a regular day, I like to workout, watch movies, and cook. I am very outgoing, but do like to spend time by myself. In the program, I am planning to really help other young adult learners who are wanting to be successful in job readiness, health care, and debt relief.

Jasmine Parish Moreno
Houston, Texas

Jasmine currently attends the University of Houston where she is part of the Honors College. She is majoring in Political Science and double minoring in Spanish and National Security. As a child of two immigrants from distinct backgrounds, Jasmine has witnessed first hand the struggles minority groups face in regards to discrimination, underrepresentation, and the lack of resources, funding, and opportunities available for these groups. Jasmine began working with United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country, to fight for equality and justice through civic engagement and community organizing. Additionally, she interned in Houston City Hall with Council Member Karla Cisneros. Through her internship, she was able to work directly with constituents from District H and help them get access to resources during the Houston winter storm, get access to COVID-related care, and organize youth mentorship programs. Jasmine is excited to work with Young Invincibles to learn how she can best serve her community and achieve the changes she wants to see.

Javarhea Thompson
Houston, Texas

Hello! My name is Javarhea Thompson. I am currently a Senior at Texas Southern University majoring in Speech Communication. I’m on the World-renowned debate team and a TSU Shape Peer advocate as well. I plan to become a better advocate to young adult learners on world topics while bringing awareness of how it affects us and becoming part of the solution.

Pam Trevino
Houston, Texas

Pam Trevino attends the University of Houston-Downtown and is pursuing a degree in Marketing. She serves as an officer of Campus Activities Board where she helps with the marketing aspects, event planning, recruiting, and record keeping. Pam joined Young Invincibles because she wants to help communities who lack access to health care, higher education, and workforce opportunities. In order for her voice to bring change, she hopes to gain knowledge and skills through the program to better serve others. Outside of college life, she enjoys watching anime, trying new food places, and listening to podcasts.

Precious McGowen
Houston, Texas

Hello my name is Precious McGowen from Houston, TX, Southeast area. I attended Milby High School and graduated from Worthing High School. I’m now at HCC Central and haven’t chosen a major. In my free time, I like to skate, paint, and spend time with my family and friends. I joined YAP because I’ve always wanted to make a change and help people find and get resources that are needed. Being apart of a low-income family, I understand the struggles and things you have to sacrifice just to survive.

Sarah Imran
Houston, Texas

My name is Sarah Imran, and I am a passionate and dedicated community advocate. My interest and passion for social justice show through all aspects of my work, such as working with underserved and under-resourced communities at the City of Houston Mayor’s Office as well as being the elected Senator for the University of Houston’s 58th Student Government Association administration. As a queer, Muslim woman of color who is also the child of immigrants, I am more than empathetic to the issues and needs of other marginalized communities around me. I am always looking for ways to learn more on how to be an advocate for equity for these people and engage them in order to do so, and I hope to help use our collective power to move policy towards our benefit.

Soufia Ali
Austin, Texas

Soufia Ali is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing two majors in Radio-Television-Film and Health and Society. On campus, she is a member of the Moody College Honors Program, the external director for the Moody Communication Council, and an employee at the Moody College Equipment Checkout. Soufia is excited to be interning with Young Invincibles and is looking forward to being more hands-on in her community. She’s especially interested in learning how to utilize the power of storytelling to make a difference. Soufia’s hobbies include bothering her cat Moo, exploring new places in Austin with friends, and watching movies!

YI Coordinators

Liz Kufour

Liz began working as an Organizing Coordinator with the Texas Young Advocates Program Spring 2021 cohort. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in African and African Diaspora Studies and a B.B.A. in Management. Liz was a member of the inaugural Texas YAP cohort in 2019 before being invited to the Youth Advisory Board in 2020. Of YI’s core areas, Liz feels closely connected to our higher education work, and she intends to use her time at YI to expand her understanding of the intricacies of higher education in order to effect lasting and sustainable change within Texas. Liz is passionate about empowering marginalized groups and providing resources to underserved communities. She intends to pursue a dual JD/MBA degree, focusing on public policy and social entrepreneurship in the near future. Through the YAP, Liz hopes to become more hands-on within the preparation of the next generation of young advocates and impact future leaders in a similar fashion that YI impacted her.

Nickoli Benkert

Nickoli Benkert works as an Organizing Coordinator with the Texas Young Advocate Program here at Young Invincibles. Nickoli currently attends the University of Texas at Austin where he is pursuing a Political Communication Studies degree and serves as a Senate Representative for the Moody College of Communication’s Student Council. Nickoli is passionate about increasing health care access for all and providing economic opportunities to marginalized communities in America. Nickoli is honored to be working with the Young Advocates Program on these key political issues and have the opportunity to fight for the needs of young Texans. Nickoli was born in Sacramento, California, and lived abroad in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with his family working with a nonprofit organization before settling down in Austin, Texas. Nickoli aims to work with Young Invincibles to impact the world in a positive way and lift up the voices of the unheard in our communities.

Priscila Barrientos

Born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and from Houston, Texas, Priscila Uriegas Barrientos is one of the Texas Organizing Coordinators for YI’s Fall 2021 Young Advocates Program. Priscila started off as a Young Advocate in 2019 as a member of the inaugural Houston cohort for the YAP, afterwards she continued with Young Invincibles as a member of the Youth Advisory Board for the 2021 year. Priscila is a first-generation student at the University of Houston where she will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Political Science. Priscila works with Young Invincibles as she deeply resonates with our core issue areas but especially in our fight for expanded health care and affordable higher education. She strongly believes in the power of the people as she strives to work alongside underrepresented communities to demand our human rights be honored and respected. Through Young Invincibles, Priscila has had the opportunity to actively and realistically learn about political and social reform and use these skills to continue uplifting the voices of her community.

YI Policy Fellows

Christine Mompoint

Christine Mompoint serves the Young Invincibles Texas Team as the Higher Education Policy Fellow. She is currently attending Houston Community College and represents all 27 campuses as the District Student Government President. As a Texas Civic Ambassador with UT Austin, Christine is currently working to build a network of student leaders that will advocate for equitable access to community resources and holding instructions accountable to their student body. In all of her efforts, Christine works diligently with college and community leaders to inform the public of current student concerns and recommendations for improvement. After graduating in May, she plans to attend the University of Houston to pursue a degree in public policy.

Emma Bittner

Emma Bittner is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is a Journalism and Communication and Leadership double major. In addition to her communication degrees, she is also pursuing a Creative Writing certificate to fulfill her love for writing and storytelling and a minor in Social Work. Emma isn’t far from home in Austin, as she was born and raised in Frisco, TX, a suburb north of Dallas. Young Invincibles has shown Emma her true passion for advocacy and social change. After graduation, she hopes to continue advocating for women’s health and affordable and accessible health care for all.

Río Gonzalez

Río Gonzalez is the Southern Mental Health Policy Fellow for Young Invincibles. Río grew up in a predominantly immigrant Latinx community in rural California where mental health is heavily stigmatized and ignored. Their lack of knowledge with mental health motivated them to receive their B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Post undergrad, they pursued a MPH in Community Health Practice from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to further investigate health disparities in their community and how to advocate, organize, and create change. In their spare time, Río enjoys taking long walks in nature, cuddling with their pups, and cooking their ama’s recipes.