Jai Caldwell (She/Them)

Hello! My name is Jai Caldwell and I am a kind-hearted menace to society hoping to gain deep and different writing experiences, as well as, better understanding of the political world around me. It is different to have the information supplied to you by various sources, I am hoping I get a little deeper in the action. Regardless, I graduated from Harold Washington College the summer 2017, and University of Illinois at Chicago in 2019. I work with the Speculative Literature Foundation as I have a deep adoration for science fiction/horror fiction. Currently, making the time pass as a Call Center Rep for a big insurance company.

 

Victoria De La Torre (She/Her)

Victoria De La Torre, 31, is a Southside native. She got her undergrad at National Louis in December 2020, and is currently doing her internship for her Masters of Counseling. She is the first in her family to finish a college degree with her Associates from her time in culinary school. She had two years experience as a Family Advocate. Victoria joined YI with the hopes of networking opportunities, and to learn new ways to keep her passion for advocacy going on a bigger, more impactful level.

 

 

Cenia Villasenor (She/Her/Ella)

Cenia Villasenor is a 23-year-old Latinx woman born in Colorado and raised in the South Side of Chicago. After attending Golder College Prep for high school, she went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Human Development & Family Studies with minors in Global Health and Chican@ Latin@ Studies. Cenia is a first generation college student, and was the Programming Coordinator for the same student based program she was once a part of at UW-Madison. Cenia joined YI to develop her leadership skills and to gain real life experience in political advocacy and help make a difference in our society. In her spare time, Cenia likes to try new places to eat and spend time with her loved ones, especially her cat, Bubbles!

 

Jenae Brown (She/Her)

Hi, I am Jenae Brown. I am a 25 year old resident of the south suburbs. After attending Homewood Flossmoor, I spent 2 years at NIU before taking a few years off ,and then transferred to Governor State University and graduated with my bachelors in sociology and anthropology in May of 2022. I am now in grad school for counseling and will be done with that in 2024. I am a first gen grad. I joined YI to gain networking skills and find ways to stay active in my community. In my spare time I love to read and journal as well as shop and garden.

 

 

Amaria Harris (She/Her)

My name is Amaria Harris. I am from the west side of Chicago. I am a freshman chemistry (pre-pharmacy) major at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. I also am a Spanish minor. I enjoy going to the gym and trying new restaurants. I have been cheering since the age of five.

 

 

Camille Perry (She/They)

Camille Perry (she/they) is a 21-year-old student at DePaul University, majoring in Sociology. They were raised in Cary, Illinois, where they attended Cary-Grove High School and started the school’s first Black Student Union. After graduating high school, they attended McHenry County College to acquire their degree in General Studies. She joined YI to broaden her understanding of how best to serve the Black community, and deepen her love for her community. In her spare time, Camille enjoys playing Sims and listening to SZA.

 

 

Krystal Ng (She/They)

Krystal Ng grew up in the Northwest suburbs before moving to Chicago to attend University of Illinois-Chicago. After completing their undergraduate degree, they returned to UIC and completed their Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Public Health focusing on community health and organizational practices. A first-generation college student, and second-generation Asian American, Krystal loves using their social work and research skills to advocate for young people and immigrants. They also have a strong passion for reproductive and economic justice. Outside of organizing, Krystal loves watching movies, playing Animal Crossing, baking, and spending time with their cat, Pamplemoose.

 

Adella Bass (She/Her)

Hi, I’m Adella Bass I’m a 31-year-old wife & Mom of three from the far south side of Chicago Altgeld Gardens. I’m currently a community activist and organizer. I’m a current Honor Student at Eastern Gateway community college. Earning a Degree in teacher education. I have worked with different Chicago-based organizations; Chicago Youth Centers, and People for Community Recovery, just to name a few. I’m a camper at heart, but Community work  is truly where I’m destined to be.

 

 

Larmaya Kilgore (She/Her)

Larmaya Kilgore is a 28-year-old resident of Illinois, who understands the connection between policy influence and systemic change. While on a full-ride academic scholarship, she worked with government and community agencies to develop multiple programs for “disconnected youth.” She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. As a first-generational college student, who experienced socioeconomic barriers, she has been determined to work closely with multiple levels of government and policy experts to dismantle discriminatory systems of education, mass incarceration, voter suppression, and public health. Currently, Larmaya is in the program management sector. Larmaya joined YI to understand best practices to establish partnerships with businesses and community stakeholders to develop programs, events, and policies that educate marginalized communities and combat unjust systems.