In September, Young Invincibles’ Rocky Mountain office welcomed 10 additional student advocates to the 2022 Young Advocates program, our 9-month paid policy and advocacy fellowship, where young Coloradans learn how to build campaigns for change in the state.
Karen Le (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
To learn how to be a better advocate for future students I plan to counsel and guide, and to network with other individuals who work to make a beneficial impact for Colorado youth.
Karen Basaves (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the advocates program to learn more about how to engage in public policy in a way that will be meaningful to my community. I am excited to learn the specifics!
Kim- Phung Van (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
So that I could serve the underserved and represent the underrepresented.
Lluvia Lara Rodriguez (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
My friends inspired me!
Nathan Nguyen (he/him/his)
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the advocates program to learn how to make an impact in my community that is lasting. Health care is one of the areas I am very interested in and I hope that by being a part of this program, I will learn more about the legislative process and how to use my voice to advocate for the healthcare needs of my community and especially those that are underrepresented and underserved.
Onnastasia Cole (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the Young Advocates program because I want to help shape a better world and improve the lives of those in my community. Living through so many historical events can make it difficult to envision a better future, and I want to be a part of working toward solutions that can effect positive change and lead to better long-term outcomes for marginalized people. I am interested in learning how to build common ground, work collaboratively with those of different backgrounds, and help more young adults become involved in the political process. I know many people who have become jaded and lost faith in our political system, and I hope to learn how to instill hope and inspire action in those who feel like fighting for change is a lost cause.
Samuel Flores (he/him/his)
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the advocates program to create change for communities in need on the policy level, and to expand my understanding of effective health care and health policy. I hope to create change that will benefit disadvantaged and minority communities, and to be a voice for undocumented individuals.
Tayla Kelly (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the Young Advocates Program to support tangible change in policy, elevate my voice and uplift my own story. I have been socialized to contain my experiences and make them neat and tidy for other’s comfort; but I am tired. I am tired of the negativity perpetuated in my community and battles faced in others. I have a valuable voice and viewpoint and my personal identity shapes that. Through this program I am proud to co-create positive change that will have a ripple effect far beyond me.
Varunavi Battula (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
I wanted to gain a proper foundation for advocacy and policy work as I intend to implement it in my future health practice. I believe it’s important to advocate for my future patients in all the ways that I can, going past just basic health care.
Vashti Trujillo (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
Why I joined the advocates program is because I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the politics around me, and learn how I can help my community by getting involved. The program is spoken highly of around me and I am very passionate about the issues YI cares about as well. It was an incredible opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I wanted to sharpen my leadership skills, network with officials, and help my community.