Jocelyn Bravo (she/her/ella)
Jocelyn Bravo (she/her/ella) is a native Chicagoan who currently works at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights as a Digital Organizer. She has previously engaged in community work through various roles at Young Invincibles, Chicago Votes, Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s District Office, and Brighton Park Neighborhood Council. Jocelyn’s commitment to civic engagement and political education was inspired by voter outreach efforts she has been involved in since late 2019. Outside of work, she mentors college freshmen, spends time with her dog, and seeks out the best latte in the city.
Jose Vazquez (he/him)
Jose Vazquez is a junior undergraduate at the University of Chicago, studying Political Science with a minor in Germanic Studies. His primary academic interests lie in Latinx political movements and participation, with general interests in elections and democracy. Outside of the classroom, Jose participates in two Model UN clubs and attends Institute of Politics speaking events, where he has engaged with individuals such as Beto O’Rourke, Pete Buttigieg, and former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo.
Jose was born in Jalisco, Mexico, before moving to the US at the age of two and settling in Salt Lake City, Utah. There, he tries to take full advantage of the city’s beautiful nature by going to lakes, hiking, and skiing, often accompanied by his Australian Shepherd dog, Forrest. Jose believes in bold, progressive policies that ensure equity and justice for all, especially for groups that have been historically marginalized and underrepresented. He hopes that his opportunity in YAB will lead to enriching dialogue with his peers and actionable advocacy.
Kenyetta Watt (she/her)
Keneyetta Watt is originally from Illinois and has resided in various parts of the state. She graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University with a major in Social Work and minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Currently, Keneyetta is pursuing her Master of Social Work at Aurora University. With a passion for helping others, she strives to uplift and encourage the potential she sees in people. Keneyetta’s experience in child welfare and restorative justice has enlightened her about the existing laws in place.
Khushbu Patel (she/her)
Khushbu Patel is a law student currently enrolled at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, set to graduate with a Juris Doctor in May 2026. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from UIC, where she garnered honors and actively participated in leadership roles on campus. As an advocate for healthcare and education, Khushbu contributed to the Young Advocates Program at Young Invincibles, championing mental health and educational policies through strategic communication and legislative testimony. In her professional roles, she interned at the Illinois Department of Public Health, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and at the U.S. District Court, where she implemented measures to safeguard judges’ privacy. Excited about the intersection of law and advocacy, Khushbu looks forward to contributing positively to these fields.
Margarita Arango (she/her)
Margarita Arango is from Rockford, IL, and is currently a second-year student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is majoring in public policy with a concentration in social policy and is minoring in urban studies, history, and sociology. Margarita serves as an ambassador for the UIC Honors College and the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. Additionally, she holds the position of co-president of the Student Advocacy Coalition on campus. Margarita participated in the Spring 2023 Young Advocates Program with YI and worked as an intern for her state representative in 2023. Post-graduation, she aspires to pursue a Master of Public Policy. Margarita firmly believes in the power of advocacy and is deeply passionate about promoting civic engagement.
Nayeli Anai Jimenez (she/her)
Nayeli Anai Jimenez is currently employed and is a full-time MSW online student through the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The program she decided to pursue is Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. Additionally, Nayeli is involved in an organization that implements harm reduction as part of her field placement. Her interest in this field stems from a desire to learn and be knowledgeable about the barriers and lack of resources in vulnerable communities and to provide them with accessible outlets rather than ones that negatively impact their lives, such as substance abuse.
Currently, Nayeli’s hobbies include hanging out with friends and trying new restaurants, watching Netflix, obsessing over a new K-drama, and reading and writing.
Ness Maderaguerra he/they
Ness Madera-Guerra, aged 28, graduated from Illinois State University in 2020 during the pandemic. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music and a Bachelor’s in Political Science, with a minor in Peace and Conflict Resolution studies. Ness started as a Fellow with the YI Young Advocates Program in the fall of 2023. He cares deeply about helping his community and young people across the Midwest. Additionally, he volunteers with the Human Society, currently working on a campaign to ban fur sales in the city of Chicago.
Salvador Delgado he/him/el
Salvador Delgado is a senior pursuing a degree in Public Policy at UIC. He is an intersectional feminist passionate about addressing racial and social inequity through legislative and legal action. Salvador volunteers with many local nonprofits that address inequities involving undocumented citizens, the LGBTQIA+ community, and affordable housing. He has extensive experience organizing events and programs on college campuses, in professional environments, and within the communities he is a part of. Salvador aspires to work in the public sector to advocate for better laws and policies to improve access and the quality of life for all marginalized people.
Tibi Zabasajja she/hers
Tibi Zabasajja is a junior at Northwestern University, majoring in political science and pursuing minors in legal studies and data science. She is passionate about the advancement of civil and humanitarian equity and is driven by the belief that every individual deserves equal access to resources for building a fulfilling life. On campus, Tibi chairs a position in Northwestern’s Community for Human Rights and has actively been involved in the Undergraduate Prison Education Program. Beyond campus, she serves as a Project Assistant for an NGO called NoirUnited International (NUI), enabling her to contribute to community-based development interventions aimed at supporting marginalized and displaced global communities. For her future, Tibi envisions a professional career path dedicated to engaging in meaningful social impact initiatives, embodying the principles of equity, justice, and positive transformation.
Vaquisha Black she/her
Vaquisha Black is a 26-year-old currently in her final semester of graduate school, studying Mental Health Counseling at Roosevelt University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Indiana University Purdue University. Determined to impact her personal world along with the world at large, Vaquisha enjoys the collaborative process of “journeying through life’s challenges” with another. As a black woman in America, Ms. Black understands firsthand the challenges and marginalization, the impact of trauma, and what it means to navigate life’s journey. Advocating for mental health in political spaces and on the legislative level is a task that Vaquisha finds both ideal and substantial. As a Counseling professional, she has had the honor and privilege to serve a myriad of demographics from youth to families, both male and female. Vaquisha intends to use her education and experiences to contribute to the ongoing conversation around mental health awareness and access. She believes that by advocating for mental health at the political and legislative levels, she can make a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and communities.