Hometown: San Fernando Valley
University: University of California, Berkeley
Areas of Study: BA in Psychology & Legal Studies

Favorite Thing About California: California has been home for me for as long as I can remember, as it’s been the place where I’ve grown up in for my entire life, and have gotten to explore different parts of it overtime, especially during these recent years in college. It is difficult for me to pinpoint what it is about California that makes it my favorite thing, other than the sense of familiarity and “home-like” nature that follows me across the sightseeing I’ve done, the people I’ve met who have become my closest friends, and with my family, all gravitated in one place. 

Most Excited to Learn About: During this fellowship with Children Now, I anticipate learning more about public policy in-action within the nonprofit sphere, especially when the crafting of policies are centered on children’s needs, which are currently being largely impacted by external forces and the sociopolitical climate. Moreover, being able to participate in a role that positively contributes to a project dedicated to advocacy and change for underrepresented children aligns perfectly with my future aspirations of becoming involved in child welfare and familiarizing myself with the fields related to it. 

Hometown: Los Angeles 
University: University of La Verne (Graduate), Liberty University (Undergraduate), CSU Long Beach (Undergraduate), and CSU Sacramento (Undergraduate) 
Areas of Study: Master of Public Administration, BS in Public Administration

Favorite Thing About California: What I enjoy most about California is its extraordinary variety of natural landscapes. The state presents unmatched natural beauty through its stunning coastlines and majestic redwoods, as well as vast deserts and snow-capped mountains, which provide endless opportunities for exploration. California stands out as a singular location where numerous varied ecosystems are accessible from a close distance. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am particularly eager to engage with California’s child policy framework while exploring how advocacy practices contribute to equitable outcomes for children. My experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer exposed me to the urgent needs of vulnerable children, which has motivated me to learn from Children Now about creating effective policies through their specialized knowledge. I want to play a role in creating meaningful change and develop my advocacy abilities through participation in this dynamic movement. 

Hometown: San Francisco
University: University of California, Los Angeles
Areas of Study: BA in International Development Studies, Minor in Public Affairs

Favorite Thing About California: I’ve always appreciated the diversity in the landscape. Growing up I could cross the Golden Gate Bridge, go for a hike and a swim at Stinson Beach and come back into the city and get burritos for dinner in the Mission District. I love how our urban hubs are never far from green spaces, that we have the desert, the ocean, and the woods all in our backyard. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am most excited to expand my knowledge of existing community networks and organizations across California that work in the interest of child welfare. I am eager to learn about the role of nonprofits in engaging local and grassroots organizers and how these relationships can shape larger policy efforts. 

Hometown: Exeter
University: University of California Los Angeles
Areas of Study: BA in Political Science, Minor in Labor Studies

Favorite Thing About California: One of the highlights of California for me is definitely the Los Angeles Dodgers. They fill my free time with excitement, and I can’t imagine what I would do without this incredible team. There’s truly nothing better to be obsessed with than the reigning 2024 World Series champions. 

Most Excited to Learn About: As someone who has grown up with disabled family members, I am super excited to promote greater access to educational and medical resources for disabled and other minoritized communities. In addition, I am excited to work with Children Now’s partners through learning how to coordinate with multiple outside persons and institutions. 

Hometown: Santa Barbara
University: University of California, San Diego
Areas of Study: BA in Ethnic Studies & Critical Gender Studies

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite thing about California is our diversity! We are such a culturally, linguistically, socially, geographically, and economically diverse state, and no two people share the same understanding of being Californian. I also love California’s legacy of activism—from Indigenous sovereignty to racial justice and LGBTQIA+ rights—which always inspires me to build a more just and empowering society for everyone. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I can’t wait to connect with all of the incredible fellows, Children Now staff, and members of The Children’s Movement! Beyond that, I am looking forward to learning more about Children Now’s pro-Kid policy and advocacy, and I am so excited to get to know more about the TCM’s membership network. 

Hometown: Carlsbad
University: University of California, Berkeley
Areas of Study: BA in Political Science, Minor in Journalism

Favorite Thing About California: I love driving down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway with some good music playing. California also has great coffee, so I get one on the drive. It never gets old. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I’m most excited to network with organizations. I love to meet new people and discuss important issues. I’m also excited to see how a successful advocacy campaign is built. 

Hometown: Long Beach
University: University of California, Los Angeles
Areas of Study: BA in Public Health, Minor in Public Affairs

Favorite Thing About California: I love living in California and getting to spend so much of my time outside at the beach, on hikes, and anything else that gets me out in the sun! 

Most Excited to Learn About: This summer, I am excited to learn more about and gain experience with policy, advocacy, and non-profit work, to see if these are areas I’d like to pursue further! With my background in public health, I’m looking forward to seeing how the various areas of policy focus interact while also being able to contribute to improving the lives of children and families throughout the state! 

Hometown: San Diego 
University: University of San Francisco (Graduate), Point Loma Nazarene University (Undergraduate) 
Areas of Study: Master of Urban Public Affairs, BA in Sociology

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite thing about California, first and foremost, is the diversity, but also, specifically, Southern California has the best weather in the world. As I look back, growing up in a diverse community was a great privilege. It taught me the importance of culture and empathy. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am most excited to learn about the process for advocating for equity in public education—the challenges, the systemic barriers, the tactics, and everything in between! I look forward to sharpening my skills in how to present equitable objectives to different groups. 

Hometown: Burlingame 
University: Occidental College 
Areas of Study: BA in Critical Theory & Social Justice, Minor in Sociology

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite part about California is the diverse and beautiful landscape. Growing up, I spent lots of time in both my hometown and San Francisco, enjoying the blend of suburban calm and the lively city, always surrounded by hills, mountains, the bay, and the ocean. I also love California for its amazing natural sites like Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and the redwoods and sequoias—each appreciated for their ecological richness and role in contributing to the state’s unique natural beauty. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am excited to learn more about public policy and the process of effectively enacting policy changes. Also, I look forward to furthering my passion for equitable access to education, child welfare, and affordable healthcare while learning from policy experts about their experiences. 

Hometown: Newport Beach 
University: University of California, Berkeley 
Areas of Study: BA in Social Welfare

Favorite Thing About California: I love the weather in California. Where I live it is 65 degrees in the winter and 75 in the summer, which is perfect for me to be outside whenever I want—rowing, going for walks, or just sitting outside. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am most excited to learn about California’s child welfare system and how I can help make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children. I am also eager to connect with and learn from the experienced team at Children Now to deepen my understanding of child advocacy and explore how I can contribute to this important work.