Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA
University: Santa Clara University
Areas of Study: BS in Child Studies, BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies

Favorite Thing About California: I grew up in SoCal and spent college in NorCal, and I’ve loved the range of environments, people, and places I’ve been able to explore along the way. As long as I’m near the ocean, some trees, and sunshine, I’m happy. Some of my favorite spots so far have been Yosemite, Big Sur, and Joshua Tree! 

Most Excited to Learn About: As an Equity Fellow, I am eager to deepen my understanding of California policy through a child-centered and racial equity-focused lens. I look forward to engaging in collective activism alongside experienced nonprofit and advocacy experts to support child welfare! 

Hometown: Alamo, CA
University: UCLA
Areas of Study: BA in Political Science, BA in Public Affairs

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite thing about California is the nature and the great weather. There is so much variety, from national parks to beaches and mountains. There is always a new place to adventure and explore! 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am excited to learn about policy advocacy and how policies are developed and implemented, particularly in child welfare and how it can drive systemic change. I also looking forward to hearing from professionals at Children Now, learning how their different career paths work together to effectively advocate for children across the state. 

Hometown: Menlo Park, CA
University: University of Indiana
Areas of Study: BS in Business Administration

Favorite Thing About California: I love how easy it is to go from hiking in the coolest nature you’ve ever seen to laying on the beach in pretty much the same amount of time! 

Most Excited to Learn About: I’m excited to learn more about the marketing and business side of organizations, especially how branding and storytelling work together to create impact. I also look forward to understanding how organizations communicate their mission and connect with different audiences, as well as hearing about people’s personal experiences and what led them to work in this field. 

University: UCLA
Areas of Study: BA in Education, Minor in Public Affairs

Favorite Thing About California: California has everything. I’ve gotten to live near the beach in San Diego, in the mountains in Lake Tahoe, in the woodsy environment of the Bay Area, and now in LA. Getting to experience all these different climates, landscapes, foods, and people is what makes this state so special and unique! 

Most Excited to Learn About: I’m most excited to learn how research turns into policy change through advocacy. My own work has focused on the research side of education, so I’m eager to see the other half of the equation. I am also excited to learn how Children Now mobilizes The Children’s Movement to advance K-12 policy. Learning to connect evidence with the people and partnerships that drive decisions is something I’ve really been looking forward to! 

Hometown: San Jose, CA
University: Santa Clara University
Areas of Study: BS is Sociology, BS in Political Science

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite thing about California are the diverse communities one is introduced to early on. Being surrounded by people of your own culture is nice, but having the opportunity to meet new people with different backgrounds provides infinite learning and connecting opportunities. 

Most Excited to Learn About: While I am excited to learn about the policy making process in California, I am most excited about learning how to effectively spread awareness of these policies. Advocacy is something I am passionate about, so being a part of an organization that practices this both an honor and an extension of who I am. 

Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
University: University of Arizona
Areas of Study: BA in Political Science, Minor in Journalism

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite thing about California is the access to a range of nature and outdoor activities! I love beach towns and swimming in the ocean, and I’m lucky to have easy access to open space to hike and run! 

Most Excited to Learn About: I’m most excited to gain a better understanding of how nonprofit organizations function on a day to day basis to advocate for change. I’m looking forward to learning more about welfare policy, connecting with other fellows and employees, and contributing to a brighter future for California’s children. 

Hometown: Moraga, CA
University: UC Santa Cruz
Areas of Study: BA in Psychology, BA in Legal Studies

Favorite Thing About California: My favorite thing about California is having both the beach and the forest around me. I feel that’s something I especially love about Santa Cruz, too, but I also love how diverse California and its people are. There are so many different people across California, yet there is a shared love for how beautiful the state is. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am excited to learn more about expanding the impactful programs and how they create a broader network of change to advocate for kids across California. I look forward to dedicating my work and efforts to supporting children’s education, health, and welfare through public policy and outreach. I am eager to collaborate with staff to learn from their perspectives and experiences while upholding TCM’s mission and goals. 

Hometown: Westport, Connecticut
University: Scripps College
Areas of Study: BA in Politics, BA in Writing & Rhetoric, minor in Spanish

Favorite Thing About California: There is so much that I love about California, but as a foodie, one of my favorite things is the variety of cuisines and authentic food that reflect the state’s cultural diversity. I love exploring new restaurants and trying foods from different cultures. I also love California’s access to nature and that you can go to the beach and mountains all in the same day. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am excited to learn more about California’s education policy landscape and how organizations like Children Now build collective power to advance policies that improve outcomes for children and families. I also look forward to gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit advocacy and public policy while learning from experienced advocates and policy professionals. Through this fellowship, I hope to develop a deeper understanding of how research, coalition-building, and advocacy can drive meaningful change. 

Hometown: San Francisco
University: UCLA
Areas of Study: BA in Political Science

Favorite Thing About California: I love this state so much so this is really hard, but if I had to choose it would probably be its geography. I love hiking, going to the beach, and driving along highway 1. I feel like there’s really nowhere else in the world like California, and am so lucky to grow up and go to college here! 

Most Excited to Learn About: I’m excited to learn more about children’s advocacy, policy, and California’s NGO network, particularly how NGOs collaborate with the government and communities to shape public policy. I’m also eager to strengthen my research, writing, and professional communication skills. 

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA
University: UC Davis
Areas of Study: BS in Psychology

Favorite Thing About California: The range and diversity of California, which is both present in the people and culture but also the environment. I grew up in El Dorado Hills and go to school in Davis, so I’m used to that quieter Central Valley feel, but California also has the ocean, the mountains, the cities, all of which are within a few hours of each other. I think that diversity is part of why advocacy here has to be so coordinated. You’re speaking to a diverse group of people, not just one type of Californian. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I’m most excited to learn what policy outreach actually looks like in practice. Like, the day-to-day skill of getting an organization that’s never heard of Children Now to care about what we’re doing. I know there’s a balance of both heart and practicality in the approach. I’m also really hoping to connect with the policy team, especially around online safety and AI regulation for kids, since that overlaps with a media literacy program I’ve been developing on my own. I want to see how an idea actually moves through the system. 

Hometown: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
University: Stanford University
Areas of Study: BA in Psychology, minor in Education

Favorite Thing About California: I love exploring the character of each city! Finding myself in the nooks in crannies of each space while I learn about the history and development of each is an enriching experience. 

Most Excited to Learn About: I am excited to learn about coalition building strategies from advocacy experts, alongside like-missioned peers. I am eager to learn how broad-based coalitions influence legislative and budget processes and how student and community voices can be mobilized effectively and seamlessly. This comes from my motivation to ensure that policy solutions meaningfully improve outcomes for historically underserved communities through justice-driven and evidence-based approaches that center community perspectives. 

Hometown: San Francisco, CA
University: UC Berkeley
Areas of Study: BA in Political Economy

Favorite Thing About California: I love California’s diversity because being exposed to different cultures has really shaped my worldview and open-mindedness. The intersecting of different cultures and people truly makes California a special place. 

Most Excited to Learn About: While I am excited for the outreach work, I am most excited to learn from other committees that work more directly in policy-shaping. I’m also looking forward to just working with other like-minded individuals.