My name is Indigo - you can call me Indy! I'm passionate about storytelling through media and using my creativity to speak up for what I believe in. I'm proud of my ability to connect with people and bring joy to those I come across. What excites me about my work in the YCL is the chance to help underserved voices be heard and build more accessible mental health resources for everyone.

Quote: "True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring." - Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Fun Facts:

I've never seen the original Star Wars trilogy and at this point I staunchly refuse to break my 26-year streak.

1. I've known all the words to Baby Got Back since kindergarten
2. I worked as a creative assistant on CoComelon for 2 years!

My community has driven me to work hard and make an impact on the world. I really enjoy public speaking and writing and love consuming and creating media. I feel very passionate about everything I commit to and I use that passion to help me grow as a person and help others. This passion I have, especially for public health, is what excites me about the opportunity of working with the Youth Co-Lab and being able to represent and be a part of something bigger than myself.

Quote: “Anything that is not growing is dead. So we better be changing” - Ms. Lauryn Hill

Fun Facts:

1. My go-to-funny fact has always been that I’ve worn the same type of shoe since I was in Middle School. I change the actual pair every couple of months, but I’ve worn the same Nike Air maxes with black, white, orange and yellow detailing for years
2. I love taking pictures! I have a social media page for photography and love how my photos can speak to how I feel and my experiences.
3. You will never catch me without a fitted LA hat on. I’m a big Dodgers fan and the LA logo feels indicative of my culture and upbringing as a born and raised Angelino.
4. I’m a huge Marvel fan! I love characters like Ghost Rider, Ms. Marvel and Iron and teams like the X-Men and Fantastic Four! I have a bunch of action figures and merchandise.

Hey, I’m Annie—born and raised in San Joaquin County. One thing I’m very talented at and enjoy is anything related to beauty, like waxing, skin care, makeup, and hair care. 

The thing that excited about my work with the YCL is bringing awareness to how mental health is extremely overlooked to the Indigenous community.

Fun Facts:

1. My dream place to visit would have to be Polignano a Mare, Italy. The stunning blue ocean combined with the cute little town within the Puglia region looks like a dream.
2. My favorite food of all time would have to be sushi. There are endless options with many different types of fish. It being healthy and rich in vitamins and minerals is a bonus.
3. A song that is always on my playlist is Cenotaph by the band Ghost. It's such a sweet song about how your loved ones are always with you, even after they've passed on.
4. Something about me that surprises almost everyone I meet is that I’m a huge heavy metal fan. They always say, “You don’t look like someone who would enjoy that type of music.” But I do!
   

My name is Makenzie and I have a passion for mental health and trying to help people bring out the best in themselves. The work I do in the YCL excites me because I get the opportunity to share my experience and give others the confidence to do the same. Overall, the connections you build, the professionalism gained, and the knowledge that we are making the world a better place for our youth who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues makes every moment worth it.  

Quote: “It is okay to make your mental health a priority. It is okay to make your happiness a priority. Do not let anyone disrespect the boundaries you have set to protect your inner self.” 

 Fun Facts:

1. I have been to a few countries in Europe, (Portugal, Spain and France) there were a lot of cities to list, but a quick sum was: Lisboa, Granada, Monaco, Nice, Gibraltar, and Barcelona.  
2. My favorite song is “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. I love 80s music. 
3. On my middle school soccer team, we had a few second to win the championship game. The ball was at the 18-yard line on our side. I took that shot across the entire field and it went right over the tip of the goalie's fingers, ending with me scoring and winning us the championship. 
4. I unintentionally hear every individual beat while listening to music, which constantly changes the perspective of a song. 

I'm from San Benito County, California! A little on the rural end, but that’s why I’m here — the cities aren't the only places that need aid. I love working here to provide effective outreach for youth like me.

Quote: “Life’s simple. You make choices and you don’t look back.” - Han Lue

1. I’m a massive fan of motorsports.
2. I’m an author and poet.
3. I perform in team-based improvisational comedy shows.

Hi! I’m Setareh (she/her). I grew up in Iran and moved to the U.S. at 15, navigating all the ups and downs of being in a new country while figuring out who I was. I’m a proud first-generation college graduate, and my passion for youth mental health advocacy, especially the connection between mental health and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), comes from my own lived experience.

Being part of the YCL excites me because I believe honest, open conversations about mental health can break down the stigma and open doors to real support. In every role I take on, I want to help amplify youth voices, encourage understanding and compassion for those who’ve experienced trauma, and push for change in how our communities understand and address mental and physical health.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me building LEGOs (yes, I’m a grown-up with a LEGO collection) or listening to Classical music.

Quote:

“Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.” ✨

“I lead with heart, hustle, and hope.” 💪🏾❤️

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere" - Vincent van Gogh (Setareh’s favorite artist)

1. I usually write poetry at night when I can’t sleep
2. My favorite food is anything made with potatoes
3. It is my dream to visit Ireland
4. I have a star tattoo on my hand because my name in Persian/Farsi means Star

Hi there! My name is Virika and I'm a 17-year-old from Southern California!  love swimming, so you’ll always find me at the pool or in the ocean. One of my favorite hobbies is painting, especially tote bags, and I enjoy creating unique designs for my friends. Being part of the YCL has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m proud to have contributed to campaigns like Take Space to Pause and to help shape the future of youth behavioral health in California.

Quote:

"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” -Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

Fun Facts:

1. My favorite foods are açaí bowls, sushi, and frozen fruit, especially grapes. 
2. My dream travel spot is Italy (even though I've already been). 
3. My favorite artist is Lana Del Rey and my favorite album is Honeymoon.
4. I've lived in three different states--Florida, Indiana, and California.

At 23 years old, I’m proud to be a Health Sciences graduate. As a student, I pursued internships aiding students and my local community. Now as a youth member, YCL has given me the opportunity to educate my friends, family, and local community on statewide mental health campaigns and online resources. In the YCL, everyone is supportive of your growth and personal development. Since I am passionate about community outreach and improving public health, I have plenty of opportunities to put my goals into practice.  

Quote: “Life is very short. What we have to must be done in the now.” - Audre Lorde 

Fun facts: 

1. I’m an avid ice skater. 
2. I’m an only child. 
3. I have walked on Shibuya Crossing in Japan.  

My name is Anaya, and I’m a current junior in high school. I’m passionate about writing, running, and rock climbing (I’ve been climbing since I was four!). I’m excited to contribute to the YCL, specifically with ensuring access to mental & behavioral health services for youth!  

Quote:  “Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth” - Bryant H. McGill    

Fun Facts: 

1. My favorite band is Fleetwood Mac, and I love listening to older music! 

2.      I’ve never broken a bone!  

3.      My favorite food is pasta, and I’d eat it for every meal if I could!    

My name is Chizu, I’m based in Los Angeles (sometimes NorCal), and I am so happy to bring my voice and perspective as an artist, educator, and human rights enthusiast to the YCL. The work we do on the YCL has such a wide reach not just statewide but possibly worldwide seeing as California is a global powerhouse; this makes the work we do all the more exciting and meaningful. To know that our successes can have reverberations beyond the state and can serve as an example to others, empowers me to continue to serve on the YCL as passionately and honestly as I can.  

Quote: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” 

Fun Fact:

1. I can move my ears! Yup yup, it’s true.
2. You might find a couple of Disney songs on my playlists... okay maybe three...five? 
3. Who else doesn’t get the Cilantro hype? *raises hand* *raises both hands*  

Greetings! My name is Dianna and I am from Fresno, California. I am interested in pursuing a career as a clinical child psychologist, observing how mental health stigma and socioeconomic status impacts a child’s psychological development. During my free time, I enjoy attending farmer’s markets, cycling, painting, reading, and volunteer service. Moving forward with the YCL Co-Lab, I am eager to utilize my abilities to further bridge the gap between youth and mental health awareness.

Quote:  "Don’t build a wall around your suffering. It may devour you from the inside.” – Friday Kahlo 🌺   

Fun Facts: 

1. I can list every state in America alphabetically.
2. I have a male calico cat (due to genetics, they are considered extremely rare).
3. One day, I hope to witness the Northern Lights while visiting Alaska.
4. I enjoy listening to classical music, grunge, and nu metal.

My name is Charlotte R., I am 19 years old and I am originally from Fairfield, California although I moved to Long Beach, California last year for college. I am a sophomore student double majoring in Biology and Social Work hoping to transfer to another institution next fall!

I am incredibly passionate about my friends, volunteering, photography, reading, and pretty much any type of art you can think of. I am most excited about being able to reach out to a larger community and hopefully make a difference in someone’s life!

Quote:  "You can’t be everything you want to be before your time.” – Billy Joel (from Vienna)   

Fun Facts: 

1. I have an emotional support dog that I got to bring to school with me, his name is Toby and he’s a tiny Manchester terrier mix! (he likes my roommate more than me but that's something we don’t talk about)
2. I have actually been programming since I was in 4th grade, I didn’t go to school for it because I didn’t want school to kill my passion for it but I know more than 5 programming languages!
3. I have 4 brothers who are all much older than me, as well as an astounding number of foster siblings who have come and gone through my family, so I have enough siblings to last a lifetime!
4. My nickname is “Charlee” because when I was a kid, all of my family called me “Charlee Bear” (which is why my favorite animal is also a brown bear !!)
   

My name is Maritza and I’m 17 years old, born and raised in Sonoma County, California. I’m passionate about mental health and creating spaces where people feel supported, heard, and empowered. I’m also proud of my love for capturing little moments, photos I can look back on alone or with friends and family, turning them into hours of laughter and stories.

I chose a photo from when I'm in the middle of hosting a Loteria Night for our Latine community centered around mental health awareness. I'm showing a Loteria card to my peer so she can call it out. What I love about this moment is how it captures us working together to make the event fun and engaging for everyone!

Being part of the YCL excites me because it gives me the chance to turn ideas into action, connect with like-minded people, and help shape the future of behavioral health across California.  

Quote:  "Si Se Puede"

Fun Facts: 

1. I love to dance
2. I absolutely love any type of pasta (but preferably alfredo)
3. A song that’s always on my playlist is La Santa by Bad Bunny!
   

Kaelyn is a high school student based in the Bay Area, CA. She has a strong interest in journalism and enjoys studying history. Kaelyn is excited to share her experiences and amplify youth voices through her role as a YCL member. 

Quote:  "Talent counts in my book—but effort counts twice." -- Angela Duckworth

Fun Facts: 

1. I want to travel to Hong Kong to visit my grandparents.
2. I love learning languages and can speak three Chinese dialects!
3. I wanted to be a slime YouTuber when I was younger.