Community Engagement Student Fellowship - Youth Voice, Youth Vote (YVYV)
Fall 2024 CESF YVYV Student Fellows
Students from California campuses were selected to participate in LEAD California’s Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) program, a 4-month initiative specifically designed to support student leaders advancing service, service-learning and community engagement at LEAD California member campuses throughout the state.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@leadcalifornia.org.
BRANDONARENSON
CSU NORTHRIDGE
Brandon Arenson is a Graduating Senior in Political Science at CSU Northridge. Brandon has been involved with campus civic engagement and leadership since October 2023, and is committed to continuing his service as long as possible. He has worked as a Student Assistant with the Office of Community Engagement, during which time he has helped create, organize, and run many events related to Community-Based Learning, Civic Engagement, and Education. During this time, Brandon has also worked closely with CSUN Act Now, a voting initiative which works towards civic engagement, civic education, as well as voter registration & enthusiasm about voting on campus at CSU Northridge. Brandon has worked hard to spread the influence of CSUN Act Now across campus, in many ways including helping draft flyers, run tabling events, and make social media posts for CSUN Act Now. One of the ways which Brandon is beginning to strengthen his service to campus even further is through Associated Students, with which he has gotten an Upper Division Senator position, as well as being the chair of the University Affairs Committee. Through his service with Associated Students, he will further be able to understand the needs of the campus, and work with his colleagues to ensure that these changes are made. Through his work with the Office of Community Engagement, CSUN Act Now, and Associated Students, Brandon has made a significant positive influence on campus and is committed to continuing serving CSU Northridge in the best, most effective way possible.
MARINDOLAN
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY
Marin Dolan is a Political Science student at Sacramento State University and is an advocate for youth civic engagement. Marin is passionate about getting students equipped with the tools they need to become an active participant in their community and is excited to get that done through this fellowship.
MEGANJOHNSON
UC SAN DIEGO
Megan Johnson is a first year at UC San Diego majoring in history on a pre-law track. Megan is from Los Angeles, where she worked as an election worker in the 2022 primary and 2022 midterm elections. Since Megan was in high school, she has been passionate about civic engagement and voter rights because of a research assignment she completed in freshman year English class. Since then Megan has explored the impacts of voter suppression and the importance of accessibility and equity in the voting process. Megan is very excited to continue working to engage college students in the voting process!
LEILALEMUS
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Leila Lemus is a second-year college student at College of the Canyons, transferring to a 4-year university next fall. She is studying political science in hopes to become a lawyer and to support individuals that need it the most. She is an active member of her college’s Engage the Vote Action Team whose goal is to promote political engagement to all students and staff. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, listening to live music, going to amusement parks, and watching movies. Leila is very excited to be a part of the Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) Program and hopes to make a positive impact on her community.
JOSÉCRUZLOPEZ
CSU CHICO
José Cruz Lopez is a 4th year Communication Studies major at California State University, Chico. He is actively involved in Chico States Model United Nations club where he serves as the Secretary General. His interest in civic engagement stems from multiple experiences but most recently was reiterated as he embarked on a research project that sought to understand the mental health needs of students of color at Chico State. Community wellbeing is at the forefront of the advocacy José does, and he hopes to bring the same enthusiasm to LEAD California.
VANESSAMENDOZA
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Vanessa Mendoza is a third-year transfer student from Sacramento at Sonoma State University, majoring in Political Science and aiming for a career in public policy or advocacy. She is passionate about social justice and civic engagement and is involved in student organizations, including the Young Democrats club, where she manages a committee representing the Democratic Party’s ideals. Vanessa hopes to use her education to help create more equitable policies and empower underrepresented communities.
TANYAPULLA
UC SAN DIEGO
Tanya Pulla is from the Bay Area and is a second-year Political Science major with a concentration in Data Analytics at UC San Diego, and she hopes to go to law school when she graduates. Tanya currently serves as the Civic Engagement Director for Associated Students of UC San Diego. Civic engagement and voter registration have been passions of hers since high school, when she volunteered in her AP Government class to pre-register her classmates to vote. Tanya believes voting is a privilege and is important because it ensures that everyone is represented in our government, and so she loves being able to educate students about it on campus. In addition to civic engagement work, Tanya is a part of the Student Council of Eleanor Roosevelt College and participates in homeless outreach in San Diego. Overall, Tanya is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program and create a meaningful impact in her community!
COLINROBINETTE
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Colin Robinette is a second-year student at College of the Canyons. He is part of the Honors Program and is majoring in English. He was born in Pennsylvania but has since moved to Southern California as a rising junior in high school. He is very happy to be working with Engage the Vote and hopes he can help people understand the importance and power of their vote.
MIRANDASANTOVEÑA
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Miranda Santoveña is a second year student at Loyola Marymount University studying film production and political science. She is hoping to become a documentary producer and use film to unite people across cultures.
KEIRYSARAVIA
CSU NORTHRIDGE
Keiry Saravia is a junior at CSU Northridge pursuing her Bachelors in English and her teaching credentials. She serves as the Associated Students Chair of Legislative Affairs where she promotes civic and voter engagement She also serves as the Student Commissioner on the California Student Aid Commission where she echoes the needs and worries of students regarding financial aid. She advocates for CSU students on systemwide and legislative levels and is extremely passionate about ensuring students have the resources needed to thrive in the educational journey. This year, Keiry is excited to work alongside other students who share the same passion for civic engagement to promote voter engagement!
ALEXISSEGOVIA
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Alexis Segovia is a first year student at Loyola Marymount University majoring in Political Science with a double minor in Spanish and International Relations. Post-graduation, she plans on continuing her education by attending law school or working in local politics. Alexis is passionate about civic engagement and is committed to motivating individuals on how their vote and voice matters, an opportunity she is extremely grateful for.
PANGYANG
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY
Pang Yang is a fourth year student at Sacramento State University, and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Non-Profit Management. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to achieve a Master’s in Social Work and a license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been a part of Circle K International since 2022, where she has made lasting memories of coordinating and engaging in volunteering within the community! In her free time, she loves being able to relax to a great story with a cup of iced coffee.