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.
Emelyn Alvarado is a first-year undergraduate student at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Management and Human Resources. She aspires to one day establish her own business dedicated to supporting and growing small enterprises, with the goal of creating meaningful job opportunities. Emelyn has been actively involved in a wide range of community service initiatives, including supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, participating in beach and park cleanups, and volunteering at animal shelters. Her dedication stems from a genuine passion for service and a strong desire to give back. She finds joy and fulfillment in making a positive impact and is motivated by the belief that even small efforts can contribute to something greater. Emelyn is grateful to be part of the LEAD California CESF community, where she looks forward to continuing her commitment to service and making a lasting difference.
Jenny Fuentes is a third-year undergraduate student at Pepperdine University, studying Biology and Public Health, where she is Co-President of the First-Gen Club and Director of DEI & Student Engagement for Student Government. Her passions lie in advocacy work for underrepresented groups and working towards protecting and promoting the health of all people and communities. She strives towards these goals by rooting her work in service as she has been a student assistant in Community Engagement & Service at Pepperdine and plans to continue this through the Community Engagement Student Fellowship and working in Public Health in the future.
Arthur Gonzalez-Martin. Transferring from Santa Rosa Junior College, with degrees in digital journalism and filmmaking, Arthur Gonzalez-Martin is dual-majoring in Communication and Media Studies and Cinemark Arts and Technology at SSU. This is Arthur’s 2nd-to-last Semester at Sonoma State, hoping to graduate by spring 2026. Arthur has been studying journalism and non-fiction video editing in order to make documentaries. Hoping to aid in or make films on issues important to him, like social justice, local creatives, and worker’s rights.
Nessa Lopez is completing her final year at Cal Poly Pomona, where she will graduate in Spring 2026 with a B.S. in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. She has served as a Student Engagement Ambassador for the Educational Opportunity Program, supporting first-generation and low-income students, and worked with the Bronco Scholars and Summer Bridge programs to mentor incoming freshmen. Currently, Nessa manages social media and marketing for Project Rebound, a CSU program serving formerly incarcerated students, and is beginning a project management role with the Center for Community Engagement. In addition, she serves as Public Relations Chair and Peer Advisor for Hermanas Unidas, a Latina empowerment club. Her passion for supporting underrepresented communities is rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of immigrant parents in a low-income community. After graduation, she aspires to work with organizations that advance academic success in Latino communities or create opportunities for sustainability and civic engagement.
Kirsten Martinez is a fourth-year student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Passionate about student involvement, she serves as President of Club FSR Underground, Associate VP of Public Relations for the Hispanic Business Student Association, and Outreach Coordinator for the Marketing Club. For two years, she worked as the Social Media Student Assistant for the university’s Community Engagement and Service Learning Center, where she discovered the importance of engaging students in service. Grateful for the opportunities she has received, Kirsten is now motivated to continue meaningful work and further develop her skills through the fellowship.
Kathryn Nelson is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Stanbridge University, currently in her 11th term and expected to graduate soon. She has earned Dean’s List honors in multiple terms and has maintained perfect attendance since the start of the program, demonstrating both academic excellence and dedication. Passionate about patient-centered care, Kathryn is especially interested in oncology, telemetry, case management, and hospice nursing. Her strengths in compassion, adaptability, and therapeutic communication allow her to support patients during vulnerable times. She values opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world practice and has consistently sought ways to apply her knowledge in meaningful care experiences. She views the fellowship as an opportunity to strengthen her leadership skills, expand her clinical practice beyond the student role, and deepen her understanding of healthcare teamwork. Ultimately, she aspires to use her nursing knowledge and leadership abilities to advocate for patients, promote compassionate care, and make a positive impact in diverse healthcare settings.
Andrew Ordonez is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Stanbridge University, expected to graduate in 2026. He has earned Dean’s List honors five times, reflecting consistent academic excellence. A clinical rotation at Alhambra Hospital broadened his understanding of patient care and strengthened his commitment to professional growth. Alongside his studies, he works as a home care aide, supporting an elderly client with daily living activities, medication reminders, and appointments. Prior to nursing school, Andrew spent years in the food and service industries, where he developed skills in multitasking, hospitality, and working under pressure. He also volunteers at a community preschool in his hometown, where he supports children’s development and contributes to the neighborhood where he grew up. Andrew respects every role within a healthcare team and values teamwork and collaboration. Passionate about patient advocacy and excellent care, he aspires to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and views opportunities like the fellowship as essential preparation for high-acuity practice. Eager to expand his clinical experience, he seeks varied care environments to refine his skills. His goal is to combine clinical excellence with compassion to serve patients and improve outcomes.
Emma Schofield is a third-year student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Mathematics with the intent to go into teaching. She is also a part of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, which has provided her with opportunities to serve in various capacities in her community. Additionally, Emma is passionate about serving and giving back to her church, volunteering in her church’s kindergarten classroom on Sunday mornings as well as leading a seventh grade girls youth group on Tuesday nights. For two years, she has worked as the Richter Center Student Leader Student Assistant for the university’s Community Engagement and Service Learning Center, where she has aided the student leader teams with whatever needs for their community service events. Emma is appreciative of every opportunity she has received throughout her college experience, and through the fellowship she looks forward to further developing her skills through impactful work that gives back to her university and community.