Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF)
Spring 2026 CESF 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.
IDENIAAYALA
CAL POLY POMONA
Idenia “Izzy” Ayala is a senior at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Computer Science. As a Pomona native, she feels a deep connection to her community and is committed to giving back to the city that helped shape her. Izzy is passionate about creating meaningful impact through volunteer work and service initiatives that support individuals in need and raise awareness about critical social and environmental issues. Her experience includes participating in climate action projects and contributing to hunger relief efforts through local food distribution programs. Guided by the belief that leadership begins with service, Izzy is dedicated to fostering positive, lasting change at the community level. After graduation, she hopes to work for a climate or environmental action organization where she can apply her technical skills to help develop innovative projects that promote sustainability and build healthier, more resilient communities. Through opportunities like the fellowship, she looks forward to further developing her leadership skills and expanding her ability to serve both her university and the broader community.
LESLIEBERGADO
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Leslie Bergado is a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) student at Stanbridge University. As Community Service Chair for the Stanbridge Student of Occupational Therapy Association, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service-oriented learning and community engagement. Leslie’s passion for serving underrepresented communities has fostered a growing interest in patient advocacy and client-centered care. She actively volunteers with the Triumph Foundation and Casa Colina, supporting individuals and families across diverse needs and abilities. Through this fellowship, Leslie hopes to contribute meaningful work that bridges clinical practice with community impact while continuing to grow as a leader committed to empowering clients and making positive change.
GABRIELLEDURAN
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Gabrielle Duran is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Stanbridge University who is currently in their 3rd term. She will be participating in the Stanbridge Fellowship through LEAD California at Mission Hospital for Spring 2026. Gabrielle is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care and has an interest in pursuing a future in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She has a deep passion for professional growth and making a meaningful impact to not only her patients but also within her community as well. While balancing her academic commitments along with work and service, she demonstrates resilient responsibility and dedication in pursuit of her goals. She also views this fellowship as an opportunity to broaden her mindset about the diverse communities she will serve and to contribute to community-driven change. Although she is early in her healthcare journey, Gabrielle is eager to build a strong clinical foundation by gaining hands-on insight into patient care at Mission Hospital. She truly believes that this experience will strengthen essential clinical skills and confidence she will need as she prepares for the future.
SAMANTHAGUERRA
CAL POLY POMONA
Samantha Guerra is a second year Liberal Studies major at Cal Poly Pomona dedicated to education, leadership, and community impact. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic achievement and commitment to excellence. As a former AVID Tutor at West Covina High School, she mentored students in academic skills, college preparation, and critical thinking, helping them build confidence and prepare for higher education. On campus, she serves as an ASI Reservation Specialist, coordinating event logistics and supporting student organizations to ensure inclusive and well-organized campus spaces. Through her professional experience and community service initiatives, Samantha has developed strong skills in communication, organization, and teamwork. Aspiring to become an elementary school teacher, she is passionate about empowering young learners and creating positive change throughout California communities.
JULESLEVYLAFOLIE
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Jules Levy Lafolie, a current junior at Sonoma State University originally from Los Angeles, CA and majoring in communication and media studies. Currently Interning at the Center for Community Engagement on campus and planning to pursue a career in marketing after college. Hoping to learn more about civic engagement and service learning in the process.
KIRSTENMARTINEZ
CSU FRESNO
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 Vice President for the Marketing Club. For two years, she worked as the Social Media and Communications 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 outreach skills through the fellowship.
EMMASCHOFIELD
CSU FRESNO
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 with the Richter Center to assist the student leader teams in planning community service events. Through this fellowship, she looks forward to developing her skills through impactful work that gives back to her university and the broader community.
SIENNASHAH
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Sienna Shah is a sophomore undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University majoring in Political Science. She is active in pre-law leadership and civic engagement, currently serving as Secretary of Training for LMU Model United Nations and Recruitment Chair for Phi Alpha Delta. She also serves on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board for the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, where she offers feedback on academic initiatives and student experience. Beyond campus, Sienna mentors high school students through the college application process as a Student Mentor with College Contact. Sienna is motivated by a commitment to widening educational access and supporting students in navigating institutions and opportunities. She looks forward to contributing to the LEAD California CESF community and continuing to promote service, civic empowerment, and mentorship.
LUKEYAMASHITA
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Luke Yamashita is a second year Political Science Major and undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University. Luke is the social chair for Crimson Circle, the oldest service organization on campus and is active in serving the youth and homeless populations of the broader Los Angeles area. Luke believes that giving yourself away in service is the highest form of living and that people are the most valuable investment you can make. He is very passionate about politics because he believes it affects every person in some way shape or form.