Who We Are

Hello! My name is Hanadi, and I’m a senior at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School. I’m the President of the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC). I decided to join the board because I wanted to promote the importance of inclusion in community-based decisions. I also hope to advocate for members of my community directly by uplifting the voices of youth at my school and across Alameda. Currently, I’m on the Alameda Youth Committee board, where we are changing direction by increasing focus on community-oriented events this year. this year Some of my hobbies are reading, writing, and listening to music.

Hi! My name is Leelou Leary and I am attending Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School as a Junior. I joined ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee to have a voice from a youth perspective, and to make changes that influence our community. As Vice President, I have the opportunity to bring changes to my community with the help of the rest of the team. In my free time I enjoy listening to different kinds of music, and artists but my favorites are Radiohead, The Strokes, and The Weeknd.

Hi! My name is Soliana Tesfalidet and I’m a current Junior at Encinal High School serving as your Vice President of Programming. I Joined the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee because I believe that the youth should have a bigger voice in our community, and I think that the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee is more than one step closer to giving and sharing the youth voices in our community. A few facts about me are: I’m a Varsity Cheerleader at Encinal; A Woman of God; and, I love boba!

Hi! My name is Maleia Ferguson and I am a 17 year old Senior at Encinal High School! I joined the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee because I wanted to make a positive impact within my community alongside others with similar interests as me. At school I serve as our Horizon Yearbook Body Copy Editor where I collaborate with staff, students, and our own "mini-board" of editors; I’m experienced with a handful of research internships; and Vice President of the Black Student Union. As Secretary I’m excited to start working on some new projects and make it easier for our committee board to get work done in a more organized and accurate/concise manner!  I love writing, reading, traveling, trying and experiencing new things with my loved ones, and listening to music in my free time. 

Hi! My name is Rowan Vidal and I am currently a Junior at Encinal Jr. & Sr. Highschool as well as the acting Chair of the Outreach Committee. I joined the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee because I wanted to give a voice to the youth and dedicate myself to bringing about a positive change to our community. I can’t wait to help my city and hopefully get more youth involved. My favorite thing to do in my free time is read anything and everything, as well as listen to music.

Hi! My name is Natalie Sun and I am a 16 year old 11th grade students attending Alameda Community Learning Center (ACLC) and a resident of Alameda. As the HIstorian of ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee, I spend my time taking photos and videos to my heart’s content. I hope to document youth in Alameda striving to have their voices heard. Other than photography, I enjoy drawing and listening to music.

My name is Ruby Johnson. I am part of the outreach committee and I am the outreach for Alameda High School where I am going into my junior year. I joined the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) to help people find a voice in their community and find valuable resources they may not know about. I am determined to help my community become a better and safer place for individuals. I enjoy playing soccer, running, and hanging out with friends in my free time.

Hello! My name is Isaac Tan, and I am a junior at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School. I am serving as the outreach at Encinal for the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC). Joining this organization is an incredible opportunity to build up and represent the youth’s voice in Alameda and actively connect with its eclectic community. We are the upcoming generation that can greatly impact society and should be an example instead of being looked down on. Currently, I am a member of A.R.T.S., a rising non-profit organization run by my high school friend whose goal is to make art accessible to others for the mental well-being and creativity of others. I am also the ASB Treasurer of Encinal’s leadership team and participate in Encinal’s drama club and volleyball team. Listening to music, playing the piano, and hanging out with my friends and family are some of my favorite ways to spend my free time.

My name is Dean Alis. This year I am a Junior at Alameda High School. I am deeply passionate about politics, government, and the art of debate. I also cherish opportunities to connect with new people, especially those who are wise and experienced, as I believe that there is always something valuable to learn from them. This year, I am honored to serve as the Youth Representative on the City of Alameda's Social Services and Human Relations Board and act as the liaison to ACCYF.

     I choose to undertake this work with a firm belief that civic participation is the fundamental duty, particularly as Americans, that all must participate in. As a youth, I see this as my way of contributing to the light of democracy that we all share. Looking ahead, I aspire to a future in politics and am always excited to gain meaningful experiences and insights through my engagement with city officials and in city government.

My name is Emily Holley and I am a freshman at Berkeley City College.  I believe that everyone should have accessibility to supportive resources within Alameda and it is why I felt passionate about joining ACCYF Youth Advocacy Board and being our outreach secretary.  I love listening to music, spending time with my friends, finding new comfort movies, and exploring California.  

In the words of Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Wilma Chan was a longtime dedicated public servant who served the residents of Alameda for more than two decades as a former State Assembly Member, Speaker of the Assembly and Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Former Supervisor Chan was a tireless advocate for seniors, children and families, promoting programs that advance children's health and help lift people out of poverty, plus so much more. Her compassion, strong sense of community and devotion to the people she served will be profoundly missed.