YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Alvin was born in Gardena but has deep roots in Long Beach, having lived in various neighborhoods from Downtown to Bixby Knolls. He attended Theodore Roosevelt Elementary and Franklin Middle School before enrolling at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science. Living in diverse parts of the city has allowed Alvin to gain a firsthand understanding of the daily stories and challenges faced by his community members. This exposure has incited a strong desire to cultivate a more accepting and safer environment for all residents. Alvin is passionate about advocating for Latinos and
other minorities, fighting for real, tangible change in the civic engagement positions he holds. He aspires to become a government leader in the future to impact his community and looks forward to being a voice for his community members as a Long Beach Youth Advisory Council member.

Angelina was born in 2008 in Fountain Valley and has lived in Long Beach her entire life, a city she plans to continue calling home. Her family moved occasionally within the city, leading her to attend McKinley Elementary, Gompers K-8, and Bancroft Middle School before entering CAMS High School. She is interested in pursuing a career in sustainable architecture and enjoys cycling, playing tennis, and reading light novels, especially science fiction, in her free time. What she loves most about Long Beach is how the unique cultures of each community impact the city, from murals to small local businesses. Having spent her entire life there, she is greatly interested in contributing to improving and reinforcing the place youth call home. As a member of the Council, she hopes to actively raise awareness about the challenges the city faces and encourage neighborhoods to continue to build and reinforce their support systems.

Christian was born in the San Francisco Bay Area in June 2008 and is currently a rising senior at Wilson High School. During high school, he joined Key Club International to become a servant leader and make a difference in his community. His leadership skills helped the Wilson water polo team win the Moore League and have inspired over 30 young men in the Wilson Male Leadership Academy. Christian enjoys making unforgettable memories with friends, creating stories through photography, and performing in an orchestra to express the universal language of music. He is on a path to become a top medical researcher and policy maker, with a short-term goal of studying psychology at Harvard University. Christian is interested in public service because he wants to end suffering locally and globally, and he deeply appreciates the diverse and vibrant community of Long Beach.

Daniela Rosales, born in a small hospital in the city of Bellflower, has grown up and lived her entire life in Long Beach, a city she proudly calls home. Growing up, she became deeply familiar with every cross street, bus route, and neighborhood shop in Bellflower. All voices in the community—youth, adults, leaders, and everyday people—have shaped her. She first attended Dooley Elementary School at age six and now is a rising junior at Millikan High School. Daniela has learned to value the importance of education—“Ve a leer Daniela” (Go read Daniela), her parents would often say. From a young age, she understood the need to be proactive in her community and intentional with the opportunities she was given. Her passion for politics started in fourth grade, driven by a desire to ensure that all voices—youth, adults, leaders, and everyday people—are heard and understood. Her passions include running, reading, and volunteering. Through her involvement in cross country and track teams and volunteering at various sites, she has developed a strong commitment to actively engaging in her Long Beach community.

Edrick Salgado is a lifelong resident of Long Beach, California, where he was born and raised. While attending Cabrillo High School, he discovered and developed a strong passion for music and creativity. He is currently focused on building a career in the music industry while ensuring he remains connected to his local community. In his free time, Edrick enjoys writing songs, expressing himself in new ways, and helping to mentor and support other youth. He appreciates Long Beach for its rich culture, vibrant energy, and the unique people who make it special. As a council member, Edrick hopes to give back to the city by inspiring the next generation and working to create more opportunities for young people.

Elianna Nayelli Peña was born in Los Angeles and raised in the Long Beach area, where she experienced the foster care system and the educational instability that often accompanies it. She attended Colin Powell Academy for Success in Long Beach and is currently pursuing associate degrees in Sociology and Political Science at both California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and Long Beach City College (LBCC). Elianna is passionate about youth empowerment, public service, and creating systemic change, particularly for foster youth and underserved communities. She is actively involved with California Youth Connection and The Forum for Youth Investment, where she leverages her lived experience to influence policy and promote equity. Elianna loves Long Beach for its diversity, resilience, and strong community values. She hopes to expand access to leadership development, housing, and civic engagement for all young people in the city.

Bella Rodriguez brings a rich background in communication, advocacy, and curiosity, most recently serving as a Research Intern at UC Irvine's Center for Ethics and Morality and as a Judicial Intern for the Los Angeles Superior Court. A lifelong Long Beach resident with childhood memories of 4th of July fireworks by the Queen Mary and youth ballet at the community center, she's heading into her second year at Long Beach City College with plans to transfer to a four-year college, combining her love of art history and reading to major in philosophy, and eventually attend law school. Bella is committed to building a more civically engaged city, working to bring greater representation and share resources, opportunities, and information with youth in her neighborhood to get them excited about their futures and take action against educational inequality. She envisions a Long Beach where traditionally underrepresented voices are uplifted, and she's passionate about putting smiles on faces while motivating others in the community she's grown up in and loves deeply. In her free time, you can find her sipping matcha lattes on 2nd Street, playing tennis, or singing along to "Hamilton" and "Sunset Boulevard!”

Krystalyn was born and raised in Long Beach. She attended Grace Brethren Christian School, Garfield Elementary School, Los Cerritos Elementary School, Hughes Middle School, and graduated from Renaissance High School for the Arts. Currently attending California State University, Long Beach as a senior, Krystalyn is studying Political Science, with a minor in Africana Studies. Some of her passions are music, gaming, nails, and art. She is interested in public service because she wants to give back to the community she was raised in. Through this program, she would like to help provide services for other youth, giving them a head start and the best chance possible to be successful.

Louis Serrano was born in Torrance, but his roots are firmly planted in the North Side of Long Beach, which he considers home. He has been a part of the LBUSD system since kindergarten and is set to graduate from Jordan High School this year. Passionate about medicine, Louis aspires to become an MD and recently visited UCLA for a week-long stay in the dorms, which further solidified his career aspirations. A returning member of the Youth Advisory Council, he is excited to continue advocating for his community and implementing new ideas this term. Louis is a creative and social person who enjoys playing tennis to relieve stress, connecting with others, and spending quality time with his friends and family. spent a week-long stay in the dorms at UCLA.

Nyechelle has a diverse residential background, beginning her life in South Central, moving to Fresno, returning to South Central, and currently residing in Long Beach for the past four years. Due to various family issues, including drug abuse, domestic violence, and children services involvement, she attended eleven different schools. Nyechelle is currently a part-time student at Long Beach City College while still in high school, working toward an Associate of Arts degree in Hospitality. Her long-term academic plan is ambitious, with goals to earn Bachelor's degrees in Business Management from Prairie View A&M University, Hospitality Management from Cal State Long Beach, and Baking & Pastries from the Culinary Institute of America. She is deeply passionate about the culinary and hospitality industries, finding great joy in seeing people enjoy the food she makes. Additionally, she plans to earn her certificate in Real Estate this year to enter the industry while pursuing her education, driven by a philosophy of living life to the fullest with a plan. She is interested in civic engagement to help address issues like affordable housing, youth violence, and drug abuse in Long Beach.

Edrick was born in Long Beach and grew up in the Washington Neighborhood. He attended daycare on Chestnut, followed by Burnett Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and Washington Middle School, eventually graduating from Cabrillo High School. He is currently in college but has not yet chosen a major.

He has a strong passion for helping others and making a difference. In his free time, he enjoys making music, playing basketball, and spending time outdoors. Many of his hobbies revolve around community service, spending time with Books and Buckets, and writing.

His interest in this program was sparked by its focus on using one’s voice to create change, both locally and beyond. What he appreciates most about Long Beach is its diversity and rich cultural legacy. He has made countless memories and friendships with people from all backgrounds. The beach and the downtown scenery are among his favorite parts of the city.

As a member of the youth council, he hopes to learn from others and contribute positively to Long Beach. He is especially committed to supporting youth affected by everyday violence and aims to make a meaningful impact in his neighborhoods. His ultimate goal is to make a difference for everyone in the community.

Lukas Minkevich was born in Houston, Texas, to two mothers and has a twin brother. He moved to Long Beach when he was six years old. He attended Lowell Elementary School and Rogers Middle School, and he is currently a student at Sato Academy of Math and Science. Lukas intends to pursue a career in civil engineering and is enrolled in the engineering pathway at Sato.

His hobbies include music—he plays the clarinet in the school band and the guitar at home—as well as practicing taekwondo at his local studio. He is also an active member of Key Club, where he volunteers and holds a leadership position.

Lukas is passionate about addressing the injustices he sees in his community. He believes that thoughtful changes to policy and infrastructure can enhance the diverse culture that defines Long Beach. Through the Youth Advisory Council, he hopes to help improve issues such as transportation, housing, and education.

David Word was born in San Diego on April 4, 2008. After his birth, he lived in several cities before settling in Long Beach in 2014, where he was raised. He began kindergarten on a military base in Okinawa, Japan, but attended school in Long Beach from first through twelfth grade, including Emerson Parkside Academy, Stanford Middle School, and Long Beach Poly High School.

David is dedicated to succeeding in all his pursuits. He enjoys going to the gym to stay strong and strives to be the best employee he can be. He is passionate about helping others and improving his community. David appreciates Long Beach for its opportunities, vibrant city life, and strong sense of community. His goal is to make a positive difference in at least one person's life and help make Long Beach a place where everyone feels at home.

Natalia Bonilla, a senior at Millikan High School, is an aspiring chemist with a richly diverse background. While she plans to pursue a career in chemistry-based cancer research, she is also deeply passionate about activism and public service.

Growing up in Long Beach, Natalia has come to appreciate the city’s immense diversity. As a mixed-race, queer young woman, she once feared being seen as an outcast. However, the city's inclusive spirit—reflected in pride parades, cultural festivals, and community events—helped her feel seen, accepted, and valued.

Now, she hopes to support the Youth Advisory Council in fostering that same sense of belonging for all residents, ensuring that Long Beach continues to be a welcoming and inclusive home for everyone.

Sammantha Martinez was born in the City of Orange and spent her early childhood in Santa Ana. After moving from Santa Ana, she grew up relocating from place to place, quickly learning to adapt to new environments. She attended three different elementary schools before finally finding her home in Long Beach, where she attended Hughes Middle School and later Long Beach Polytechnic High School for all four years.

Sammantha has a strong passion for both education and business and plans to double major in these fields in college. She is an award-winning poet, having placed second in the Young Authors and Artists Showcase and being selected as one of the five Poet Ambassadors of Long Beach.

Deeply committed to bridging the gap between underserved communities and essential resources, Sammantha took the initiative to launch Build Your Resume Clubs across Long Beach. Through these clubs, she serves her community by empowering others with practical skills and guidance. She appreciates the endless opportunities and wide array of resources that Long Beach offers and is dedicated to making them more accessible to everyone.

Olivia Som was born in Long Beach, California, where she lived until sixth grade before relocating to San Jose. During her junior year, she reunited with her mother and returned to Long Beach to attend Long Beach Polytechnic High School after four years apart. Her educational journey includes Bixby Elementary, Bancroft Middle School, Morrill Middle School, and Piedmont Hills High School. She recently completed her junior year and is now entering her senior year at Long Beach Poly.

Olivia is passionate about becoming a prosecutor or lawyer and is actively preparing for her future career through legal internships, case briefing, and volunteering with legal aid foundations. Outside of her legal interests, she enjoys photography, writing compelling stories, and reading captivating books.

Inspired by her role model, Robert Garcia, Olivia's dedication to public service stems from her deep connection to Long Beach, her experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and her journey living with a chronic illness. She values Long Beach for its diversity and strong sense of community. Through her future legal career, Olivia hopes to advocate for marginalized groups, improve neighborhood safety—especially for children walking to school—and address social inequalities so that everyone in Long Beach can thrive.

Born in the vibrant city of Los Angeles and raised in Long Beach for over 16 years, Destiny has spent her entire life in the Carmelitos Housing Projects in North Long Beach—a community that has shaped her identity and inspired her passion for public service. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, she experienced firsthand the challenges many in her community continue to face.

Destiny attended Barton Elementary School and Lindbergh Middle School. During high school, recognizing the need for a more supportive environment, she made the courageous decision to transfer from Lakewood High School to Educational Partnership High School. This move proved critical to her academic success, as she navigated peer pressure and bullying. Despite facing the additional challenge of graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic with a six-month-old son, Destiny persevered with resilience and determination.

She is currently enrolled at Long Beach City College, pursuing associate degrees in both Sociology and Psychology. Her academic focus is driven by a deep passion for understanding and addressing the social issues that impact families and children. Destiny's dedication to community service is reflected in her work with the Mayor’s Fund for Education during the pandemic, where she served as a COVID-19 relief assistant—distributing essential supplies to low-income families and child care providers.

As a teen mother and a determined student, Destiny is committed to creating positive change and advocating for the support and resources that uplift underserved communities. Her lived experiences continue to fuel her mission to empower others and build a brighter future for Long Beach.

Louis Serrano is from North Long Beach and is proud of his roots. Born in Torrance, he was raised in North Long Beach, where he still resides. Louis began his educational journey at Starr King Elementary, attended Hamilton Middle School, and is currently a student at Jordan High School. He is excited to have been part of Long Beach’s educational system, which shaped much of his childhood.

Louis plans to attend the University of California, Irvine, to study Biology as a pre-med major. His ultimate goal is to pursue a career in the medical field. He enjoys spending time outdoors, with hiking being his biggest stress reliever. Tennis is also a significant hobby for him, as he has been on the varsity team since his freshman year. Louis values quality time with his family, whether it’s enjoying a meal out or going on outings together.

Louis is deeply committed to public service in Long Beach. He views it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped him. He loves Long Beach for its diversity, which has allowed him to make lasting friendships and experience a variety of cultures. Louis hopes to use his knowledge and support to address issues affecting students in the Long Beach area and help make a positive impact in his community.