Even as a young adult, Ann has come full circle, giving back to the community that shaped her by creating spaces for young people, just as others did for her. Ann grew up in Richmond, and she is dedicated to empowering the next generation in the city she proudly calls home. She first learned about youth organizing as a student in the West Contra Costa district schools. She started as an intern at RYSE Youth Center in Richmond, and now she’s a full-time staff member there, serving as a Youth Power Building Coordinator. She also currently serves as a staff representative on the YO! Cali Steering Committee, where she works to build connections with youth leaders, organizers and funders at both regional and state levels, while working to center BIPOC youth in grantmaking and decision making. Her commitment to student advocacy and empowerment has made her the youngest-ever winner of the Julie Wright Changemaker Award.
Ann’s story
“The future of our city is in the hands of our youth.” That’s the motto of RYSE Youth Center in Richmond, an organization committed to racial equity and social justice, known for providing a safe space for young people in Richmond.
There’s no one more loyal to that mission than Ann. She is one of the kind, familiar faces that greet RYSE participants every day as they enter the center. She’s a full time staff member now, but she has been involved with RYSE since she was an intern in 2018.
“RYSE gave me a perspective on how to expand my knowledge of being a community organizer,” Ann said. “RYSE helps people, including myself, to be your authentic selves, and to be seen. We make sure we’re providing different opportunities that will help young people flourish into the people they want to be.”
Ann is honored to be part of RYSE, where creating community means holding space for young people with care, love, and unwavering support.
A full-circle journey
For Ann, her role as Youth Power Building Coordinator is a full-circle moment. Now, she gets to be the mentor and support system she once needed, dedicating herself fully to empowering the next generation and serving 12-15 young people every day.
“My engagement is very much on how I can hold space for them when I first see them, whether they just need someone to listen about their day, if they’re going through a situation at home or at school, I am always open-hearted to be there for them,” Ann said.
Ann’s learning from young people even as she supports them.
“Every day, these young people continue to remind me of why I do this … They embody hope and they’re so resilient and strong in their approach. A lot of the youth I work with have unstoppable mindsets, and that is what continues to give me hope and to motivate me to do the work that I do. I learn so much from them.”
Sparking her life purpose
Ann’s passion for youth organizing began after the 2016 election. She was 15 years old at the time and felt compelled to take action during a challenging political climate. “I didn’t feel alone in that moment,” Ann said. “Instead, it actually motivated me to further use my voice at school.”
Ann’s desire to make changes in her community grew alongside her involvement and her opportunities, with RYSE as her constant resource, support system, and home away from home.
“I craved community healing. As a young person, I felt like I already knew what needed to be changed in the community. I just needed to find the right people. And being led to RYSE was the perfect way to be introduced to what community healing means.”
Building a future she’s proud of
Now, Ann is the one guiding young people, helping them transform life lessons into powerful tools for change.
After graduating from Richmond High School in 2019, Ann went to Contra Costa College. While working toward her Associate’s Degree in Psychology, she still stayed involved in RYSE, while also getting involved with Youth Organize California, or YO! Cali, where she was selected for the Emerging Fellowship Program and worked to center BIPOC youth in grantmaking and decision-making.
Ann hopes to attend San Jose State to get an additional degree Educational and Community Leadership — and to keep serving as a trusted adult for the future leaders of Richmond.
“I just know my 15-year-old self is feeling the joy and healing she needed during those times.”
