YOUTH PARTICIPANTS
Alexandra Alcala
Alex is a student at CSUB and is currently studying communications. She aspires to one day be very rich with a cat. Alex loves music and theatre and can play multiple instruments. She also loves Jamba Juice and Panda Express.
Andrea Cervantes
Andrea is a 16-year-old junior at Golden Valley High School. She was born in Mexico and lived there for four years before moving to Bakersfield. Andrea enjoys going to the gym, trying new foods, and exploring different places. She also likes watching documentaries and soccer. Andrea joined TYM4Change because she wants to make a difference and help out in the community.
Aaron Soliz
Arron is an 18-year-old high school graduate. He works as a lifeguard for the City of Bakersfield. In 2023, he joined TYM4Change but needed to walk away for some time due to personal reasons. However, he’s now back—more experienced and ready to contribute! Arron loves swimming, water polo, movies, and games. He hopes to become a respiratory therapist one day.
Aryam Estrada
Aryam is a Youth Volunteer with TYM4C! She attends West High School and is involved in all types of school clubs such as ASB, Interact Club, Link Crew, AVID, etc. She thrives on staying busy and making an impact in her community. Aryam can connect with a diverse range of individuals, since she can read, speak, and write in both Spanish and English. Her passion revolves around being a creative person as it gives her the artistic freedom to explore new ideas.
Bella Alcala
Bella is a first generation student at CSUB and is a CollegeCorps member. She is majoring in child, adolescent, and family studies and eventually plans to work as a speech therapist or teacher in the future. Currently, Bella works at the Boys and Girls Club. In her free time, she likes to draw and write stories. Bella also enjoys singing, plushies, listening to music, and watching shows and movies.
Cy Escobedo
Cy is a student at West High School. He enjoys playing games with friends in his free time. He was inspired to join TYM4Change because he wants to make a difference in his community. One day Cy hopes to be accepted into UCLA. One fun fact about him is that he enjoys playing Valorant and loves games.
Elijah Smith
Eli is a student-athlete from Golden Valley High School. He has started his own clothing business and has also been in the ROC at CTEC program at school. Eli loves to cook and considers himself a top tier chef.
Francesca Silvestri
Franny is 18 years old and a recent high school graduate . Originally born in Illinois, she relocated to Bakersfield, California, with her family due to her father's military service. She has lived in Bakersfield for the past 12 years. Francesca enjoys volunteering and spending her weekends helping others and spending time with her family.
Genesis Porter
Genesis is interested in going into CSUB to get her Master’s degree in art education. She hopes to become an art teacher. Genesis is a creative and artistic individual that loves to participate in speech and debate clubs. Her free time consist of cleaning, watching YouTube or tik tok videos, drawing, and sleeping. She also enjoys being in dark rooms, listening to music, and long car rides.
Johnathan Mealy
Johnathan a 21-year-old artist and writer from Bakersfield, California, has a passion for creativity. He enjoys drawing, writing, and immersing himself in art through books, movies, games, and shows. Aspiring to inspire both kids and adults, he strives to be a powerful force in the creative world.
Jose Zorilla
Jose is a kind and supportive individual dedicated to uplifting those around him. He strives to make others feel valued and appreciated. With skills in programming, Universal Robots, and PLC logic controls, he also brings experience in volunteering and child-care.
Kyla May
Kyla is a 17-year-old who recently graduated from Vista P High School as a junior. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on walks, and spending time with friends and family. As a recent graduate, Kyla was inspired to use her free time to help the community. Her goal is to become a counselor and support others.
Maliah Boone
Maylene Gutierrez
MG is a volunteer at TYM4Change. She aspires to be a piercer one day. Some fun facts about MG are that she does Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.
Miguel Mosley
Precious Davis
Precious is 18 years old and is excited to be a new volunteer at TYM4Change. She loves sports such as volleyball and softball. She also enjoys doing hair, nails, and eyelashes. In her free time, she loves spending time with her brother and sister.
Rafael De La Mora
Rafael is a student at Bakersfield College. He enjoys writting and going on hikes in his freetime. Rafael joined TYM4Change in January 2023 because he enjoys giving back to his community and is working to becoming a teacher in the future.
Theodore "Theo" Walker
Theo is an actor. He goes to Bakersfield College and one of his life goals is to be in a Marvel Film. He joined TYM4Change to make new friends. He is a people person and he loves talking to others, as well as hearing the stories of others. .
Valerie Morales
Valerie is a Foothill High School student who’s passionate about community service and developing her communication skills. She also loves spending time with her brother, Jose, who’s in the program!
Victor Lara Marquez
Victor is a first generation college student studying at Bakersfield College. Victor is currently majoring in Administration of Justice. He is very passionate about making a change in his community and becoming a leader. Throughout all the struggles in his life, he has learned to make the most out of it and always be happy.
Willie Davis
Willie is a 17 year old who attends Vista West High School. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing video games, participating in sports, and watching anime. He joined TYM4Change because he is unsure of his future plans and is hoping the program will help him find a clear path.