2022-2023
Naomi
Heyo! My name is Naomi Welikala and I'm 22 years old. I was born and raised in SoCal, but I love to travel too. I'm also into writing, trying out new recipes, and trying to keep my plants alive. Recently, I graduated with a double major in Sociology and Spanish. Both of these subjects have been so crucial to my growth in the last few years, with Spanish helping me to connect with more of my neighbors, and Sociology fueling my desire to work for a more equitable world. I am specifically passionate about the rights of immigrants, as well as the ways in which the carceral system in this country needs to be fixed. With huge movements like these, I think that there's no better way to start than in your own community, so working with Jubilee Year is super exciting for me! I am looking forward to working alongside people who share a vision of community-led change, and can't wait to see how that shapes me too!
Lani
Hello! My name is Lani Abrams and I was born in Vietnam but raised in the Tri-Cities, WA. I graduated from Gonzaga University with a sociology major and a solidarity and social justice and psychology minor. I am excited to continue my journey and passion for advocacy and community organization through a program that focuses on creating changemakers. Ever since being introduced to community organizing and advocacy in college, I have been passionate about creating intentional/ genuine relationships in my community in order to create real change. This has inspired me to work on social justice issues such as food insecurity and homelessness. I look forward to continuing this journey and passion for change through this transformative year.
I am also a very athletic person who loves to play all sports! Especially volleyball and skateboarding. Coming from a small town I am very excited to explore Los Angeles and all that it has to offer. I am excited for the community that this year will bring to me and the future relationships with the LA community and fellow members!
Mate
My name is Máté Major. I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, and have been living in the United States since 2014. I recently received my BA from Occidental College in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture, with an emphasis on Ancient Greek and Latin language and literature. I decided to join the JYLA program on account of my personal belief in the importance of service and grassroots organization. Hailing from a post-socialist country that is plenty familiar with the challenges posed by a dysfunctional government, I believe that real change can only come about through the collective effort of members of a community. I am very much looking forward to this opportunity to learn, grow, and do my part to improve our common lot.
Tamia
Hi guys, I’m Tamia. Writing bios has never been my strong suit, but one that was written for me once described me as a “small town girl with an interest in social equity”. It’s a very general description, but in essence, I think it is poetic in its simplicity.
I’m from a town in Louisiana called Opelousas. It’s a place that’s surrounded by all the major cities but is still always overlooked and as a black person, being overlooked is something that resonates with me. There is often a chronic disinterest in our lives that is held at a juxtaposition with my community’s exploitation. It is something that I want to change for not only the village I call my own, but all marginalized communities. From a young age, I realized how essential every choice in my life would be because I knew that the path I walk is paved from the gravel of oppression.
For a long time, I considered the mere knowledge of that fact a curse, but in my previous experience with non-profit work, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who gave me a new lens to look through, one that saw me standing in not only my strength but also my privilege. For so long I had been conditioned to believe that I was only capable of holding on to the labels of words that only meant to categorize the oppression that has long been a part of history, but in that moment, for the first time in my life, I had been told I was privileged. Although there were difficult moments during my time on the road, so many were beautiful and just one of those beautiful moments makes up for everything that was less than.
Both myself and the crew I was with accomplished a lot in a month, that I hoped I could expand on with more time. My search led me to JYLA almost instantly and I took that along with other coincidences as a sign that this is what I was meant to do next. I am excited to see what I can accomplish along with like-minded change makers in the next year.
Brandy
Hello everyone! My name is Brandy Cain and I currently live in South Carolina where I study at Coker University. My major is Psychology and my end goal is to be a professional licensed counselor for youth. When I first heard about Jubilee I could not believe that an opportunity like this existed. I applied immediately and now I'm incredibly honored to be a fellow and join in this journey with you all. I decided a long time ago that I would dedicate my life to service. I have been blessed to have a big group of support throughout my life and I would love to continue to pay it forward to the next generation or anyone else who may be in need. I can not wait to meet you all and build our own community of fellowship together. I think this program has given us an opportunity to experience so much growth in different areas of our lives, and I personally am looking forward to it.
My hobbies include shopping, listening to music, reading, brisk walking, and coffee drinking. Cheers to new ventures and friendships!
Klaire
Hello! My name is Klaire Harris. I grew up in Minnesota, but I’ve been in Iowa City the last few years. I recently graduated from the University of Iowa with bachelors degrees in Public Health and Ethics & Public Policy. These programs fueled my passion for social justice- particularly through interdisciplinary collaboration. I hope to foster social and systemic environments that support people equitably and strengthen communities. Some of my favorite pastimes are listening to music, being in nature, playing sports, and dancing with others. I find a lot of joy in learning and trying new things, though, especially food!
The people and organizations of LA have much to teach me. I’m so excited to serve & grow in the JYLA fellowship and develop a lifelong habit of living intentionally.