Name: Joelene Velasco
Age: 17
School: Ernest Righetti High School
What issue area are you most passionate about? Which do you know the most about? (Immigration, environment, woman’s rights, mental health, LGBTQ rights, etc.):
I am most passionate about mental health awareness. For many minority communities mental health may be taboo and youth are often uncomfortable speaking with their families about their struggles. The youth in our community should have more mental health resources available to them in their times of need.
What activities do like to do regularly as a pastime?
I love going on hikes with friends or family every week if I can. I also love watching horror movies with my brother or my cousins because I’m too much of a wimp to watch them on my own.
What clubs/organizations/sports/job are you involved with outside of youth making change?
Outside of YMC, I also volunteer around Santa Maria like at the hospital or with Picnic in the Park. At school, I’m the Vice President of Hiking Club and tutor students.
Is there anything else that you would like people to know about yourself?
I’m so excited to be a co- facilitator for the 2020-2021 grant cycle!