Wendy is an East Los Angeles native and has lived in the East Bay for the last 10 years. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Ethnic Studies and deeply believes in the power of community centered education as a tool for liberation.
Wendy’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her experience growing up as a low-income woman of color and is informed by her family’s direct experiences with the prison industrial complex. She values authenticity, leading with the heart, and building the capacity of youth and elders alike to participate in community change work. Since joining yli, Wendy has led both community and school based programs, participated in and led community based coalitions, and has supported staff in developing and implementing a range of programs. Wendy has expertise in policy advocacy, substance prevention with an equity lens, youth leadership development, building equitable and dynamic youth and adult teams, and is Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) certified.
As a Senior Trainer & Consultant, Wendy is responsible for designing and leading trainings, retreats, and workshops to empower and support youth and adult allies in developing skills and building capacity to lead community change across the state of California and nationally. She also provides technical assistance, coaching and consulting across an array of areas including meaningful youth engagement, youth and adult partnerships, and youth participatory action research.
In her spare time, you will find Wendy playing softball, rooting for the Dodgers, or reading a book!