Johnny Mendez (he/him)

Johnny has been involved with yli for nine years, three as a volunteer adult ally and he just celebrated his sixth year as staff. He has been involved in youth leadership and development since his own teenage years and continued this passion throughout his adult career with mentoring, teaching, and supporting young people as they began to process the social justice issues affecting their communities. In his time with yli, he has partnered with youth throughout Fresno and Madera County addressing root causes to community issues and identifying sustainable solutions that elevate their voices and create positive change. He strongly believes that youth are both the catalysts and creators of needed change in our cities.

Johnny is the Program Manager in Madera County, leading new leadership classes in partnership with Madera Unified School District at two Madera high schools that address issues affecting school culture and community culture. 

Johnny’s passions are youth, community, music, and family. When not at work, he loves to spend his time with his sons, friends and family.