Julio‘s positivity and upbringing in a rural community make him the ideal person to build relationships with community stakeholders, youth and parents for yli’s Golden Plains Student Advocacy Council. Born and raised in the community of San Joaquin, Julio is already developing networks to build youth voice in his hometown and in the community of Tranquility. In his interview, Julio shared with youth that he believes in the power of youth voice, and wants to ensure that youth from some of our most vulnerable rural communities have the opportunity to be a part of the youth movement we are building in Fresno.
Julio will be recruiting and building the capacity of young people and community members to advocate for more intentional youth engagement in the educational environment. Part of his work will also include launching a new Friday Night Live program on the Tranquility High School campus.