Announcing the 2026 Community Safety Through Youth Power Fellowship Cohort
All Youth Are Sacred is proud to announce the third cohort of the Community Safety Through Youth Power (CSTYP) Fellowship, welcoming seven exceptional youth leaders from across California who are committed to advancing youth justice through Narrative Power, Advocacy, and Community Leadership.
The CSTYP is a seven-month professional development program designed for youth organizers and emerging leaders who are taking the lead on Narrative Power building within the youth justice movement. The fellowship creates a space for young people who have been impacted by systems, trauma, or violence to strengthen their narrative organizing skills, deepen their political education, and build the leadership needed to reimagine youth justice across California.
This year's fellows bring powerful lived experiences, diverse leadership backgrounds, and a shared commitment to creating communities rooted in justice, healing, and opportunity for all young people.
Meet the 2026 CSTYP Fellows
Leah Garza (Santa Clara County)
Leah Garza is from Santa Clara County whose lived experience has shaped her passion for advocacy and systems change. After becoming involved in the juvenile justice system, Leah transformed her experiences into a lifelong commitment to supporting system-impacted youth and families. Today, she serves as a Youth Justice Consultant, Youth Leadership Council Lead, and Fellow with All Youth Are Sacred. Through organizing, leadership development, and community-centered advocacy, Leah works to create meaningful change for young people and their communities.
Damien Villanueva (Alameda County)
Damien is a youth justice advocate and artist based in Oakland.
Briana Fernandez (Santa Cruz County)
Briana Fernandez is a student leader, advocate, and Criminal Justice major at Cabrillo College. As a single parent and someone personally impacted by the justice system, Briana has transformed her experiences into a commitment to supporting system-impacted students and families. Through her advocacy, she champions educational equity, second chances, and opportunities for young people to reach their full potential.
Anthony Rodriguez (Stanislaus County)
Anthony Rodriguez is a proud Mexican and Black advocate from Stanislaus County whose leadership is rooted in resilience, healing, and a deep commitment to youth justice. After experiencing incarceration as a young person, Anthony transformed his lived experience into a passion for supporting youth who often feel unheard and overlooked. He aspires to build a career in criminal justice, using advocacy and community leadership to create pathways of opportunity for system-impacted young people. Through the CSTYP, Anthony is strengthening his ability to amplify youth voices and help ensure every young person has the support, guidance, and resources they need to build their future.
Aliyah George (Los Angeles County)
Aliyah George is an advocate who leads with compassion, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of community. She is committed to ensuring every young person has access to the spaces, resources, and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive. Her leadership centers on uplifting youth voices and building communities where every young person can succeed.
John Gomez (Los Angeles County)
John Gomez is a formerly incarcerated youth advocate who uses his lived experience to advance youth empowerment and justice reform. A student at California State University, Northridge, John also serves as an intern with Hoops 4 Justice and is dedicated to creating opportunities that help young people thrive. His work reflects a commitment to transforming systems through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.
The Journey Begins
Throughout the next seven months, the 2026 CSTYP Fellows will deepen their leadership, strengthen their organizing skills, and build the Narrative Power needed to challenge harmful systems and advance youth justice across California.
We are honored to welcome this incredible group of leaders to the CSTYP Fellowship and look forward to supporting their growth while learning from the experiences, perspectives, and vision they bring to this movement.
Congratulations to our third cohort of Community Safety Through Youth Power Fellows. Your leadership is helping shape a future where All Youth Are Sacred.
