Introducing the Advancing Social Equity Initiative’s “Nuestra Juventud: Creating Communities of Hope” Youth Fellowship Program
The Advancing Social Equity Initiative (ASEI), in partnership with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, Aprendamos Family of Services, and Ivy Child International, is proud to announce the Nuestra Juventud: Creating Communities of Hope youth fellowship program! This one-of-a-kind philanthropy program aims to foster a spirit of philanthropy, leadership, and community engagement among youth in historically marginalized communities.
Nuestra Juventud will engage young people in charitable activities and promote a culture of giving abundantly across multiple spheres of society. The program will provide opportunities for young individuals to develop leadership skills, empathy, and an authentic sense of social responsibility.
The 2024 fellowship is comprised of local middle and high school students eager to make a difference in their communities. This year’s participants are:
- Abbigale (Bee) Nicole Sierra Yeager Martinez
- Lillian (Lily) Louick
- Emmanuel (Manny) Moreno
- Desirae Evaro
- Aubrey Shaw
- Sophia Cabrera
- Atticus Ryne Morrow
- Anelise Elmquist
- Alexander (Alex) Nelson
- Anthony Joel Gutierrez
- Alexa Rae Marrujo Covarrubias
- Gianni Adames
- Carmen Resendez
- Alexa Covarrubias
- Avery Covarrubias
Fellows will be provided with knowledge, resources, and hands-on experience in philanthropy. We hope to empower youth to make a positive impact in their communities while developing essential skills as equity champions. The Nuestra Juventud program, which extends over six months, will offer a holistic approach to empowering young individuals to become compassionate leaders, active community participants, and philanthropic change-makers. By combining education, hands-on experiences, mentorship, and community engagement, the program equips participants with essential skills, fosters social responsibility, and addresses local social issues.
By implementing this youth philanthropy program, young leaders in Southern New Mexico will have the opportunity to become catalysts for change and contribute to the betterment of the community. Laura Elmquist, Culture, Equity, and Belonging Champion for the Aprendamos Family of Services said, “We are super excited to be working alongside the amazing youth in our community. They have many gifts and talents to offer and we are ready to learn and make a difference with them leading the way!”
The Advancing Social Equity Initiative’s Nuestra Juventud: Creating Communities of Hope Fellowship is made possible through the generous support from the Aprendamos-Covarrubias Family Foundation Fund and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico in partnership with Ivy Child International. For more information on ASEI, please contact Laura Elmquist at lelmquist@aitkids.com.
