Julie Astorga
Client Advocate, Alameda County Public Defender’s Office
Julie Astorga is a Client Advocate at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, where she supports individuals navigating the legal system by addressing needs that extend far beyond their court cases. Julie earned her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and is currently studying for the LSAT and plans to pursue a career as an entertainment and business attorney.
Julie came to FLY as a member of the Alameda County Youth Advisory Council while attending UC Berkeley. Drawing from her lived experiences and early interactions with law enforcement, she transformed personal challenges into a commitment to community advocacy and systems change. During her time with FLY, Julie developed leadership and collaboration skills, including helping to launch a youth-led podcast project that uplifted young people’s voices through storytelling and media.
In addition to her work with FLY, Julie is actively involved in community organizing in Oakland, including with organizations such as CURYJ. As an Alumni Advisory Board member, she is deeply committed to ensuring that decisions impacting system-involved youth are informed by lived experience, empathy, and accountability. Julie brings resilience, authenticity, and a strong belief in youth agency to her role, and is passionate about creating spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to take up space.
