Becoming Who I Was Meant to Be: Julia’s Journey With FLY and Beyond
When Julia first crossed paths with Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), she was just 15 years old and navigating the juvenile justice system largely on her own. Raised by loving and hardworking parents who taught her to be strong and independent, Julia often attended court without them as they worked hard and had to prioritize the family’s finances. Everything changed after she was introduced to FLY. “I had people to help me navigate the justice system,” she recalls.
It was the early 2000s, and FLY was still in the first steps of its inception, being based only in Santa Clara County. Nearly 25 years later, Julia still can vividly recall one of her first memories with FLY—someone from the team keeping her company in the in-custody court waiting room. She remembers the staff and mentors who connected her with the program and helped her to continue her journey. Those moments of presence and support made a lasting impact and pushed her to stay connected through FLY’s Mentor Program and Leadership Training Program (LTP).
Julia’s connection to FLY didn’t end when her program did—in fact, it was just the beginning. What started as support during a difficult chapter became the foundation for a life of purpose and leadership. After completing the program, Julia was hired by a FLY staff member named Abraham, who is still a cherished friend and mentor to this day. As a staff member, Julia spent 11 years helping grow FLY’s reach and deepen its impact. “I was hired as the LTP Assistant,” she says, reflecting on her first role. “This kickstarted my career in advocacy and system change work.”
Over the years, Julia held four different positions at FLY, including Evaluation & Learning Analyst, Youth Advisory Council Manager, and Associate Director of Youth Voice. With each role, she deepened her leadership and honed her skills, quickly becoming a trusted voice in shaping FLY’s youth engagement and program strategy. Her experience became more than a job—it became a calling. “My career is a testament to the trajectory that FLY provided me. I discovered that in my core, I am an activist and community organizer. I am a youth advocate.”
Today, Julia continues that work in advocacy, now helping young people develop sustainable careers in their communities and pushing back against gentrification. Her journey has come full circle—transforming personal experience into a career centered on systems change. “Before FLY, I wanted to make my parents proud. My being system-involved was painful for them. Knowing I had caused that pain was something I wanted to change. I wanted to be like my dad and help people through service. I wanted to be like my mom and exude love in my actions and words.” Now, Julia uses her lived experience to connect with young people in powerful ways—proving that those closest to the challenges are often the ones best equipped to drive meaningful change. Recently, both of Julia’s parents, who inspired her to pursue a path of service, passed away. “I am incredibly grateful to have had them witness my life’s work.”
To young people in FLY today, Julia offers heartfelt wisdom: “It took me a long time to change. Be patient with yourself. Connect yourself to all the resources you need whenever you can. That includes people! Remember always that you are sacred and worthy.”
Julia’s story reminds us that change is possible, healing is powerful, and with the right support, young people can go from surviving to leading. Her journey is a powerful example of what happens when youth are given the tools—and the people—to walk beside them.