Kevin’s Journey:  from Youth Voice to Statewide Change

Kevin didn’t join FLY because he planned to change state policy. He joined because he wanted to make a difference in his community.

At 18, Kevin became a member of FLY’s Alameda County Youth Advisory Council (YAC), where youth work alongside community leaders and decision-makers to advocate for change.

“Before becoming a council member, I had already been involved in grassroots organizing and community efforts, But stepping into the YAC introduced me to a new level of leadership. It challenged me to advocate, collaborate with my peers, and work directly alongside ACPD and other community leaders.”

Kevin was already committed to serving his community. Through FLY, he found new opportunities to strengthen his leadership, deepen his advocacy, and discover the power of youth voice.

A Moment That Shaped His Path

One experience from his time on the YAC continues to stay with him.
Kevin had the opportunity to work directly with youth inside a detention facility, helping them develop leadership spaces where their ideas and experiences could help shape decisions.

“Seeing youth inside take ownership of their voices and leadership was powerful,” he said. “It reminded me how important it is to create spaces where young people feel heard and valued.”

That experience reinforced something Kevin believes deeply today: young people deserve opportunities to lead, and their voices belong in conversations about the systems that affect their lives.

Turning Youth Voice Into Action

What started as local leadership soon expanded into statewide advocacy.
Kevin became a FLY Policy Fellow, working alongside peers, community leaders, and policymakers to advance reforms that improve outcomes for system-impacted youth across California.

“That experience gave me perspective on both local county work and statewide systems change,” he reflected. “Seeing efforts turn into reality is what keeps me motivated.”

In 2025, Kevin saw one of those efforts become reality when AB 1376 was signed into law, ending limitless probation for California youth and impacting 6,000+ youth annually.

“A major example of that is AB 1376 becoming a successful bill in 2025 and now witnessing the implementation process,” he said. “Moments like that remind me that collective organizing, youth voice, and community collaboration truly create impact.”

His leadership has continued to grow. Today, Kevin serves on the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) Youth Advisory Board, where he collaborates with young leaders from across California working toward positive change for system-impacted youth.

Using Creativity to Tell Stories

Alongside his advocacy work, Kevin has found another way to create impact through storytelling.
As a FLY Content Creator Fellow, he uses photography, video, and digital media to capture stories that might otherwise go untold.

“I get to express creativity, collaborate with peers, and capture meaningful moments through pictures and videos,” he said. “I enjoy creating content that gives people a perspective on life that reminds them how beautiful and valuable life can be.”

The fellowship builds on a passion Kevin already had. Through his own platform, Town Visions, he shares stories that highlight Oakland’s culture, history, and community strengths.
When he applied for the fellowship, Kevin shared his hope to help more people see the impact happening every day at FLY.

Today, he’s doing exactly that.

Healing, Growth, and Community

Kevin is also candid about another important part of his journey.

“As someone who has personally navigated the system and experienced hardships growing up, healing has played a major role in helping me continue evolving into the person I want to become,” My experiences with FLY helped me realize that our past does not define our future, and that our stories can become tools for change and empowerment.”

For Kevin, leadership has never been separate from healing. Both have been essential to his growth.

Looking Ahead

Today, Kevin is in college while continuing his advocacy, leadership, and creative work.

“I want to become a successful example for young people in my community and continue contributing to positive change for youth across California,” he said. “I’m still young and navigating my own journey, but I’m optimistic about what’s ahead.”

When asked what advice he would give other young people facing challenges, his answer was simple:

“Never give up on themselves, even during difficult moments. Obstacles and hardships do not define who you are or what your future can become. Healing, self-reflection, and community support are all important parts of growth.”

And, a lesson from his own experience:

“Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Your experiences matter, your story matters, and there are people and communities willing to support you as you continue growing.”

What Kevin Wants You to Know

When we asked Kevin what he hoped people would take away from his story, he didn’t hesitate.

“My journey with FLY has been more than just advocacy,  it has also been about healing, growth, and learning how powerful the youth voice can be. Every opportunity I’ve had through FLY has reminded me that change happens when young people are trusted, supported, and given space to lead.”

“My hope is that future generations continue to have opportunities to lead, create change, and redefine what is possible for themselves and their communities.”

Kevin’s story is still unfolding.
From Youth Advisory Council member to Policy Fellow, storyteller, college student, and statewide advocate, his journey reflects what can happen when young people are trusted, supported, and given opportunities to lead.

And he’s just getting started, we can’t wait to see what’s next. 


Support more futures like Kevin’s → flyprogram.org/donate



Kevin is a FLY alumnus, Policy Fellow, OYCR Youth Advisory Board member, Content Creating Fellow, and founder of Town Visions. He is currently in college pursuing his goals in advocacy, leadership, and community impact.