Alejandra Gomez is an Indigenous First Nations Ojibwe/Cree former foster youth. Alejandra works for California’s Coalition For Youth as a Youth Specialist. Alejandra leads a statewide youth advisory board, uses her voice and lived experience to improve and empower the lives of California’s youth through statewide,local and national advocacy work. She has been instrumental in securing millions in funding to support current and former foster youth, juvenile justice involved youth, and youth experiencing homelessness so that they may have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive. Alejandra aspires to use now as the moment to create much needed change that supports the social and emotional development of all California’s; especially for California’s most vulnerable populations. Alejandra, 21, is empowered to help and inspire others to make the world a better place for the generation of young leaders to come by first being the best example.