City Year Los Angeles Opening Day 2021
Earlier this month wevirtually welcomedour 2021-22AmeriCorps class, marking theǴڴھbeginningof our 15th year of service in Los Angelesand Inglewood.
OurOpening Daycelebration was emceed by AmeriCorps membersJessica Alvarado and Nick Michael,who both serveas Project Leaderson ourLos Angeles.
During the event,corps members tooktothe virtual stage tosharetheir passion for service andgiveaudiences a glimpse into what motivates them as they continue to serveour city’s students.This year’s voices from the corps came from…
JessicaAraiza,
Team Leader,
“[Just as a former educator did for me] I believe in the potential of every scholar that walks into this school despite what social constructs tell us. We are all inherently worthy to an equitable school system, that uplifts and empowers every scholar to step into their unique qualities and powers, despite stereotypes.” View the full speech .
Sage Cuza, 
AmeriCorps member,
“Getting placed at NOW Academy after attending from 5th to high school here, I was extremely excited to come back this year as a mentor. The transitions students faced with online learning, on top of dealing with inequities as they formed their identity, made it especially important for me to come back this y.” View the full speech .
Janet Lima-Ruiz,
Team Leader,
“Being in Zoom classes with [students] last year, and seeing how little they retained, I knew they needed all the support they could get. I know I’m making a difference in their lives because the AmeriCorps member I used to have as a high school student at Manual Arts made a huge difference in mine. I am honored to do the same for the students from my community and be part of their lives one more school y.” View the full speech .
Katherine Marquez, 
AmeriCorps member,
“Through my years of serving, I have witnessed my first cohort of students continue to grow. I first met them in 2019 and after 10 months of supporting them academically and social-emotionally, now, even after years, one being a pandemic year, they continue to connect with me even though I am no longer in their classes. To me, that is the positive reassurance that I have made a positive impact in their lives.” View the full speech .
Those in attendance also heard fromour Executive DirectorDr. Sandra Cano,City Year LA BoardCo-ChairGiselle Fernandez,City Year L.A.alumniAlfredo Crossman-Chavez Jr.,LAUSDBoard Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin,and special guest,singer, songwriter, actress and producer Ester Dean.It was surely an afternoon to remember with so many messages of encouragement and support to take-on this“cityy.”
Congratulations,City Year Los Angeles AmeriCorps Class of 2021-22. Yourexcitement and dedication for service has already begun to leave it’s mark on our community, and we cannot wait to see what this year has in store for you.
Couldn’t make it to the event? Watch the full program
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