Justice Next Cohort Alumni

A compassionate and driven young woman on a mission to foster mental health awareA compassionate and driven young woman on a mission to foster mental health awareness and healing within her community. My passion for mental health runs deep. I believe that true well-being comes from both the mind and body, and I am determined to educate my community on the importance of holistic care. I love to share my knowledge and empower others to prioritize their mental and physical health to better our quality of life.ness and healing within her community. My passion for mental health runs deep. I believe that true well-being comes from both the mind and body, and I am determined to educate my community on the importance of holistic care. I love to share my knowledge and empower others to prioritize their mental and physical health to better our quality of life.

Fatima Rodriguez Cardenas- holds an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Psychology and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As a first-generation student, she is committed to advancing her education with the goal of supporting and empowering minority communities through mental health advocacy and education.

Laura Larios is an immigrant mother of three, she and her family arrived in the United States when she was a toddler, and have called Sacramento, California, home ever since. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by immigrants and minorities, which inspired her to want to advocate for social justice.

However, due to her own immigration status, her initial plans to enter the field were derailed. The turning point for Laura came when she witnessed the struggles a loved one endured while incarcerated. This personal experience became a powerful motivator, setting her on the path she is on now. Her journey quickly began with Initiate Justice, where she graduated from their cohort in 2023. This experience deepened her understanding of the criminal justice system and intensified her commitment to creating a change.

Since then, she has dedicated her time to volunteering, participating in gatherings and press conferences at the state capital to support legislation aimed at making a better future for all. In 2024, she joined the Dream.Org Justice Next Cohort, where she gained invaluable tools and renewed motivation for her advocacy work. Dream.Org has empowered her to continue pushing for systemic change and to support individuals affected by the criminal justice and immigration systems. Laura actively uses her social media platform to inform and encourage others to support policies and laws she believes in. Her mission is to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Her goal is to collaborate with organizations like Dream.Org to further her shared mission and to inspire her children, and work towards a fairer society for all.

Through these efforts, she hopes to contribute to meaningful change and to inspire others to join in the fight for justice and equality.

Jazmyne Bradford, a Sacramento native, is a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice, currently completing her undergraduate studies in psychology with a focus on behavioral and forensic psychology. Since high school, Jazmyne has combined her commitment to social justice with her artistic talents, using her skills in singing, songwriting, rapping, and poetry to support community healing and address critical issues through performances and events. She has played a key role in organizing impactful community events, such as "Wellness Night," which raised awareness about mental health and provided resources/information to the community on how to heal.

Aliyah (Lee) Thompson - Lee's dream is to be an actor and advocate for BIPOC communities.

My name is Sanai Corum, a sophomore at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California, where I am  pursuing a degree in Pre-Health Medical studies. I was a proud member of the Dream.Org Justice Next  Cohort 2024, an experience that significantly shaped my commitment to social justice and equity in  healthcare.

Throughout my academic journey, I have gained hands-on experience in the medical field through  internships at a medical clinic, where I honed my skills and deepened my passion for patient care. My  work experience is extensive, having held various positions since the age of 14 years old. Most recently, I  worked as a Recreation Aide at the Sam and Bonnie Community Center, where I helped design and lead  summer and after-school programs for children.

I have also been actively involved in several community-focused initiatives. As a Sacramento County  Youth Commissioner, I advocated for youth perspectives in local government. I am a member of the  Umoja community at my college, which supports African American students in their academic and  personal growth. Additionally, I participated in the ARI Youth Executive Academy and served as a Youth  Digital Navigator, assisting elders with limited English proficiency in accessing digital resources.

Outside of my professional and academic pursuits, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,  painting, shopping, traveling, and exploring new activities.

My ultimate goal is to continuously improve myself and acquire the necessary tools to succeed as a  healthcare professional dedicated to making a positive impact not only in my community but in the  world.

Lily Munoz- Student at Cosumnes River College. Pre-law, political science student with a passion for environmental policy, aiming to influence ecological legislation through advocacy. Dream.Org Justice Next Cohort graduate and Terra.Do fellow.

Azarel B Garcia- Hello, my name is Azarel B Garcia. I am a first-generation high school graduate, a second-year college student, and the first person in my family to pursue a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). Driven by a passion for helping people improve their quality of life, I aim to become an ultrasound technician and eventually earn a bachelor's degree in DMS. My goal is to work in a hospital setting, where I can assist in diagnosing health issues, ensuring patients can enjoy healthier lives and be present for future generations.

Growing up in a family that valued reducing waste, I developed an early awareness of environmental issues like food waste and carbon emissions. Living near a paper plate factory that consistently produces smoke further heightened my concern about the impact of pollution on personal and community health. Dream.org has also shown me that we, as teenagers, have people who care about our well-being, having witnessed not just climate change but also violence and unfairness in the criminal justice system. These experiences have shaped my outlook on health and well-being, motivating me to pursue a career that can directly contribute to others' longevity and happiness.

I joined a cohort to expand my understanding of global issues often overlooked or obscured by false positivity. Through this experience, I’ve gained a deeper awareness of the challenges facing society and the planet. I plan to use this knowledge, along with my healthcare career, to make a positive impact on both individual lives and broader societal well-being.

In addition to my professional ambitions, I am committed to supporting my family by contributing to household expenses and plan to show appreciation for the friends who have supported me by enjoying the fruits of my hard work together.

Bernice began her advocacy journey after her husband was incarcerated. As a member of Initiate Justice and the Inmate Family Council in California, Bernice is dedicated to bringing about positive change within the criminal justice system. Her passion for reform led her to receive a scholarship from dream.org, enabling her to enroll in a paralegal program. Through her studies, Bernice is committed to making a difference by advocating for prison reform and post-conviction resentencing. Her perseverance and determination serve as an inspiration to those around her as she continues to fight for justice and equality in her community.

Laniea LaGarde is a dedicated mentor and advocate with the Black Youth Leadership Project, a nonprofit focused on empowering young Black leaders. Through this role, Laniea actively supports and guides Black youth, advocating for justice and equity within the community.

A passionate advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability, Laniea joined the Justice Dream Next cohort to gain vital skills and resources to address issues affecting marginalized communities, including the impacts of climate change. As a strong believer in holistic community support, Laniea is committed to using their platform to create positive change.

Looking to the future, Laniea aspires to further their education and become a therapist, with a particular focus on supporting Black adolescents. Laniea is determined to break down harmful superstitions within the community and create spaces for healing and mental wellness, contributing to the well-being and empowerment of minority youth.

Sherman is 23 years old who graduated with a BA at Delaware State University and whose passion is to coach mental health advocates.

Adriene Lott is a passionate youth advocate and mentor, specializing in supporting Black youth within the school system. With a deep commitment to empowering young people, I want to help them discover their unique identities while guiding them to successfully navigate the complexities of the world around them. My role combines mentorship with a holistic approach to personal growth, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and confidence in the youth I serve.

Trey Burrell was born and raised in Sacramento and is a Sacramento New Tech graduate who currently works at Sky Zone and is a current student at CRC Community College.

My name is Veronica Haydon and I am a third year Community College Student. I am a first-generation college student aspiring to become a Dermatologist. My passion is helping people become the best version of themselves. I am currently in the process of earning my associate Biology and plan on transferring within the next year. I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as going for walks.

Keila Lee is currently at a non profit organization that focuses on Black Youth Mentorship and Advocacy in her community. Continuing her dream to run her own daycare business and has worked with homeschooling children for two years, has worked with youth since 2019. Would also love to create her own journal series that would have daily planners and goals. Has a strong passion for youth due to not having a lot of representation in her community and wants to be involved with the youth because they are the future in her words. Recently just graduated from the Justice Next Cohort in June 2024, and received Most Valued Partner in San Juan District through BYLP being on 4 school sites with Black Girl Support Network ( BGSN ) Fun Fact - Keila back in Elementary school, K-6th grade was never absent or late and received a bike for being the first person to achieve perfect attendance.

Titilope Olotu is a first-generation Nigerian immigrant specializing in Biology and Public Health at University of California, Los Angeles on a full ride scholarship. Titilope received multiple distinctions including being a 2023 Coca-Cola Scholar, Black in Microsoft Scholar, Stantec Equity and Diversity Scholar, Taco Bell Live Más Scholar and more. Titilope co-founded Period Padi, an initiative catering to menstrual equity for young women around the world, and has received recognition from honorable individuals such as Kamala Harris, and assembly member McCarty. Titilope hopes to mobilize her privilege and network in ensuring to provide resources to the underprivileged, especially immigrant children all over the world.

Honesty Martin's dream is to be a mental health advocate and to join the Air Force.