Meet the Fellows

Arpanjot Dosanjh

WINTER 2024

During my time as a fellow for CAYVBO and CCEJN, I learned a lot about making informative social media posts, running meetings, and about the workforce. This was my first real job and I had to fill out forms, enter how many hours I worked, and get paychecks as such which truly prepared me for what to expect in the future. I got to run a CAYVBO meeting after attending many which took lots of preparation and planning, but I am no longer scared to run one in the future.

I also made a social media post about what happened at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in which I had to be informed on what happened myself before I educated others. Overall, it was a great experience and I plan to continue to be a part of CAYVBO and CCEJN in any way that I can.

Jimena Chavez

WINTER 2024

During my time as a fellow of CAYVBO, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and learn so much about how environmental justice organizations take action and make a real difference in people’s lives.

By engaging with the community on important issues and causes, such as attending community meetings on neighborhood oil and gas drilling , I was able to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge about these environmental issues and how small actions can create meaningful changes when driven by compassion.

Valeria Aceves

SUMMER 2022

During my fellowship, I helped facilitate meetings, planned a distributed day of action, went to a protest, and helped lead the wildfires campaign. I was taught many new skills and am now comfortable with calling myself an official climate activist.

To future Fellows: Be as engaged as you can! The more effort you put in, the more fulfilling this work gets. I have learned so many new things and gained many opportunities by putting in 100%.

Viviana Aguirre

SUMMER 2022

During my fellowship, I worked on several in-person actions like banner drops, and the campaign for 3,200 ft setbacks by calling senators. I learned how to facilitate meetings and helped with a youth-led action in Sacramento.

To future Fellows: Don’t be scared to get out of your comfort zone. It may seem challenging at first, but you can find something you have passion for. You have the opportunity to meet the right people in the right environment with the same work ethic as you.

Alex Masci

FALL 2021

As a Fellow, I worked on the 3200-ft setbacks campaign, social media, and the #NoNewPermits Initiative. I also spoke at the March for Stolen Lives and Stolen Futures and was on the climate podcast “A Rude Awakening.” As a Fellow, I learned about community outreach through personal connections, facilitating meetings, the history of the climate justice movement, and how to be an overall strong youth climate activist.

To future Fellows: I recommend you try new things! You may be surprised by what you learn and what you enjoy doing the most.

Supriya Patel

FALL 2021

During my mentorship, I worked on the School Resolution Campaign, the 3200-ft setbacks campaign, and social media. I learned about how statewide campaigns are executed, how the state government works, and how to center youth in climate conversations.

To future Fellows: I would advise Fellows to try to learn as much as possible over the course of the fellowship, to take advantage of the mentorship opportunities, and to enjoy the fellowship.

Sarah Ricci

SUMMER 2021

I organized a banner drop and video content for the Wildfires Campaign, that emphasized the connection between the climate crisis and the increased intensity of fires. I also helped organize around Senate Bill 467. My time involved with CA Youth Vs Big Oil has taught me how to run fun and effective campaigns.

To future Fellows: My advice for future fellows would be to have an open mind and ask for help. Our team is super supportive!

Luchia Torro

SUMMER 2021

During my fellowship, I worked on the School Resolutions Campaign in Los Angeles, a wildfire banner drop and video campaign, and I partnered with Ship It Zero to target Amazon’s heavy-fueled ships. Along with helping me improve invaluable skills like public speaking and collaboration, this experience taught me how to merge my creative ambitions with climate activism.

To future Fellows: Lean on the support of your mentor to figure out what projects you want to bring to the table and have fun with it — the CA Youth Vs Big Oil community is truly amazing!

Nithya Raghunath

SPRING 2021

As a Fellow, I wrote op-eds, planned state-wide days of action, created social media content, and started a School Resolutions Campaign in my school district. I learned more about organizing and planning actions.

To future Fellows: Pursue what you’re interested in!

Natalia Armenta

SPRING 2021

The majority of my work was social media, School Resolutions Campaign, and coordination team operations. As a CA Youth Vs Big Oil Fellow, I learned about facilitating actions. One of the first things I did was help plan a banner drop in San Diego and it was great to learn about how to mobilize people and the behind-the-scenes work of taking actions.

To future Fellows: The advice I have for future Fellows is to take this opportunity to use the CA Youth Vs Big Oil resources to gain deeper knowledge in something you might be interested in. As a Fellow, I also learned how to best work and get advice from others on how to do something. It’s great to also take and share new avenues we may not have tried before.

Bella Wash

WINTER 2021

During my time as a youth fellow, I advocated for Senate Bill 467, helped launch the School Resolutions Campaign, spoke at the End Polluter Welfare Rally, and more! Being a fellow taught me how to properly advocate for what I am passionate about. I gained skills in creating graphics, public speaking, social media management, and writing op-eds.

To future Fellows: This is an amazing learning experience, and try working on as many things as you can!

Lizbeth Ibarra

WINTER 2021

I worked on many things as a Fellow, but mainly social media and the School Resolutions Campaign. During the fellowship, I was able to expand on my facilitation and communication skills. I learned how to lead meetings with huge groups of people, how to reach more people through social media and email, and how other communities are impacted by Big Oil.

To future Fellows: Be open to learning and trying new things! This fellowship gives you the opportunity to have more capacity for climate justice organizing, so take advantage of it and allow yourself to become a leader.