VCLI 2025-26 Cohort
Aaron Helenihi, a Native Hawaiian from Oʻahu, recently earned his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administrator Certification from WSU Vancouver. His work centers equity, culturally responsive leadership, and inclusive learning environments. As a Student Engagement Specialist with Evergreen Public Schools, Aaron removes barriers to learning and fosters belonging for all students, earning the 2024 Learn Here Award from Identity Clark County. His background also includes leadership in the automotive industry, with expertise in logistics, operations, and team development. Living in diaspora, Aaron serves his Native Hawaiian community through civic and cultural engagement. He is Director and Government Relations Chair for Mokuʻāina A Wakinekona Hawaiian Civic Club and Secretary of the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association of Oregon & SW Washington. Guided by aloha (mutual respect and care) and kuleana (responsibility and accountability), Aaron is committed to uplifting youth, advancing equity, and perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture beyond Hawaiʻi.
Angelo Gonzales is a social worker, advocate, veteran, and mental health professional dedicated to serving at-risk youth and families in Clark County. He currently works as a Wraparound Intensive Services Clinical Supervisor for a local nonprofit and functions as the Regional Tri-lead for Southwest Washington’s Family Youth System Partner Roundtable. Angelo earned a B.A. in Psychology from CSU Long Beach, where he led mental health advocacy groups, and an MSW from the University of Oklahoma, where he was named Field Student of the Year. He also served eight years in the U.S. Army as a Chemical Operations Specialist, gaining expertise in substance abuse prevention and equal opportunity. An avid outdoorsman, Angelo enjoys paddle boarding, hiking with his dog, playing sports, and spending time with loved ones. His community-driven leadership reflects a commitment to challenging harmful policies and partnering with leaders, lawmakers, and families to build healthier, more equitable communities.
Bianca Gonzalez (she/her/they/them) is a mixed-race Chicanx Communications Manager, Curanderismo practitioner, and equity-driven leader based in Vancouver, Washington. As a Communications Manager for a Portland-based nonprofit, they use storytelling and engagement to shift narratives around family homelessness. They also support civic engagement through local campaign work. Raised in a family of activists, Bianca continues that legacy, informed by lived experiences of housing instability. Their career spans nonprofit leadership, small business ownership, and direct service—grounded in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. They have served on nonprofit boards, led workshops, and developed creative programming that fosters reflection and empowerment. Whether shaping ethical storytelling, building trust, or holding sacred space, Bianca leads with empathy and dedication to collective liberation. At home, she and her wife, Melinda, share life with their four dogs—Zorro, Zayla, Alice, and Brownie—who fill their home with joy, love, and muddy paw prints.
Caiden Mizrahi-Boyarsky is a student advocate and activist from Vancouver, Washington, passionate about systemic change and equity. A 2025 Union High School graduate, he now studies at Clark College. His leadership includes organizing students to testify at a school board meeting, helping pass an immigration safety resolution. Rooted in his Latino identity and lived experiences as a BIPOC youth, Caiden has been active with LULAC and SWEC for two years, working to uplift his community and amplify youth voices. His advocacy is fueled by culture, mentorship, and a drive to ensure others feel represented. Beyond activism, Caiden enjoys basketball, music, and creative expression. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” he continues to speak out and take action. Caiden hopes to inspire others to find courage and power in their voices.
Diana Luis-Contreras is a graduate of Washington State University Vancouver with dual degrees in Psychology and Human Development and a minor in Neuroscience. At WSU, she served as Student Government President and Director of Campus & Community Outreach, building partnerships and advocating for student needs at the state level. Beyond campus, she has worked with organizations including Fourth Plain Community Commons, Sea Mar, and Portland General Electric, focusing on education access, small business support, and bilingual FAFSA/WASFA assistance. Diana’s leadership has been recognized with the Chancellor’s Student Civic Leadership Award and the DEI Undergraduate Student Award. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she is passionate about advancing equity, civic leadership, and inclusive community spaces. Through both professional and volunteer roles, Diana continues to uplift underrepresented communities, expand access to resources, and strengthen civic engagement across Southwest Washington.
Eric Estrada is a first-generation college graduate whose journey began in a steel manufacturing plant, where he gained skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Today, he serves the City of Vancouver, helping residents and businesses navigate city services with clarity and confidence. Drawing on his bilingual skills and lived experiences, Eric is a trusted advocate for accessibility, equity, and language access, ensuring all voices are included in shaping the city’s future. Known for making complex systems approachable, he is committed to breaking barriers, building trust, and creating opportunities for youth and families. With experience bridging industry and government, Eric connects with people from all walks of life and leads with integrity and empathy. Beyond work, he is a devoted husband and father of four, whose values of family, service, and resilience inspire his commitment to uplifting others and strengthening his community.
Josey Sechrist (she/her) is a lifelong Vancouver resident whose experiences as a daughter of an immigrant mother shaped her passion for social justice. She holds degrees in mathematics, international studies, and education from Oregon State University and Stanford University. Josey taught math at McLoughlin Middle School and served as the Vancouver Education Association’s first Vice President of Equity Affairs, building affinity spaces and supporting culturally responsive practices. She is now Campus Director for the MESA program at WSU Vancouver, designing STEM opportunities for historically underrepresented students and training mentors to expand access. Her leadership emphasizes racial equity, educational equity, and green space equity, with a focus on creating inclusive opportunities across Vancouver. Through the Vancouver Community Leadership Institute, Josey seeks to collaborate with other leaders to build a community where all are seen, heard, and valued. She continues to champion equity-centered education and civic leadership in her hometown.
LV Crutcher is a nationally recognized systems strategist and former foster youth with nearly a decade of experience transforming child welfare, juvenile justice, and youth development systems. Originally from Oklahoma, he combines lived experience with professional expertise to design healing-centered systems rooted in dignity, opportunity, and care. He is the founder of Black Boy Namaste, an initiative that equips boys of color with tools for emotional literacy, resilience, and belonging through trauma-informed practices and mentorship. Now based in Vancouver, Washington, LV is expanding this work while continuing his mission to advance healing justice and systemic equity nationwide. His leadership reflects a commitment to legacy-building, culturally responsive practices, and creating spaces where youth can thrive personally and collectively. Guided by his values and lived experience, LV works to ensure young people of color feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Magdalena “Maggie” Butler (she/her/ella), is a proud first-generation Mexican-American committed to culturally responsive mental health support and community leadership. With over ten years of experience in K–12 education, she integrates data-informed practices with clinical expertise which includes individual and group therapy, behavioral health assessments, and counseling in Spanish. She has led Spanish-language outreach programs to ensure her community feels represented and supported. Maggie also serves as a member of the City of Ridgefield’s Planning Commission, Board Member of the Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative, and Neighborhood Coordinator for the Green Bag Project. She also serves as a citizen advisor on the City of Ridgefield’s 2026 Budget Committee, where she advocates for inclusive, community-centered decision-making. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Maggie enjoys concerts, sporting events, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and cheering on her three children. A “runner in hibernation,” she looks forward to completing another half marathon while continuing to champion equity and inclusion.
Maya Hosaka (she/they) is a lifelong Pacific Northwesterner passionate about social justice and collective liberation. Based in Clark County, they work as the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Generalist for the YWCA Clark County, where they are piloting Where We Lead, a program training youth service providers to build collective care, address power dynamics, and reimagine support for young people. Maya’s work is rooted in the belief that those most impacted by oppression should lead social movements and that lifelong learning is key to change. Their career and activism focus on uplifting historically marginalized communities, challenging systemic inequities, and fostering inclusive spaces. Maya looks forward to deepening connections and collaborating with other BIPOC leaders through the Vancouver Community Leadership Institute. Outside of work, they remain committed to advocacy and community-building, working to create spaces where all can thrive with dignity, care, and belonging.
Samai Mendoza - As a communications and advocacy professional, Samai supports individuals navigating barriers such as substance use, houselessness, and domestic violence, focusing on recovery, housing, and equity. A first-generation college graduate, she earned a degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from WSU Vancouver, with certifications in Human Services Case Management and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Her professional background includes advancing diversity and inclusion in schools, providing residential support for adults with mental illness, and advocating for survivors—experiences that built her expertise in policy engagement, outreach, and collaboration. Samai was born in Los Angeles and raised since the age of 8 in Clark County, where she now lives with my three sons. Rooted in my church and family life, she finds joy in community, supporting her kids at their sporting events, and wellness. Through the Vancouver Community Leadership Institute, she aims to strengthen my leadership and contribute to lasting, positive change in Clark County.
Sam Kong is a first-generation Asian American born and raised in the Seattle area by Southeast Asian immigrant parents. She serves as Lead Operations Center Director with Support for Early Learning and Families (SELF), recruiting and training diverse educators to provide culturally responsive care. With academic backgrounds in business, early childhood, and elementary education—and currently pursuing a degree in Information Technology—Sam brings a multidisciplinary approach to equity-driven leadership. Her early experiences of feeling different now fuel her mission to increase visibility and representation so no child feels unseen. Guided by the belief that change begins with showing up, she models leadership through action and accountability. Outside of work, Sam enjoys exploring new places, reading, and trying new experiences, always driven by curiosity and growth. She remains committed to creating inclusive systems that reflect the diversity, resilience, and aspirations of the families she serves.
Sarah Henry (she/they) is a queer, mixed-race leader passionate about education and liberation. She earned her degree in Organizational Communication from George Fox University, after early experiences in TRiO and the Cultural Ambassadors club sparked her commitment to racial equity and reconciliation. She has worked with College Possible and now serves as GEAR UP Student Achievement Specialist at Heritage High School, dismantling barriers to higher education through individualized, culturally competent support. Their leadership emphasizes humility, accountability, and community building. Grounded in her lived experiences, Sarah critically engages with systems to elevate marginalized perspectives and invites others to do the same. Outside of work, she enjoys running marathons, attending concerts, and hosting dinner parties, often perfecting her grandfather’s mac n’ cheese recipe to share with loved ones.
Sha’Launda Page (Seminole, Gullah Geechee) was born and raised in Portland and holds over a decade of experience in social services, dedicated to uplifting Indigenous and BIPOC communities. She currently serves as Financial Wellness Coordinator for the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), where she provides trauma-informed financial coaching that helps families strengthen stability and build pathways to wellness. Her leadership is rooted in cultural values and a deep commitment to equity. Beyond her professional role, Sha’Launda runs a catering business inspired by her roots and hosts an annual holiday dinner in downtown Portland that feeds over 150 people, offering nourishment and connection. Guided by her ancestors and cultural traditions, she brings pride, purpose, and joy to her work. Whether through financial empowerment, food, or cultural celebration, Sha’Launda embodies community care and strives to create spaces where all relatives feel supported and valued.
Sorya Baxter (she/her) is a Cambodian-Taiwanese American born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about community development and social justice, especially in the Asian community. A 2022 graduate of Washington State University Vancouver with a B.A. in Digital Technology and Culture, she now works as Development Coordinator at APANO, a nonprofit uniting Asian communities through advocacy, organizing, and cultural work. Drawing on her background in marketing and communications, Sorya uplifts marginalized voices and helps build equitable systems. Her multicultural upbringing in a multigenerational household shaped her dedication to representation and equity in the Asian community. The meaning of her name, “sunlight” in Khmer, reflects her aspiration to bring brightness and hope to others. Outside of work, Sorya enjoys traveling and exploring creative outlets like fiber and clay arts, finding joy in expression and connection.
Tanya English (she/her/ella) was born in Los Angeles, raised in Tijuana, Mexico, and spent her late formative years between Tijuana and San Diego. She grew up navigating two cultures, shaping her “bridging mentality” as a connector and advocate. For the past decade, she has called Clark County home, where she serves as Parent Coalition Coordinator at PEACE NW. In this role, Tanya leads programs like Together We Thrive Birth to Five and Café con PEACE NW, creating culturally responsive spaces for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). With a career rooted in early learning and family support, she is passionate about inclusive practices, early intervention, and supporting students with I/DD through high school transitions. Tanya holds an A.A. in Early Childhood Education, is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services at Clark College, and has received awards for academic leadership. A mom of three, she also serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, advancing disability advocacy and health equity.
Veronica Christie is a musician, nonprofit strategist, and community advocate whose work bridges artistry, equity, and organizational leadership. As a jazz and classical performer, she has recorded with the 7th Street Big Band, Game Grooves, Ben Visini, and has headlined major events including the San Jose Jazz Festival, and performed with the Chromatic Brass Collective at the International Women’s Brass Conference, the first women-of-color brass ensemble, challenging systemic barriers in music. Dedicated to education, she taught 200–400 students weekly with SJZ Progressions and supported the Young Musician’s Project at San Jose State University, expanding equitable opportunities for youth in the arts. In the nonprofit sector, Veronica is an operations strategist with expertise in budgets, compliance, and board management. As Board President of MAGFest, she launched the first BIPOC and Women of MAG committees, embedding inclusion into event design. Through teaching, artistry, and leadership, Veronica champions communities rooted in creativity, authenticity, and equity.
Yesenia Martinez is a first-generation college graduate from Washington State University with a B.A. in Human Development, a minor in Psychology, and certificates in Human Services and Family Studies. Her academic and personal experiences shaped her commitment to advocacy and supporting underserved communities. Yesenia’s work centers on uplifting underrepresented youth, helping them discover their voice and develop confidence to make an impact in their schools and communities. She is passionate about building inclusive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their interests and strengths. Through community engagement, she continues to drive equity and inspire youth leadership. In her free time, Yesenia enjoys paddle boarding, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family. Her dedication reflects her belief in the power of representation, empowerment, and equity to transform lives and strengthen communities.