Meet the Committee!
Project Committee
Research Committee
Graphic Design Committee
Social Media Committee
Name
Role
Name
Role
Technology Committee
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Tara Martin
Research Committee Member
Hi! I am a 16-year-old junior from Alameda County. I hope to make a difference in my Bay Area community as part of the research committee for YCAC Bay Area, broadening my knowledge in climate change while educating others. I am passionate and dedicated to a cause I believe in, driving me to advocate for a green environment, and by getting involved, you could do the same! I look to pursue environmental studies in college and work with local governments to make cities more sustainable in the future. Being part of YCAC Bay Area excites me, and I wish to leave a lasting impact on everyone around us.
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Kevin Ruano Hernandez
Project Committee Member
A reliable and introspective student who excels in problem-solving and promoting a collaborative team approach. Utilizing my passion and skills in communication and organizing to enhance my community by involving the youth in advocating for global issues and environmental issues. I serve as a youth advocate in various steering committees and help engage my community in practicing for a pathway to a better environment. By organizing and strategizing, I have successfully found a way for me to remotely voice my opinion and make the changes necessary to continue advocating for my community. I am thrilled to be a part of the YCAC Bay Area and to leave a large impact on communities for a better environment.
Sofia Penttila
Project Committee Member
Hey! I am a 14-year-old freshman from Santa Clara County! I’m deeply interested in both climate change and the world of politics - especially where they intersect with climate policy! Lately, I’ve become increasingly interested in climate diplomacy and the role of forogien relations and policy when it comes to international climate negotiations. As a passionate writer, I frequently write about the climate crisis, the role of sustainability in business, and the disproportionate impacts climate changes has on marginalized communities. Through YCAC Bay Area, I hope to not only to bring to light and spread awareness about the dangers of a changing climate but lead and advocate for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for both the Bay Area and world at large.
Kennedy Emerson
Research Committee Member
As a dedicated member of the research committee, I’m excited to have the opportunity to educate others on the localized effects of climate change and on Bay Area specific actions that can be taken to fight climate change and its effects. Climate change is an issue that cannot be pushed aside or saved for a later date, and as such I am glad to be part of an organization such as YCAC that is full of people who feel so passionate about fighting climate change. I’m eager to see what this organization can achieve and what I can achieve working with those in it.
Lily Brody-Kaplan
Research Committee Member
I am a 14 year old freshman from Alameda County. I am extremely passionate about climate change and I hope to help combat global warming with YCAC. I am part of the research committee, and I am very grateful and excited to be able to contribute to this organization! I encourage everyone to educate yourselves on climate change by reading the information we have provided. I hope to pursue a career in oceanic research on coral bleaching and the phytoplankton impact to help discover innovative solutions to this worldwide issue.
Nora Thomas
Graphic Design Committee Member
Hello! I am a 15 year old sophomore from Santa Clara County. I am very excited to be serving on the graphic design committee, and I hope to be able to educate many through our social media! It is important we all do our best to make a change in our community and I hope to be able to do that through YCAC Bay Area. It is vital we all educate ourselves about this very important topic as early as possible if we are to achieve real change in regards to our environment.
Sonja Durr
Technology Committee Member
Hello! I am a 16-year-old sophomore from Contra Costa County and I am so thrilled to be a part of this YCAC chapter. I am currently serving on the technology committee and plan to apply and administer more leadership-focused roles in our community. I have always aspired to be an environmental activist and am committed to leaving my mark on this world. I consider that with the right passion and resources anything can become a reality. I strive to help others not only be informed about the environment but to have the right education to make the best choices in life. In the future, I aim to become an environmental scientist and become a known environmental activist. In my pastime, I play the viola and lacrosse. I am so delighted to be a part of this chapter as I believe it can grant me the opportunities I have never had before.