Youth Leadership

GSA Network is led by youth because we believe that youth have the power to create solutions and lead the fight against homophobia and transphobia. Representatives from GSAs around California serve on the organization's Board of Directors, regional Youth Councils, and Statewide Advocacy Council.

Youth Council

Youth Council members come from small towns and cities across California to represent the voices of youth activists and GSAs throughout the state. Youth Council members meet monthly to plan GSA Network's programs, plan and present at conferences, and lead trainings and events throughout the year.

Northern California Youth Council Members, 2009-2010

Molly Boyer, Sonoma Valley High School
David Carson, College Park High School
Christine Clarke, Rosemont Senior High School
Max Corrigan, Valley View Middle School
Logan Cuevas, Oak Grove High School
Andrew DeSoto, Santa Teresa High School
Karissa Doll, Santa Teresa High School
AJ Fiel, Merril F. West High School
Crystal Fullen, Pioneer High School
Jason Galisatus, Aragon High School
Askari Gonzalez, William C. Overfelt High School
Sophie Lieberman, The Urban School
Aja Johnson, Elsie Allen High School
Isabella Okelberry, Santa Rosa High School
Eric Orosco, Rosemont Senior High School
Lauren Phipps, Marin Academy
Rene Ramos, West High School
Olivia Tennant, Sonoma Valley High School

Southern California Youth Council Members, 2009-2010

Alejandra Alarcon, Hawthorne Math & Science Academy
Isaiah Baiseri, Glendora High School
Billie Barragan, Hawthorne Math & Science Academy
Leonor Bautista, Huntington Park High School
Tyler Beltran, La Quinta High School
Ariel Bustamante, Options for Youth Charter High
Nik Castillo, San Andreas High School
King Chan, Will J. Reid High School
Ryan Chavez, Oxford Academy
Glenna Colerider-Krugh, South Pasadena High School
Charisse Delk, Arrow High School
Nick Dorsey, Hollywood High School
Melanie Emas, Los Osos High School
Rene Franco, Providence High School
Lily Fu, Oxford Academy
Lily Gotlieb, Cleveland High School
Nathaniel Kirk, Webb School
TJ Ley, South High School
Donny Mejia, Hawthorne High School
JT Mendoza, Santa Susana High School
Marissa Minick, Torrey Pines High School
Justine Minnete, Marshall High School
Ian Murrillo, Pete Knight High School
Bay Nguyen, Garden Grove High School
Alyssa Nichols, Cathedral City High School
Giuliana Pe Benito, Westlake High School
Adrian Pedroza, Middle College High School
Ian Perry, Oakwood Secondary School
Pablo Ramirez, Lincoln High School
Omar Ramos, King Drew Medical Magnet School
Hunter Reardon, Cabrillo High School
Amanda Robin, Granada Hills High School
Trent Rodriguez, Murietta Valley High School
Keval Shah, Oxford Academy
Laura Smith, Campbell Hall High School
Jasmine Tang, Temple City High School
Zac Toomay, Arroyo Grande High School
Justine Willm, Orange County High School of the Arts

Find out what it’s like to be on Youth Council and learn how you can apply. Visit Join a Youth Council.

Statewide Advocacy Council

Statewide Advocacy Council is a diverse group of youth leaders from across California that works with GSA Network to change state laws and policies that impact LGBTQ youth. Statewide Advocacy Council members help plan and shape GSA Network’s advocacy efforts and events, including GAYLA (GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy) and Queer Youth Advocacy Day. They also help develop and promote advocacy campaigns such as our Campaign for LGBT-Inclusive Curriculum.

Statewide Advocacy Council Members, 2009-2010

Aaron, Dinuba High School
Sierra Andrews, West High School
Isaiah Baiseri, Glendora High School
Billie Barragan, Hawthorne Math & Science Academy
Kyle Bodolay, The Met Sacramento
Molly Boyer, Sonoma Valley High School
Ariel Bustamante, Options for Youth Charter School - San Gabriel
Nik Castillo, San Andreas High School
King Chan, Will J. Reid High School
Askari Gonzalez, William C. Overfelt High School
JT Mendoza, Santa Susana High School
Robert Nunes, Central East High School
Giulie PeBenito, Westlake High School
Colette Roblee, Leonardo da Vinci High School
Trenton Rodriguez, Murrieta Valley High School
Laura Smyth, Campbell Hall High School
Olivia Tennant, Sonoma Valley High School
Zac Toomay, Arroyo Grande High School
Darryl, Orosi High School
Justine Wilm, Orange County High School of the Arts

Find out what it’s like to be on Statewide Advocacy Council and learn how you can apply. Visit Statewide Advocacy Council.