Young Adult Leadership Council: 2024-2025 Cohort

Adrian Johnson is from Corpus Christi, Texas. He is currently a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Civic Engagement. Drawing from a wealth of personal experiences—including his time in the juvenile justice and foster care systems, periods of homelessness, and his educational journey—Adrian is passionately committed to advocating for youth facing similar challenges. Motivated by a deep desire to spare others from the hardships he endured, he dedicates himself to amplifying the voices of those often unheard. As a new member of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC), Adrian is eager to broaden his advocacy work, helping to create positive change for future generations across the country.

Adrian Moore is a 24 year old Houston native who is a part of the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) YALC Cohort. In 2023, he partnered with Collective Action for Youth to advocate for youth homelessness and at-risk juveniles. Adrian has been in the juvenile justice system as well as the Texas CPS System in his early teenage years. Now as a young adult, his interests include doing charity work for his community, speaking to at-risk teens, and using his musical abilities to reach others. Adrian aspires to be a youth football coach, not only for the game but to be a mentor and a positive role model for the next generation to come.

Angel Jackson currently serves as a member of the Youth Adult Leadership Council (YALC). She is a dedicated community organizer and justice reform activist with a passion for creating equitable change. Drawing from personal experiences as a former foster youth, she advocates for affordable healthcare and opportunities that empower underserved communities. With years of grassroots organizing experience and a fellowship with TNOYS, she is committed to amplifying youth voices and advancing systemic solutions for a more just society.

Aria Jones is currently a freshman at Dallas community college, with plans to earn a bachelor degree in Social work with a minor in psychology. Aria plans to continue using her personal experience across the juvenile justice system, various periods of homelessness, child advocacy work, and educational experiences to advocate for the unheard and overlooked youth. 

Diamond Zuniga is from Houston, Texas but lives in El Paso, Texas. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso. Driven by change, Diamond is passionate about advocating for unrepresented voices and making a difference in her community. As a YALC member, Diamond is excited to make an impact and work with TNOYS and the rest of the YALC cohort. Her future aspirations include attending law school to become a family attorney with the goal of helping children and families thrive.

Elektra Alexis was born in Uvalde, Texas, but calls San Antonio her home. At the age of five, she was placed in a foster home, which made remaining connected to her siblings very difficult, if not impossible; but she was adopted at the age of nine. Despite her situation, she overcame several challenges, including her adoptive home becoming a nightmare, abuse, and ultimately becoming homeless.  She was also featured in a short film with a non-profit called Communities in Schools, sharing why helping students succeed in their education is important. She received her diploma from John Jay High School on June 13, 2024 and is currently pursuing her college degree in Social work. Presently, she is serving as a member of the YALC (Young Adult Leadership Council), and hoping to use her skills to better systems for other Texas youth.  Elektra also loves to give back to the community by volunteering in many different ways. She is a big advocate for foster youth and mental health awareness. She hopes sharing her lived experiences can help many others find comfort in knowing they are not alone.

Jasmin Romano is a mother of two, a four year old daughter and two year old son. She is a proud leader with lived experience and trauma-informed advocate. Growing up with different experiences, Jasmin prides herself in being a very compassionate and understanding person, especially to youth who may have disadvantages. She has experience in the hospitality industry and has also worked for the Community Assistance Center providing food and other resources to families in need. In her time with TNOYS, Jasmin is excited to learn new things, get more experience in how to be prepared for conferences, and learn about other resources. Driven by this passion, Jasmin’s long term goal is to achieve a professional career in a nonprofit organization. 

Kaitee is 19 years old, pronouns are he/him, and is based out of San Antonio.  He currently serves as a member of the YALC. He has lived experiences in homelessness, foster care, and juvenile detention. Kaitee is starting his journey on becoming a therapist for foster youth. 

Lilyana Kunkel is from Shreveport, Louisiana and currently resides in Lufkin, Texas. She turns 18 years old this year and is currently working towards her GED at Angelina College. Lilyana has extensive knowledge through her lived experience, which includes periods of homelessness, foster care, and time in the juvenile justice system. She is a proud participant of the 2024-2025 YALC program for TNOYS. One of Lilyana’s goals for her time in the cohort is to make sure others who have similar experience feels heard, seen, and supported. She also aims to learn professional skills as she grows, building herself up, and inspiring hope amongst others. 

Michael was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Michael currently serves as a member of the YALC. For 6 years, they were in and out of the foster system before being adopted. At the age of 18, Michael was kicked out of the house by their parents. Michael was homeless for a year before finding housing. They have previously worked with other nonprofits including Montrose Grace Place and the Houston Youth Action Board. Michael hopes to one day pursue a career in teaching lived experience including child protective services and homelessness.

Mikyra is a new member of the YALC. She is excited to help youth and young adults in the foster care system by using her story to advocate on their behalf. Mikyra has been advocating for foster care by sharing her story with others. She is currently in college working to get a bachelor’s degree in social work to further help those in need, especially those in the foster care system.

Paola Mazimpaka is a 20-year-old senior Health major at Prairie View A&M University. She is a proud first-generation college student at an HBCU. With a passion for working with children, Paola aspires to become a pediatric nurse and a youth advocate in underserved communities. She strives to uphold a commitment to improving children’s health outcomes and creating a lasting impact in the community.

Sydney Georg is from Dallas, Texas, and currently serves as a member of the YALC. Passionate about promoting mental health awareness for youth and young adults, Sydney aims to use her experiences and knowledge to amplify youth voices, educate others, and make a difference. This desire came to light in her first year of high school. As part of a school project, she designed a program to provide group therapy sessions for students after school. This program is recognized and used across the district and allows students to access support and learn coping strategies in a safe environment without missing school. She continues to advocate for youth access to the help they need. Sydney is very honored to be a part of the YALC cohort this year and looks forward to contributing with and learning from her peers.

Zahda Hodges is a North Carolina native who has recently relocated to Austin, TX. She has 7 years of experience in sales and customer service delivering exceptional support in fast-paced environments. She prides herself in her proven ability to build rapport, foster trust, and provide tailored solutions. Zahda is currently studying for a career in real estate. When Zahda is not at work, she enjoys painting, pottery and hiking with friends.