The FACES for the Future Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a leadership opportunity for FACES high school students and alumni to actively shape the future of FACES programs. This council is composed of 12 dedicated members who participate in virtual meetings with FACES staff, providing valuable input on strategic planning, curriculum development, and program innovation. YAC members collaborate on projects, engage in meaningful discussions, and help enhance FACES workshops and initiatives. Through their leadership, the council ensures that youth voices contribute to the ongoing impact of FACES for the Future. Below, you can meet each member of the 2025 cohort and learn more about the inspiring students and alumni leading the way!
Andrea Selfridge
Hello! My name is Andrea Selfridge, and I am a proud New Mexican raised in Albuquerque. As a first-generation college student, I am pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with Minors in Biology and Community Health Education at the University of New Mexico. My academic journey has been supported by the Daniels Fund and New Mexico Simon Scholarships, which have deepened my passion for education and community service.
I have been fortunate to engage in roles that reflect my dedication to mentorship and professional growth. As a Scholar Ambassador for UNM’s College Enrichment Program, I supported first-year Simon Scholars with academic planning and skill development. Through my work with Future Focused Education, I coached interns on social, emotional, and work-based learning, helping them navigate their career pathways and internships.
My introduction to biomedical research came through the Undergraduate Pipeline Network (UPN) Summer Research Program at UNM’s Health Sciences Center. This experience allowed me to work alongside faculty mentors, explore cancer research, and develop valuable research skills.
Looking ahead, I hope to earn a Master’s in Public Health and use my education to address health disparities and advocate for equitable community health solutions in New Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Albuquerque’s vibrant culture and building meaningful connections with those around me. I love trying new restaurants, visiting local coffee shops, and immersing myself in the arts, whether through live music, art galleries, or creating art and photography myself.
Bryce Teurn
Hello! I’m Bryce Teurn, a freshman at the University of California, Davis (Co’28), majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with the goal of becoming a pharmacist.
As a first-generation Vietnamese-Chinese American, CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult), and low-income student, I’m passionate about addressing the challenges minorities face regarding their identities. My motivation comes from my parents and my background, and I aspire to create pathways for immigrants and people with disabilities to access equitable healthcare.
Outside of academics, I enjoy indoor gardening, design (both traditional and digital), and content creation.
As a former Sacramento FACES alum (Co’24) and current member of the FACES for the Future Youth Council Committee, I’m grateful for these opportunities and excited to help pave the way for future generations in science and healthcare.
Citlali Pineda
Hi, my name is Citlali Alcazar, and I’m currently a senior at Hiram W. Johnson High School. I am from a hardworking Hispanic family that has always motivated me to aim high and never settle. I’m proud to be part of both the Health Medical Science Academy (HMS) and the FACES for the Future program, where I’ve had the chance to explore my passion for healthcare and develop important skills. Through HMS, I contributed to the Y-Plan project, working with peers to address real-world challenges in our community, which taught me the value of teamwork and creativity.
I would describe myself as independent, considerate, and cooperative. I enjoy listening to music, drawing, and constantly learning new things. These interests not only help me relax but also inspire my creativity and growth.
Being part of FACES has been a transformative experience, giving me exposure to the world of healthcare and a deeper understanding of how to support others. I’m excited to join the Youth Advisory Council to share ideas, learn from others, and contribute to initiatives that make a real difference.
Emma Bracamontes
Hi there! My name is Emma Bracamontes. I am a FACES alumni with a deep passion for public health and behavioral health. Currently, I am a Junior at New York University (NYU) studying Global Public Health: Applied Psychology, and minoring in Bioethics. I am on a pre-nursing track with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner who specializes in behavioral health. I am also passionate about harm reduction and sports medicine.
When I’m not in class, you can find me at a rock climbing gym, playing soccer or trying a new sport, listening to (and sometimes making) music, reading a book, or watching a show/movie. I love animals and also walk/watch dogs in my free time! You can also find me bragging about my roommate’s cat, Hojicha.
I am so grateful and excited to be working with FACES again, as my passion and commitment to public health was significantly grown by the FACES community, and the incredible mentors that can be found throughout the program. I’ve found a deep sense of fulfillment through meeting new people, and community building. I can’t wait to foster this gratitude and fulfillment even further with this year’s FACES cohort!
Hanan Adem
Hello! My name is Hanan Adem and I’m 17 years old. I was born and raised in San Diego. I’m currently a Senior at Crawford High School.
I enjoy reading, playing soccer, baking, watching sitcoms, and spending time with my family and friends. My plan after high school is to attend a university to major in public health.
Throughout my time in FACES, I’ve learned alot about the medical field and healthcare, and also gained a better understanding of what goes on in the hospitals. I aim to create a significant impact on healthcare while also contributing to my community. I am committed to fostering positive change and aspiring to become a leader in the healthcare sector. I’m honored and thankful to be part of the FACES for the Future Youth Advisory Council this year!
Josselyn Guadamuz Jara
Hello there! My name is Josselyn Guadamuz Jara, and I am a junior at Mt. Eden High School in Hayward, California. I am a first-generation Nicaraguan American whose goal is to get into medical school and become a pediatrician.
Outside of school, I attend a program called SEO Scholars. SEO Scholars is a program that helps high school students from underserved communities prepare for college and careers. Within this program I am part of the recruitment corps, where I mentor incoming scholars and help them adjust to balancing dual enrollment classes, high school coursework, and SEO curriculum.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the FACES for the Future Coalition as well as the FACES Youth Advisory Council. Through this incredible program, I am driven to support my community and help create a brighter future.
Karina Sandoval
Hello! My name is Karina Sandoval and I am currently a 2nd year student at San Diego State University. At SDSU I am majoring in nursing and plan to obtain a BSN and continue with my education for a Nurse Practitioner’s license.
I have graduated from Hoover High School where I was a part of the FACES coalition and was greatly motivated to pursue nursing following my shadowing clinicals at Rady’s Children’s Hospital.
FACES has helped me expand my horizons on all of the healthcare careers I could pursue and has played a major role in my future. For this reason I am excited to be a part of FACES youth advisory council and provide my insight and experiences for the continuous improvement of FACES.
Kaylyne Moreno
Hi, I’m Kaylyne Moreno, a 17-year-old senior at Hoover High School in San Diego. I was born in Los Angeles but moved to San Diego when I was three. As a first-generation student who will be attending a university, I’m proud to be on the path to further my education and give back to my community.
Throughout high school, I’ve been passionate about both healthcare and community service, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of being part of the health field, and my experiences, including being a former intern with the FACES internship program, have allowed me to expand this passion. Additionally, I’m actively involved in my community, serving on a youth council for the San Diego Unified School District, where I help advocate to get better educational experiences for all students.
When I’m not working on community initiatives. You’ll likely find me spending time with my cheer team. After high school, I plan to attend a UC university to major in public health or psychology. I’m determined to combine these fields in a way that creates positive change and makes a lasting impact in healthcare particularly focusing on how we can better support underserved communities.
I am deeply committed to becoming a future leader in the healthcare field, working towards accessible, equitable solutions for all. I’m honored to be part of the FACES of the future and am excited for the opportunities ahead.
Moin Mirza (co-chair)
Hello, I’m Mo Mirza. I am currently in my senior year at UCSD, which I will graduate from at the end of this year, with a Bachelors in neurobiology. I am originally from New York, and I now reside in Oceanside, California.
During the Covid pandemic, while I was a student at Escondido Charter High School, a rotation through Rady’s Children’s Hospital was not possible, due to safety reasons. I never knew that disappointment would spin into the most transformative experience by being suggested by the Rady’s program to attend a virtual program.
The FACES for the Future Coalition program called “FACES 2020 Summer Medical Academy” provided the most comprehensive, concise, hands-on introduction to the health field. It was there when, for the first time, I learned the word “pathology”. I never imagined that this would later become my major field of interest. It offered a multitude of workshops through which: I learned how to do CPR, how to do sutures, how to take a medical history, how to take vital signs, I learned the basis of different types of communication, etc. It gave me the opportunity to get certified in Mental Health First Aid. These were unique experiences, which I couldn’t have been part of otherwise.
At present, I am also doing volunteer work through the Red Cross, which afforded me the opportunity to work at the VA Hospital, San Diego, besides working as an instructional assistant in the biology department at UCSD. Joining the Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for me to impart hope to students aspiring to work in healthcare, by sharing my story of trials and patience, since my first introduction to this field through this most meaningful venue.
Nayeli Guzman
Hi! My name is Nayeli Guzman, I am currently a junior attending Crawford High school, I’ve been a FACES student since my freshman year.
The FACES program has really helped me create a bigger interest in the medical field, making me more convinced every day that nursing is the career for me! I am a hard worker in everything that I do, which helps me strive for success in all aspects of life.
Outside of school, my hobbies include playing volleyball, working out, and doing ceramics. I am so excited to be a part of the Youth Advisory Council.
Ritisha Batchu
Hi! My name is Ritisha. I’m a current FACES student and senior at Alameda High School. My hobbies include painting, swimming, and hanging out with friends.
I joined FACES because I’m deeply passionate about the medical field and was excited to be a part of a program that facilitates hands-on learning through going over essential basics and viewing clinical applications in person. I’m interested in neuroscience, especially sleep research, and aim to major in that field in college.
I became interested in sleep research because of family experiences and the goal of wanting to delve into a topic that’s often overlooked. Recent experiences that have led me on this path include volunteering at a pediatric therapy clinic, designing a prototype sleep patch at Stanford last summer, and joining the sports medicine program at my school.
I hope to continue developing my ambitions in healthcare and producing innovative solutions in college and beyond. I’m honored to be a part of the FACES Youth Advisory Council this year and look forward to collaborating with my peers to promote community, innovation, and unity.
Tatiana Lopez
My name is Tatiana Lopez, and I was part of the FACES internship program in 2020, a time when the program transitioned to an online format due to the pandemic. Despite the challenges, the program continued to provide valuable opportunities and support.
I had the privilege of completing my internship rotation at a local hospital, where I gained hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. Two years later, I returned as a volunteer in the Emergency Department, further deepening my understanding of the field.
I graduated from Chabot College with Associate’s degrees in Psychology and Biological Sciences, and I’m excited to continue my academic journey this fall as I pursue my bachelor’s degree. My passion for healthcare has always been strong, but with so many career paths to choose from, I’ve learned the importance of finding a path that truly sparks my enthusiasm and brings me happiness.