The FACES Youth Advisory Council is comprised of FACES students, both current and alumni, who represent each of the programs within our national coalition. The purpose of the Council is to create a platform for young people to express their perspectives and experiences and advocate on behalf of youth. Youth voice is an integral aspect of FACES for the Future Coalition’s work – and hearing from young people helps us to provide relevant, innovative programming that matters to our students.
Introducing our 2023-2024 Youth Advisory Council
Anthony Alvarez
I am Anthony Alvarez, a proud Mexican and Gauletman child from immigrant parents. As a Christian, first-generation student, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I navigate the intersections of my identity with pride. Currently a senior at Hoover High in San Diego, California, I serve as the president of the Academy of Healthy and Healthier Communities.
My aspirations extend to the University of Southern California, where I aim to double major in Business Administration (Marketing) and Psychology, with a minor in consumer behavior or neuroscience. Outside of academics, I find fulfillment in playing volleyball, working out, or running at my school’s track field.
I am grateful for my participation in the FACES program, particularly the internship rotations at Rady’s Children Hospital in the Hematology/Oncology department, Neuroscience, and Alexa’s Playc. These experiences have fortified my passion and commitment to making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of communities.
Roberto Zamora Brito Jr.
Hello everyone, I’m Roberto Zamora Brito Jr. I was born in City Heights in 2002 and have lived here my whole life. I attended Euclid Elementary, Clark Middle School, Hoover High School, and am almost done with my bachelor’s at San Diego State University. In high school, I found a huge interest and passion in psychology. FACES was actually a huge contributor to my exposure in working with different organizations. While in FACES, I got experience working in the City Heights Farmers Market, San Diego Stellar Care, and was also an intern at the Rady’s Children Neuroscience department. While in FACES, I took many classes relating to the medical field which motivated me to take action and help people. While in high school, I also got experience as a tutor and that experience gave me the opportunity to become a mentor with the Price Community Scholars program. This program gave me access to a full-ride scholarship at San Diego State University. With experience as a tutor, mentor, educator, child supervisor, and a business owner, I strive to work daily to improve equity in health, human services, and social justice. My career aspirations are to become a social worker and end social disparities and inequality in health, human services, and social justice.
Rachel D’Lima
My name is Rachel D’Lima, I participated in the FACES internship as a freshman in high school (2014). I was also a member of the BHUS internship with the public health institute (2016) and a student advisor for the FACES internship in 2019. I attended SDSU and graduated with a Bachelors in Science in Foods and Nutrition. I am currently working as a medical assistant/scribe at a general colorectal surgeon’s office and applying to physician assistant programs. In my free time, I like to read, cook and swim.
Sofia Dominguez
Hi, I am Sofia Dominguez. I am currently a senior attending Arroyo High School and a former FACES internship program student. I am a first generation Mexican, who grew up in the Bay Area. I have always loved the idea of being a part of the health community, and FACES has given me the opportunity to expand my passion. I want to give back to my community and actually love doing so. I tutor low income immigrant kids, and I am president of a public health club at my school. I can’t wait to be able to incorporate all of my ideas into FACES. I am honored to be a part of the Youth Advisory Council.
Marielle Felipe
Hi! My name is Marielle Felipe, I am a current sophomore at UC Berkeley. My intended major is public health and I hope to get into medical school and become a pediatrician. I am also about to begin the process to obtain my phlebotomy certification. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities FACES has given me and I can’t wait to grow more professionally and personally. Fun fact, I own two belgian malinois and commute to Berkeley every day from Vallejo and work part time to help pay for college. Juggling multiple responsibilities at once will not discourage me in accomplishing my goals!
Barron Ha
Hi, My name is Barron Ha and I am currently a high school senior at Alameda High School in Alameda, California. Some of my hobbies include playing volleyball, reading, listening to music, going on walks (I live a block from the beach), and lifting. I am a former FACES member and throughout that opportunity, I learned so much about the basics of healthcare and hospital protocol. My intended major going into college is biomedical engineering, a lot of which was inspired by FACES and the work that I was exposed to while shadowing health professionals. In terms of healthcare-related interests, I have recently published a preprint research paper regarding nutrition and a research plan on treating Type 1 Diabetes. By joining the FACES Youth Advisory Council, I hope to connect with those interested in getting into healthcare and providing a community where teenagers can change their community for the positive.
Muhammad Khan
Hello! I’m Muhammad Khan, a dedicated senior at the University of California, Davis, majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a particular emphasis on systemic human physiology. My educational journey was immensely enriched by my involvement with the FACES program from sophomore to senior year during high school. I find myself most engrossed in courses like Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and anything that delves into the intricacies of human physiology.
Outside the classroom you can find me working towards registering my non-profit clinic as a 501(c)(3) entity, taking a step closer to making healthcare more accessible in my community or deeply engrossed in research exploring the interconnections between cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, with a noteworthy publication underway.
During my downtime, I relish exploring the virtual skies in MSFS 2020 and am eagerly awaiting the release of its 2024 iteration. The simple pleasures of life for me include sharing wholesome meals and engaging in lively conversations with family and friends.
As a member of the FACES of The Future Coalition, I am driven by a profound desire to contribute towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
Zeeshawn Mahmood Khan
I have held multiple leadership roles at several institutions including the Sacramento County Public Health, Sacramento County Office of Education, and Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center. My notable work includes training employees and extensive volunteer work at hospitals and food banks. Outside of my professional endeavors, I am passionate about playing soccer and cherishes quality time with friends, family, and his cats.
Alexia Lon
Hello! My name is Alexia Lon and I am a FACES alumni. I graduated from FACES in 2019 at Crawford High School in San Diego, California. I am currently a junior at San Diego State University, after graduating from Grossmont Community College with an Associate in Psychology. At State, I am also studying psychology to get my BA in that major. Then I hope to find a graduate program to gain my master’s in either Psychology or Mental Health/Counseling. My goal once I finish with my master’s, is to become a mental health therapist to advocate for adolescents and young adults who are struggling with their mental health as I am.
A few hobbies of mine are listening to music and watching true crime shows or movies. Not to mention, I am a huge dog lover. I have two pups at home, my dog is a Staffordshire Terrier Mix named Sokie, and my other one is a miniature English Bulldog named Meatloaf. Anyway, I am excited to be a part of this council because I believe that I can make a powerful impact on the youth and help them navigate through this crazy journey we call life.
Makaylee Twohatchet
My journey of learning began in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I attended Regional Chavez Elementary. As I moved on to Jefferson Middle School, I discovered a deep fascination with Political Science, which would go on to shape my academic path. High school at the Native American Community Academy became a playground for my academic ambitions. It was there that I excelled in government and developed a passion for the Native American Club.
After high school, I set my sights on Central New Mexico College to pursue a degree in Political Science. My college years were a time of new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. I worked tirelessly to excel in my studies, fueled by my unwavering commitment to knowledge.
As I look ahead, my path is one of continued growth, mentorship, and creating a legacy that reflects my commitment to excellence and positive change. I aspire to have a legal career as an attorney and leave a mark on the world that resonates with the values instilled in me by my family and my own life experiences.
Christian Yitayih
Hello! My name is Christian Yitayih and I’m 16 years old. I’m currently a junior at Hoover High School, San Diego. In my free time, I enjoy reading and cherishing moments with my family. My plan after high school is to attend a UC college to major in biology and minor in business. This unique combination is aimed to make a lasting impact on healthcare while also giving back to my community. My dedication lies in creating a positive change and becoming a future leader in the healthcare field. I’m thrilled and honored to be part of the FACES for the Future Youth Advisory Council this year!