ASSOCIATE
BOARD

Associate Board

Project Youth OCBF’s Associate Board is a volunteer group of successful, socially conscious, and motivated young professionals in their 20’s and 30’s, who support the mission of Project Youth OCBF.

The Associate Board provides support by building awareness in the community about the programs of Project Youth OCBF and raises funds by holding several fundraisers a year. Project Youth OCBF’s Associate Board introduces young professionals to the varied programs and works of the organization. Through volunteer activities, social events and networking opportunities, the Associate Board assists in the cultivation of the next generation of leaders committed to Project Youth OCBF and serving those in need in our community.

Associate Board 2022 President’s Message
Kristin L. Gomez, Esq.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Entering its 55th year and the third year of COVID-19, Project Youth continues to be nimble in responding to the community it serves – at-risk and underprivileged youth and their families. The recent launch of Project Youth’s ICAN! Program is one such example. ICAN! (Independence, Competence, and Aptitudes, Now!) is a career training program where participating youth receive support to understand, identify, and pursue their vocational interests and complete career training at a designated trade school, technical institute or community vocational program.  The creation of ICAN! underscores Project Youth’s holistic approach to serving its community; Project Youth now offers services to support youth for life after high school in both the trades and college. The organization’s efforts to impact meaningful change both before and during the pandemic demonstrates its steadfast commitment to its mission.

I joined the Associate Board nearly seven years ago after attending my first Higher Education Mentoring Program graduation ceremony. As a first-generation college student, I know the lack of access to admissions resources and information is both real and daunting. After high school, I attended community college while working multiple jobs, balancing a full course load, and undertaking the unfamiliar, overwhelming, and expensive transfer admissions process. With little guidance, the responsibility for my future fell squarely on my shoulders. I immersed myself in online research, college admissions books, and local college visits to learn about my opportunities. I also funded my own college education, through part-time income and student loans. My journey is not unique and demonstrates how difficult it is for the many people like me to break through their norms, cultures, and financial barriers to forge a better future for themselves and, by extension, their community. The HEM program directly supports similarly-situated youth by providing significant resources in preparation for, during, and after college. My participation with Project Youth is deeply personal and gives me the opportunity to help create positive change through our youth.

I am humbled to serve as the 2022 President of Project Youth’s Associate Board. As a long-term volunteer with this organization, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense change Project Youth has helped create in hundreds of lives. This year will be no different. We will continue to be led and supported by exceptionally creative and dedicated executives, staff, and volunteer board members. This year, the Associate Board will continue to raise awareness about and funds for Project Youth’s programs. We will aim to support four HEM graduates through our Associate Board Scholarships, a self-directed initiative now entering its fifth year.

On behalf of the Associate Board, we thank you for your generous partnership and support as we work together to affect change by supporting and empowering our youth.

2022 ASSOCIATE BOARD OFFICERS

Kristin L. Gomez, Esq.
President

Anthony W. Burton, Esq.
President-Elect

Jordan Murrel
Secretary

Jessica L. Daley, Esq.
Treasurer

Chariese R. Solorio, Esq.
Board Liaison

Andrea W.S. Paris, Esq.
Immediate Past President

Anthony W. Burton, Esq.AWB Law, P.C.

Tyler J. Cesar, Esq.Pierce Kavcioglu Espinosa & Cesar LLP

Fernando CrisantosSVN | Vanguard

Jessica L. Daley, Esq.Newmeyer & Dillion LLP

Erin R. Ezra, Esq.Berger Kahn

Alexis P. Federico, Esq.Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP

Aleksandar GlebovSignature Resources

Kristin L. Gomez, Esq.Hyundai

Allan W. Gustin, Esq.O’Melveny & Myers LLP

Edwin Hong, Esq.The Simon Law Group

Christopher Z. JonesChicago Title Company

Casey H. Kempner, Esq.P&P Imports LLC

Michael S. LutfiJP Morgan Chase & Co

Sarah T. Mase, Esq.

Dustin G. May, Esq.Cal State University

John M. Montevideo, Esq.Montevideo Law, PC

Jordan MurrelJP Morgan Chase & Co

Francisco J. Navarro, Esq.Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Nandita Nayyar, Esq.Berger Kahn

Anne Nicholson, Esq.Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Brittany A. Ortiz, Esq.Klein & Wilson

Alexander C. Payne, Esq.Minyard Morris LLP

Andrew G. Prout, Esq.Ross, Wolcott, Teinert & Prout LLP

Janani S. Rana, Esq.Minyard Morris, LLP

Vikram M. Reddy, Esq.Wu & Reddy, APC.

Ashton M. Riley, Esq.Fisher & Phillips, LLP

Nicholas J. Schuchert, Esq.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP

Chariese R. Solorio, Esq.Snell & Wilmer LLP

Beau W. Stockstill, Esq.Paul Hastings LLP

Matthew M. Stokke, Esq.Cohen Healthcare Law Group

Stephanie L. Talavera, Esq.Jackson Tidus

Christopher TrudeauBowermaster and Associates. Insurance Agency

Ryan Urban, Esq.Attorney at Law

Lucas Urgoiti, Esq.Palmieri Tyler

Kimberly A. VandenAkker, Esq.Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

Jessica A. Vidal, Esq.Payne & Fears

Anika WilsonSpinnaker Investment Group, LLC

Casper J. Yen, Esq.The Lew Firm, APC

Past Associate Board Presidents
2021 Andrea W.S. Paris
2020 Anthony C. Modarelli III
2019 Kelly L. Galligan
2018 Wesley K. Polischuk
2017 Jonathan M. Skorheim
2016 Miguel P. Prietto
2015 Ashley E. Merlo
2013-2014 Taylor R. Dalton