Young
Ambassadors Program
The Young Ambassadors Initiative (YA) provides international travel experiences for community college students from the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). It aims to build cross-cultural competencies and develop personal and professional skills. The Mayor's Young Ambassadors program (MaYA) has sent students to various international locations, fostering leadership, cultural awareness, and personal growth. The LAGSCA has partnered with MaYA to send a group of students to Guangzhou and Beijing China since 2024.
These trips have been very successful leading to a number of the student participants returning to China to renew friendships and learn more about culture and the way of life there. The Young Ambassadors are active members of the LAGSCA.
VIDEOs
2026
VIDEO
coming soon!
Los Angeles Mayor's Young Ambassadors China visit July 2024
by Los Angeles-Guangzhou Sister City Association
2026
Young
Ambassadors
Alexandra Aguilar,
Los Angeles TRADE Tech College
Alexandra is a first-generation college student from Los Angeles currently studying Cosmetology and Barbering at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. She chose her field out of a passion for helping others feel confident and recognize the beauty they already possess. Alexandra is dedicated to using her skills to uplift others and create meaningful connections through her work. She has earned Dean’s Honors in her cosmetology curriculum, reflecting her commitment to excellence and strong work ethic. Looking ahead, Alexandra plans to open her own salon and expand into multiple business ventures. She also intends to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in business, further strengthening her foundation as an entrepreneur. Alexandra aspires to inspire others, especially younger generations, by demonstrating that resilience, determination, and self-belief can lead to success. She is especially excited for the MaYA trip as an opportunity to engage with new cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and to gain a deeper understanding of global diversity that will allow her to better serve clients from all backgrounds. Having overcome significant challenges, including experiences within the foster care system and periods of housing instability, Alexandra has developed a strong sense of independence and resilience. She takes pride in her growth and remains committed to creating a positive impact while continuing to move forward with purpose.
Samantha Boone,
Samantha is a second-year, first generation college student, double majoring in
Sociology and Social Justice at Los Angeles Southwest College. She is a first-generation American who intends to start her own non-profit organization in the future and be a progressive philanthropist. Outside of her coursework she is also the Secretary of ASO at her campus. She is a proud LA College Promise (LACP) student, grateful for the assistance of two beloved counselors. Since joining at 16, she has encouraged her peers, family, and friends to enroll in college and be an LACP student as well. This MaYA trip will be her first time experiencing flying oversees and she is elated to interactively learn about other cultures outside of her own, as well as being a representative on behalf of the City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Southwest College
Brianna Cadena,
Los Angeles harbor College
Brianna is a first-year student in the Los Angeles College Promise Program at Los Angeles Harbor College. She is majoring in Communications, which she chose because she loves outreach and connecting with others. She is from San Pedro, California, a port city and is looking forward to seeing the vast ports in Guangzhou. Brianna grew up in a community with diverse cultures and was exposed to many different customs and cuisines from a young age which has given her a deep appreciation for cultures outside of her own, and she is very grateful that the MaYA program is allowing her to explore cultures overseas to gain more insight, as well as giving her the first opportunity to travel by plane. She is grateful for the Los Angeles College Promise program because it has opened up many opportunities for her to connect with counselors, peers, and helped her to gain an invaluable education that will stay with her forever. She believes as a Communications major, travelling to China will teach her how to better communicate with individuals from countries overseas, and how to cultivate more cultural sensitivity when it comes to her career. Brianna loves to exercise, go on long nature walks, journal in her free time, and spend quality time with her family.
Paulina Guzman,
Los Angeles valley College
Paulina is a first-year student at Los Angeles Valley College, where she majors in Early Childhood Education. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, she was lucky to meet people from all walks of life. Thinking about their stories, her family's experiences, and her own life, she realizes how important it is to give kids the care, support, and education they need to thrive. As the oldest of five siblings and the first in her family to go to college, Paulina is driven to succeed. She started taking college courses when she was just 12, which shows how committed she is to learning. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she was struggling to maintain her relationship with school, and faced some tough times, but she didn't give up. She kept going, graduated on time, and she’s now started college with all her friends. Paulina loves to learn and thinks of herself as a lifelong student. She enjoys making arts and crafts, as well as reading, and trying new things. She dreams of opening her own preschool one day and creating the best environment she can for her future students. Paulina is ecstatic about the MaYA trip because it's her first time traveling outside the country. She hopes to learn new things, gain new perspectives, and grow as a person. This experience will be a big adventure for her, and she's looking forward to seeing what she can discover.
Basel Hamam,
west
Los Angeles College
Basel is a student at West Los Angeles College majoring in Petroleum Engineering and aspires to work in the energy industry when he finishes college. Basel chose this major because he was interested in how the world functions; it appeared to him that in every sector, energy is a key factor; thus, he decided to pursue petroleum engineering. Outside of academia, Basel used to play soccer, or what is mostly referred to by the rest of the world as football. He had a childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player but couldn’t achieve that goal due to the rigid competition. Basel loves learning about different cultures and traditions across the globe, so didn’t hesitate to apply for the opportunity to travel to China through the MaYA program. He is interested in the quality of life, as well as differences and similarities across regions. Through this, he aims for countries to learn and adapt from each other so that the world may advance and progress more efficiently and faster. Nevertheless, he also believes that through this trip, he will be able to gain skills in communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness that will not only help him succeed in college but also in his future career.
Elizabeth Mendez,
Los Angeles pierce
College
Elizabeth is a first-year at Los Angeles Pierce College taking an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on classes in both Political Science and Economics. Since she was young, Elizabeth has always aspired to be a lawyer to give voice and bring justice to those who are not able to fight for themselves, which was furthered by the completion of the International Baccalaureate Program. Throughout this two year program, she studied a variety of subjects encouraging a global perspective. At the same time, she has loved math and through her major in economics she can bridge that gap between subjects. She is able to balance extracurriculars while being attentive to her father with a physical disability and cleaning offices with her mom on the weekend. Attending Pierce removed the financial barriers of receiving higher education which motivated her to be involved in her college campus community. She was committed to taking advantage of any opportunity, leading her to apply to the MaYA program. Elizabeth is looking forward to immersing herself in a new culture and learning more about the economic relationship between the sister cities. In her free time, she loves being outdoors and watching movies from any genre!
David Nunez,
east
Los Angeles College
David is a first-year Psychology major at East Los Angeles College. As a first-generation, low-income college student from Los Angeles, he is deeply committed to using education as a pathway to opportunity and impact. Through programs such as the Honors Program and the UC Transfer Alliance Program, as well as his involvement in Psi Beta, CARP, the Puente Program, and the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), David has actively pursued academic excellence while exploring his passion for neuroscience and mental health. Inspired by his experiences and the challenges surrounding college affordability—partially alleviated by the Los Angeles College Promise—he aspires to earn a PhD in clinical psychology and contribute to the field of addiction and behavioral health. David is especially excited for the MaYA program as an opportunity to experience a new culture, broaden his global perspective, and gain meaningful insights that he can bring back to his community and future career. He values learning from diverse perspectives and hopes this experience will further shape his academic and professional journey. Outside of academics, David enjoys playing soccer, weightlifting, tailoring clothing with his sewing machine, and exploring fragrances.
Daniel Ponce,
Daniel is a fist-year student at LA Mission college where he is majoring in Administration of Justice. He hopes to become a future California Highway Patrol Officer where he wants to represent the Latin community and make members of his community have confidence in the police force again. Daniel did not grow up with his parents, but he desires to make them proud and make a better future for himself. Daniel has achieved many first in his family; he was the first to graduate high school and he is also the first to go to college. The road to his successes wasn’t easy, as he was balancing school, playing baseball, and having a job. Daniel is very excited to travel abroad as no one in his family has traveled anywhere outside of the United States and Mexico. He is excited to gain new insights and see how people of different backgrounds live on a daily basis.
Los Angeles mission College
Michelle Rodriguez,
Los Angeles trade tech College
Michelle is a first-generation college student in her final semester at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, majoring in Small Business Entrepreneurship. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she chose her major to build a business that serves her community while creating a stable future for herself and her family. After graduating high school, Michelle stepped into the role of head of household and took on financial responsibility which delayed her path to college. Through her studies and a community planning course, Michelle became more aware of the needs in her community, inspiring her goal of opening a nonprofit flower shop that helps make funeral services more accessible for low-income families. She hopes to create a business that brings comfort during difficult times while giving back in a meaningful way. Outside of school and work, Michelle enjoys hiking, swimming, and writing poetry. She is most excited for the MaYA trip because it will allow her to experience a new culture and step outside her comfort zone while learning new ways of thinking that will help her grow personally and professionally.
Miguel Ruezga,
Miguel Ruezga is a first-year student at West Los Angeles College in the LA College Promise program. He is majoring in Administration of Justice and plans to transfer to a UC to earn his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with the goal of becoming a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. A first-generation college student raised in Los Angeles, Miguel previously worked as a phlebotomist and medical lab assistant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Working with patients from every background taught him how important cultural understanding is. Having only traveled outside the U.S. for family visits to Mexico, he is excited for the MaYA China trip as his first major international experience. He hopes the trip will help him become a more patient, fair, and effective officer who can better serve LA’s diverse communities.
west
Los Angeles College
Makayla Salcido,
Los Angeles harbor College
Makayla is a first-year student at Los Angeles Harbor College, majoring in Biology. She was born and raised in San Pedro, California, and chose her major with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically in dentistry as either a dentist or orthodontist. Makayla is actively involved on campus as a member of Minds in Motion and the Medical Club, and she is also engaged in her community through organizations like the Red Cross. Makayla is proud of her academic and leadership achievements, including graduating high school with honors, earning recognition in an Italian sustainability contest, and serving as Peace Club president. One of her most meaningful accomplishments was overcoming academic challenges after transitioning into a rigorous honors and AP program (SAS). After initially struggling and nearly being dropped, she took initiative by seeking tutoring, building stronger relationships with her teachers, and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Her hard work paid off, and she went on to earn all A’s, developing skills that continue to guide her today. Through the MaYA China trip, Makayla hopes to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, observe leadership styles in other countries, and develop valuable life skills that will support her future goals.
Caroline Vargas,
los angeles city College
Caroline is a first-year student attending Los Angeles City College as a Public Health Major. They were born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles, and have a passion for advocacy and change. Their major reflects their intent to create a better future in regards to health care policies, hopefully making it easier for people of any and all backgrounds to access quality healthcare. Caroline is very excited for this wonderful opportunity to explore how policy making overseas differs from policy making in the west so they can hopefully learn from it and grow as a leader. They are also excited about forming new connections with their fellow students and the people they meet in China! Serving as the current Executive of Student Life of the Associated Student Government at LACC, Caroline wants to be the best classmate, friend, and representative they can be.
Brian Villarreal,
los angeles pierce
College
Brian is a first-year Political Science student at Los Angeles Pierce College. Originally from the Bay Area, he moved to Los Angeles to continue his education and has since focused on getting involved on campus and building community. He currently serves as President of the Pierce College Democrats and Vice President of the Pierce Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter. In these roles, he helps organize events such as the Day of Politics at Pierce and encourages students to stay engaged with issues that affect their communities. He also helped lead students to attend a Democratic convention in San Francisco, giving them the opportunity to see politics outside of the classroom. Brian plans to pursue a career as an immigration attorney. Growing up around diverse communities shaped his interest in immigration and the different experiences people bring with them. He is excited to be part of the Mayor’s Young Ambassador Program and looks forward to meeting Chinese officials and learning what life and government look like in a major city outside of the United States. He hopes this experience will give him a broader perspective that he can carry into his future work.
David Zamora,
los angeles mission College
David is a student at Los Angeles Mission College pursuing a degree in Business Administration with an expected graduation year of 2028. Originally from Sylmar, David chose his major because he is interested in leadership, communication, and creating opportunities for future career growth. Outside of the classroom, he is involved in both the sports club and math club, which have helped him build teamwork and problem-solving skills. He currently works part-time at Dog Haus while also serving as a Peer Navigator intern with the City of Los Angeles, where he enjoys helping and connecting with members of his community. David hopes to continue securing internship opportunities with the City of Los Angeles and to expand his professional experience in business and public service. He is most excited for the MaYA trip because it will give him the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet new people, and gain a broader perspective on the world. As someone who values community and personal growth, he believes this experience will help him become more independent, open-minded, and prepared for future educational and career opportunities.
2024
Young
Ambassadors
Daisy Aguinada,
Los Angeles Pierce
College
Daisy is a first-year student from Los Angeles Pierce College majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations with the intent of becoming a Publicist. She aspires to be a tour marketing manager for Live Nation, helping artists and venues connect and bringing audiences together to see their favorite artists perform. She was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and has felt nothing but appreciation for its unique charm and sense of community. Daisy is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the MaYA program because it offers her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to China with other students. This experience will allow her to immerse herself in a different culture and build connections. During her senior year of high school, she was a peer advocate for her school's wellness center, educating students on mental health, and assisting with tabling events.
Brianna Aquino,
Los Angeles Valley
College
Brianna is a first-year student majoring in Biology at LA Valley College with the intent of working in the field of Animal Health Science and Zoology. She was born and raised in North Hollywood and has always had a never-ending curiosity and passion for science. She loves learning new concepts and information and credits the programs and schools she has attended for assisting in the growth of her knowledge and curiosity. She is very grateful to have been involved in several STEM and Zoological themed schools as well as a Husbandry internship at the Los Angeles Zoo, which provided her with a wide range of experience in her prospective field as well as fueled her passion for Zoological, Biological, and Environmental Science. More than anything, she feels fortunate and thankful for being a part of the Los Angeles College Promise program, which has allowed her to continue on her educational journey as it covers tuition for her first years of study. As a Valley College student, Brianna has made it her goal to participate in as much as possible, and is currently a member of the Puente Program and is an officer in the Puente Club. In her free time, she loves to sketch and paint, play the violin, volunteer at elementary schools, and works as a personal English Tutor to Spanish speakers. Above all, she is especially appreciative and feels honored to have the opportunity of being selected to participate in the MaYA Program. She is excited to experience traveling overseas and is looking forward to being immersed in and learning about a culture so different from her own.
Siena Betance-
Sanchez,
Los Angeles PIERCE
College
Siena is a second-year student in the Honors Program at LA Pierce College majoring in Political Science and Communications. She feels fortunate to have grown up in the sunny town of Seal Beach California where she devoted over 500 hours of her time to community service. Siena is a first-generation American and first-generation college student on her father's side. She is heavily involved at Pierce and participates in ASO committees and works school events. In addition, she tutors English and statistics on campus, and is currently in training to become a Peer Mentor for the Los Angeles College Promise program. Siena's father passed away when she was only twelve years old. Fortunately, she quickly found a community in LA who supported her during those hard times. She is very thankful to the MaYA program for giving her the opportunity to travel to China as this opportunity will greatly widen her views on the world and her education. She is most excited to learn about Chinese cuisine and culture. Apart from school, Siena also works part time at Abercrombie Kids. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, the gym, and spending time with her friends and family.
Justin Brubaker,
Los Angeles PIERCE College
Justin is a first-year student majoring in Linguistics, and is currently learning Japanese at Pierce College. He is on the Full-time Dean’s Honors list, with hopes of transferring to a University to pursue a career in International Relations. He chose Linguistics as it is a challenging major that provides insight into different cultures and peoples. Learning about other cultures and practices, particularly those very different from one’s own, is a sure-fire way to grow, learn, and improve the areas one calls home. Ultimately besides bettering himself through learning about others, Justin also feels strongly about representing his community in a positive and productive way. Justin is incredibly grateful and delighted for the opportunity to not only represent his city and country through the MaYA program, but also to be supported through the LA College Promise program which is allowing him to pursue heights greater than have been achieved in his family. He hopes to bolster his desire to pursue international relations through this incredible, in-depth experience of Chinese culture, people, and infrastructure. He enjoys basketball, learning languages, and learning about people.
Los Angeles CITY College
JaMicheal is a first-year student at LA City College, where he is majoring in Psychology. His hometown is in Korea Town. He feels strongly about helping people and wants to be available to those who want to be heard. JaMicheal hopes to earn his doctorate in psychology and open his own practice. Jamicheal is excited and eager to have this exciting opportunity to study and visit a foreign country. He is mostly excited about learning the rich history of Guangzhou and Beijing, visiting the local museums, and trying the local foods. He is eager to gain a better understanding of both the differences and similarities between China and the U.S.. Jamicheal has recently undergone some personal challenges that have taken a toll. He is thankful that the MaYA program is offering him an amazing personal growth opportunity while also allowing him to re-group in body and mind. In addition to his studies, he also works as a student worker for the Outreach Department and plays basketball in an adult league.
Veronica is a first-year Los Angeles Mission College student majoring in Political Science. Veronica hopes to work in the U.S. government, creating legislation to create more significant social equity and helping ethnic and racial minority groups. Veronica is part of the Associated Student Organization (ASO) at LA Mission, contributing as the Senator of Political Affairs. She creates events promoting political efficacy and making students' voices heard. Veronica is also a student worker as an English writing tutor. Veronica hopes to gain a new perspective on the world by traveling to China. She is most excited to see how daily life is for the people of Guangzhou.
Veronica Eroza,
Los Angeles mission
College
Angel Gomez-Vasconcelos,
Los Angeles City College
Angel is a dedicated honors student in his first year at Los Angeles City College, pursuing a major in Business Economics. He now commutes all the way from Inglewood, but lived his whole life in Mid City. Angel chose to major in Business Economics due to his passion for decision-making. His parents never really pushed him into being a plumber like his father, but seeing his dad start a company with the help of his three children, Angel now seeks to learn and gain a better understanding of how a business runs and how that business can solve problems they are facing, along with providing strategic alternatives which he hopes can push a company to succeed even further. Outside the classroom, he is actively involved in his dad's business, learning the trade day by day to gain first-hand experience and working with the company’s financials. Looking forward, he aspires to build a career where he can confidently manage and oversee a company's financials, hopefully as a financial advisor/planner. Angel is very excited for the MaYA trip, as it offers a unique opportunity to immerse himself in the business landscape of a major global economy. He hopes to gain invaluable insights into international business practices and experience a whole new culture overall. Overcoming the challenges of public speaking has made him resilient and driven to ask more questions. Most importantly, he has many qualities he's proud of and looks forward to bringing them to the MaYA experience.
Mariluz Hernandez,
Mariluz is a first-year student majoring in Small Business Entrepreneurship at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. She is a first-generation college student as well as a first-generation American. She chose this major because she has always dreamed of having a business in the culinary industry. Mariluz plans to get her AA in Small Business and her BA in Culinary Arts. She plans to work in the culinary industry and gain experience from different chefs and restaurants. She grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, and is the third oldest child out of eight children in total. She wants to show her siblings that with hard work and dedication, they can accomplish anything. She is also very excited about the trip since this will be her first time traveling outside of California and she hopes to learn more about how the business world works in China.
Los Angeles Trade Tech College
Omar Leon,
Mariluz is a first-year student majoring in Small Business Entrepreneurship at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. She is a first-generation college student as well as a first-generation American. She chose this major because she has always dreamed of having a business in the culinary industry. Mariluz plans to get her AA in Small Business and her BA in Culinary Arts. She plans to work in the culinary industry and gain experience from different chefs and restaurants. She grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, and is the third oldest child out of eight children in total. She wants to show her siblings that with hard work and dedication, they can accomplish anything. She is also very excited about the trip since this will be her first time traveling outside of California and she hopes to learn more about how the business world works in China.
Los Angeles pierce College
Kylie is a junior transferring to UC Davis from LA Pierce College majoring in Animal Science hoping to become a veterinarian. Her passion for animals stems from growing up without pets, yet witnessing the torture animals go through. She hopes to be able to leave her mark by helping as many animals as she can. She is from Los Angeles, more specifically Porter Ranch, and has spent her entire life in the valley exposed to a variety of different people and cultures. She is very thankful that the LA College Promise Program and the MaYA program are allowing her to reconnect with her Chinese roots and for her first trip out of the country. She is sure that going on this trip will help to expand her capabilities physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kylie also loves playing soccer as she did throughout high school and has been a referee since she was 12 years old.
Los Angeles pierce College
Kylie Liang,
Genesis is a second-year student at Los Angeles Pierce College majoring in Psychology. She chose her major because she plans on going into the medical field to provide everybody with equal care. Through her time at Pierce, she has made the Dean's honor list multiple times and has been a Peer Mentor for the LA College Promise program. She has also helped and hosted different events on her college campus to help her community. She is very grateful to be part of the MaYA program and believes being given this opportunity to experience different customs and cultures will further develop her understanding of people as a whole, which will greatly benefit her in her future career. She is very proud of how far she has come and the different opportunities she has received as a first-generation American college student with a learning disability.
Los Angeles pierce College
Genesis Medrano,
Jessica is a recent graduate from Los Angeles Valley College and will be transferring to UCLA in the fall. Growing up in Van Nuys, where a great portion of her neighborhood is Hispanic, yet diverse in educational facilities, she has grown very open minded of the people and circumstances around her. Being a first-generation Latina student, she is grateful for being given the opportunity to pursue her education in Psychology and plans to complete her Master’s degree in the hopes of helping individuals better comprehend themselves and learn about the mind. Being the only U.S citizen in her immediate family, she is proud to be able to transform their sacrifice into the motivation needed to take a step forward into a better, more stable future, full of success for herself and her family. Jessica is currently working at the LAVC Welcome Center guiding the college population, and is a tour leader for the campus. She enjoys engaging in new experiences, music, and painting in her free time. Jessica is very thankful for the opportunity to participate in MaYA. She is most excited to embrace a new culture that is widely different from that of her hometown. She hopes to learn about the social norms of China, their artistry, their morals, and their efforts towards renewable green energy as we are increasingly feeling the effects of carbon pollution at a global level that has altered many aspects of Earth’s characteristics.
Los Angeles valley
College
Jessica Navarrete,
Coen is a second-year Honors student at East Los Angeles College, recently accepted by the Korean program at UCLA for undergraduate study. A polyglot, who speaks four languages, his dream is to teach students languages as a way to bridge cultures and explore the world around them. He is grateful both for the opportunity to visit Guangzhou through the MaYA program and for the opportunity he was recently given through the Hixon Scholarship Program to help teachers at the Polytechnic School, a local independent school. He hopes to meet and learn from the leaders and everyday people he will meet through the MaYA program, and use this knowledge to aid him in becoming a better person, a better teacher, and possibly a better education leader in the future.
East
Los Angeles College
Coen Pohlmann Moellendorf,
Anthony is a second-year student majoring in Pre-Allied Health at Los Angeles City College with a passion for furthering his studies in the medical field. Being a first-generation American he took it upon himself to give back to his country by serving in the US Navy where he was exposed to diversity and different cultural perspectives. Focusing on helping others in the military sparked his passion to study health science. Growing up in a rough environment, he took his hardship as an opportunity to learn and grow. With the help of the LA College Promise program, he was able to have his tuition covered for two years and made it to the Dean's List his first year. Anthony also enjoys watching baseball, playing guitar, and learning about world history. He also has a passion for culinary arts and currently works as a sushi chef.
Los Angeles city College
Anthony Simon,