Young Parent Policy Fellows
We are a group of dedicated young parents committed to strengthening leadership skills towards the end of advocating for expectant and parenting teens. Through efforts related to public policy and programming, the YPPF also serves as a voice within the alliance informing its’ initiatives.
Our vision is to see all teen and young parents informed and connected to resources that will ensure their success and encourage them to make productive changes in their lives and the lives of others.
Mission
Through the Alliance’s public policy agenda, we aim to change the general perception of young parents by empowering, informing and advocating for expectant and parenting teens; while modeling various forms of success possible for young families.
Goals
- Be effective advocates by honing leadership, public speaking and writing skills.
- Increase advocacy skills and capacity of expectant and parenting teens.
- Increase direct involvement of expectant and parenting teens in the Alliance’s policy work.
If you have questions about the Young Parent Policy Fellows, please email Johnette, the YPPF coordinator.
Current Fellows
Jaclyn White
Jaclyn grew up in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood in Boston. She puts family and education first. After struggling to obtain a high school diploma, due to her first pregnancy at 15, Jaclyn ultimately received a GED and enrolled at North Shore Community College by age 18. Jaclyn stayed there for two years as a Criminal Justice major and then transferred to Suffolk University to study Criminology and Law/ Sociology.
Now a graduate student at Simmons College School of Clinical Social Work, Jaclyn is a member of ALANA Student Organization for Minorities where she assists with planning and support for minority students. She also volunteers in Lynn at the Tree of Life Pantry, delivering food baskets during holidays. She occasionally mentors and participates in focus groups with teen parents from J.O.I Daycare. After working with Somerville Homeless Coalition for a few years, Jaclyn returned to her previous place of employment, Serving People In Need (SPIN). Jaclyn has been a part of the YPPF since 2009. She has come so far from being a young naïve girl, 15 and pregnant.
Alexandra Perez
Alexandra graduated from West Roxbury High School in 2000 where she became involved with the Comprehensive School Aged Parenting Program. She went to Bryman Institute to become a Medical Assistant and has been working as one for the past seven years at South Boston Community Health Center.
Alexandra inspires herself by thinking about the example she is providing for her children; that is, dreams are reachable. As a new member of the YPPF, she hopes to help and impact the thinking of teen parents. Alexandra plans to pursue further trainings in the medical field and would like to become a RN.
Luz Elena Luna
Luz was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico - but was raised in Cambridge, MA. At age 16, Luz became independent and struggled with achieving a high school diploma. Yet after the birth of her son Giormani, Luz went back to school and received a GED.
Now enrolled in a Community College, Luz is on her way toward achieving more success. She is determined to move forward and create a better future for her son. Luz enjoys traveling, reading, learning and networking. She loves spending time with friends and family as well as getting involved with youth centered organizations.