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Lifting Immigrant Youth Voices

Immigrant Youth Advocates (formerly known as the Mental Health Advocates) is NJCIC’s leadership development and narrative change program. It brings together first- and second-generation immigrants from high school to early twenties to start conversations in their communities on issues affecting mental health and overall wellbeing. NJCIC aims to create a safe space for immigrant youth to explore all the intricacies of the immigrant experience.

The Immigrant Youth Advocates work includes:

  • Migrants with Migraines: A regular youth-led podcast, planned, recorded, edited, and released by the advocates on all major podcast platforms 

  • Social media presence @migrantswithmigraines on IG and TikTok.

  • Workshops to gain an understanding of political processes, policy frameworks, and engagement in media advocacy with guest speakers

  • Advocacy and how to lift concerns and address challenges in Access to Education, Justice, and Health Equity.

For more information about this program or if you want to be a guest speaker, contact Lady Jimenez Torres at ljtorres@njcic.org or Alysia Colon at acolon@njcic.org.

Meet NJCIC’s Immigrant Youth Advocates

  • Alley

    Alley is all about blending advocacy work with social media to make her community more accessible and inclusive. Alley's on a mission to create positive change, and her innovative approach is making waves!

  • Marlene

    Marlene taps into her experience with mental health to raise awareness. Her mission is to ensure immigrant youth that they are not alone in their struggles and, through the podcast platform, empower them to overcome challenges.

  • Angie

    Back for her second year as a youth advocate. She is committed to intentionality and accessibility and creating an impactful community for immigrant youth.

  • Anthonette

    In her time as a youth advocate, she has found passion in engaging in thoughtful discussions and implementing solutions that enhance accessibility for the immigrant community.

  • Kyle

    Kyle is excited to use media as a platform for advocacy. His motivation comes from his incredible circle of friends who support and encourage him to be his best self.

  • Melissa

    Melissa is driven by her firsthand experiences with the challenges of the immigration system in her family's daily life. She is dedicated to empowering her community and making a positive impact.

  • Albaraa

    Albaraa’s personal experience drives his advocacy for holistic investment in immigrant communities. As an advocate, he hopes to strengthen thecollective voice and invest his time and energy into something greater than himself, giving back to those who feel unheard!

  • Karla

    Karla is looking forward to sharing space and experiences with her peers on challenges and opportunities. Karla draws her motivation from her hardworking family, who inspire and support her in every way.