Youth Advisory Board

AHA!’s Youth Advisory Board is a group of passionate and driven teenagers who have stepped into leadership roles within our organization. These participants play a vital role in shaping the future of our programs by offering their insights, ideas, and lived experiences to improve our groups.

From advising us on how to make our work more impactful for youth, to taking the lead in organizing our annual Connected Voices conference, they are at the heart of what we do. Members have spoken at Santa Barbara Unified School District board meetings and serve as effective spokespeople in promotional videos and events.

The Youth Advisory Board not only amplifies the voices of young people but also demonstrates the power of youth leadership in action.

AHA! 2026-27 Youth Advisory Board

William Rodriguez – Co President

Melany Ruiz – Co President

Isaac Santamaria – Vice President

Preston Janssen – Secretary 

Rocio Vejar – Treasurer

Sienna Petty

Nancy Elias

John Grant Soto

Natasha Huie

Analia Flores

Jasmine Odair

Clover Guillemane 

Mariangela Gonzalez 

Staff Advisors

Paulina Romero, Director of Enrollment

Carly Johnson,