Our Youth Ambassadors

Meet the passionate, dynamic ambassadors of EnviroVoters fighting to solve the climate crisis and advance justice!
Denzel Cardenas

Denzel Cardenas

EnviroVoters_McKenna

McKenna Chaney

EnviroVoters_Samuel

Samuel
Chang

EnviroVoters_Daisy

Daisy
Lopez

EnviroVoters_Alex

Alex
Macias

Alexia Martinez

Alexia
Martinez

Priscilla Monrroy Ochoa

Priscilla Monrroy Ochoa

Rafael Mota

Rafael
Mota

Daniela Portillo

Daniela
Portillo

Jonathan Vang

Jonathan
Vang

Der Vang

Der
Vang

Denzel Cardenas
Denzel Cardenas (he/him) is a graduate student in the Biomedical Sciences program at the University of California, Riverside’s School of Medicine. His research focus is on Multiple Sclerosis. “As an ambassador, I hope to gain the skills necessary to organize and engage my community. I believe our communities deserve a cleaner and healthier environment and I am looking forward to contribute to that with the other ambassadors.”
EnviroVoters_McKenna

McKenna Chaney (she/her) is passionate about tackling the air quality and water scarcity issues that hit underserved communities in California’s Central Valley the hardest. She believes organizing gives us the power to make real change and help people who often feel unheard, while working toward a healthier future for everyone. “In this program, I’m excited to sharpen my organizing and advocacy skills and connect with diverse communities. I can’t wait to work alongside the other Ambassadors and learn the tools we need to create real impact in our region.”

EnviroVoters_Samuel
Samuel Chang (he/him) is is a 4th year college student at California State University, Fresno and is seeking a Batchelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. “I wanted to join the California Environmental Voters’ Ambassador program because I wanted to contribute to effort to combat climate change and help deal with local environmental issues in the Central Valley. The ambassador program at California Environmental Voters will be a good place of learning for my efforts.”
EnviroVoters_Daisy
Daisy Lopez (she/her) is currently an undergraduate student at the University of California, Riverside, majoring in Public Policy with a specialization in Policy Institutions and Process, and Urban and Environmental Policy. Passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, she aspires to work in policy development, focusing on urban and environmental issues. “I see my role at EnviroVoters as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of civic engagement. Through this program, I hope to advocate for policies that promote a more sustainable and equitable future, and gain hands-on experience in mobilizing communities for impactful change.”
EnviroVoters_Alex
Alex Macias (he/him) is a dedicated individual fighting for the issues and wellbeing of the people in the Central Valley. “I believe passionately in public service, and I strongly believe that anyone with the ability to help has a responsibility and obligation to engage with the issues facing their community. I’m very much looking forward to meeting new people, having new experiences, and solving difficult challenges within the Central Valley.”
Alexia Martinez
Alexia Martinez (she/her) is a third year Political Science major at the University of California, Riverside. “I am motivated to be in the organizing space because it allows many individuals from different backgrounds to come together and work on common interests. Through empowerment and a sense of community, it helps individuals tackle their similar goals. Being able to advocate for something I am very passionate about with other people who want to achieve the same things makes the organizing space a unique environment.”
Priscilla Monrroy Ochoa

Priscilla Monrroy Ochoa (she/her) graduated from the University of California Riverside in Gender and Sexuality Studies. “I hope to help marginalized communities and be involved in change to improve our world. Through this program, I am eager to learn more about organizing and advocacy in environmental justice and take what I learn with me further in my career. I am also excited to gain experience and learn how we can work together to achieve our goals towards a better future.”

Rafael Mota
Rafael Mota (he/him) is currently an undergraduate at California State University, Fresno, majoring in both Sociology and Spanish. “What I am looking forward to in this program is to gain a deeper understanding of community engagement. I want to enhance my leadership skills and learn how to effectively advocate for important causes. I hope to gain practical experience that will help me grow both personally and professionally.”
Daniela Portillo

Daniela Portillo (she/her) is a student attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a focus on management and human resources. “Having worked in the City of Corona for their no-cost meal initiative program, I saw the impact I had on the senior community, which inspired me to join groups with like-minded individuals who wanted to create change on a grander scale. Joining Model United Nations at my university gave me hope that people of my generation are filled with aspirations to act on their ideas, which has led me to this cohort. I am excited for what the future has in store for this team and me.”

Jonathan Vang
Jonathan Vang (he/him) is a senior at Fresno State University majoring in Political Science. “My motivation in being a part of this organizing space is to create a future where my family and the community can live happily without the worry of environmental challenges. My goal is to improve my organizing skills and create connections with our communities, while bringing awareness of the environmental challenges that we are all facing. I am excited to work with my fellow ambassadors, as we learn from one another to create a home that our communities can happily live in.”
Der Vang
Der Vang (she/her) is a dedicated advocate working to uplift underserved communities in the Central Valley through environmental justice and equitable action. “Coming from a family impacted by the Vietnam War, I am motived by the resilience and struggles of my ancestors who survived environmental devastation and systemic injustices. Their journey inspires me to fight for a more just and equitable world. What drives me now is the desire to leave future generations, especially in underserved communities, for a healthier planet and a future where their voices are heard, and their needs are prioritized.”