https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/our-story daily 0.75 2015-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1508456851840-42BQ82K894S0KXI2CE1N/js1.jpg HOME https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/qualifications-1 daily 1.0 2017-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1512412744482-UTNEGV9M07P8NLQTAII5/SUB-SPERLING-obit-videoSixteenByNine1050.jpg _ https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/when-where-1 daily 0.75 2017-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1512415222533-0K9C0557CIJEF2K6E0VW/sunsetsper.jpg QUALIFICATIONS https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/our-story-1 daily 0.75 2015-09-15 https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/when-where daily 0.75 2017-05-17 https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/2017fellows daily 0.75 2018-09-07 https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows daily 0.75 2018-09-07 https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/mayte-aguilar-7pg4r monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536355477447-KP5JSCNB4IZPC9ZM7QGI/AguilarMayte_Photo.jpg - - Mayte Aguilar - Mayte Aguilar Mayte Aguilar was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and migrated to the United States at the age of ten. Mayte is currently a fourth-year student at the University of California, Merced majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology and Spanish. Growing up in an immigrant community in Redwood City, California, Mayte witnessed the inequalities that her community faced every day. Volunteering helped Mayte reaffirm he desire to advocate for communities that are deprived of resources. While in college, Mayte began working with Communities for a New California Education Fund in October 2017 as a canvasser to help finish impoverish neighborhoods in Merced, California. After graduation, Mayte wants to continue organizing and advocating for unfinished neighborhoods. The Sperling Fellowship training helped strengthen Mayte’s communication skills to confidently navigate through the process of starting house meetings and, most importantly, reinforced Mayte’s confidence in becoming an organizer. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/samantha-alvarez-6lrxp monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536356316885-6Q09YE8JUA0IGB95YE6Q/Samantha+Alvarez.jpeg - - Samantha Alvarez - Samantha Alvarez Samantha Alvarez, 19, was born in Los Angeles and raised in Sacramento. Through the community organization Brown Issues, Samantha was introduced to Communities for a New California Education Fund. In her capacity as a phone banker and canvasser, Samantha built many bonds with community members in lower income areas. Most recently she has taken on the role of team leader for canvasing and phone banking efforts. Leading a team of 14 phone bankers for the Make It Fair Campaign, Samantha’s team was recognized as a top grass roots organization in the state. Being part of Communities for a new California Education Fund has helped Samantha realize that every day we face challenges and every day we should strive to not let those challenges defeat us. The fundamentals Samantha learned from Sperling Fellowship has helped her in taking the next step in engaging in her community. Samantha looks forward to using these tools in preparing for her new roll as a community organizer, ‘just like Dolores Huerta and César Chavez.’   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/nicholas-chavez-lw567 monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536356987390-Y8WXPAS4NQQVL62KCGBU/NicoChavezHeadshot-4.jpg - - Nicholas Chavez - Nicholas   Chavez Nicholas ‘Nico’ Chavez is an advocate who was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Nico’s parents both dedicated their life to public service and instilled the value of giving back to the community. Before graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento, Nico initially worked as an intern with Strategic Education Services. A few months later, the firm registered him to advocate on behalf of the firm’s school transportation clients. In March of 2017, Nico opened his own advocacy and consulting firm where he represents transportation, farm worker, and mobile home residency interests. The Sperling Fellowship helped Nico realize the inherent power forgotten communities have in bettering their lives. Nico looks forward to following in the footsteps of renowned community organizers.   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/jesus-g-franco monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536359558248-AAFXE5ZNT9TBJIEOVLBZ/Jesus+Franco.jpg - - Jesus G. Franco - Jesus G. Franco Jesus G. Franco was born and raised in Sacramento, California and is a multimedia creative/influencer. Jesus seeks to portray the struggles, thoughts, and frustrations of his community. Through Jesus’ work with Communities for A New California, he has been able to do just that. As part of a community outreach team, he has worked to inform communities on social, economic, and educational issues and propose solutions. With no “formal” education other than a high school diploma, Jesus strives to exceeds expectations in a world that defines people by what they should be instead of what they are. The John Sperling Fellowship program has been a catalyst of inspiration for Jesus.   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/shavonoa-green monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536359424459-K8QZF4BHRKYLKZWAYQSH/ShavonaGreen.jpg - - Shavonoa Green - Shavona Green Shavona Green, 36, was born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi. Shavona is the youngest of her siblings and believes family is the core of everything. Shavona lives in Merced California where she is currently a Junior studying for a bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice from South University. Shavona’s love for children and passion for their success drives her pursuit of becoming a juvenile probation officer. The John Sperling Fellowship training has taught Shavona the importance of persistence and unity. Meeting and receiving training from Dolores Huerta has taught Shavona that anything is possible if you work hard enough and never take no for an answer. Shavona has walked away from this experience wiser and with a network of likeminded organizers. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/ana-c-gutierrez monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536359353045-2CZHWVPSWD6UEODDXYRY/Ana+Gutierrez.jpg - - Ana C. Gutierrez - Ana C. Gutierrez Ana Cassandra Gutierrez, 20, born in San Fernando Valley, CA, is the second oldest of her three sisters. Ana has lived in Fresno, CA, since moving to the city at age six with her family. The Sperling Fellowship has helped Ana connect with more people in similar communities and reinforced Ana’s conviction that every voice counts and no one should be left behind. Ana believes everyone has the power to make social change. The Sperling Fellowship has given her the tools to facilitate the power within that everyone has to change their community for the better. “The important about the Sperling Fellowship is that we connect with other people and get to hear our community, concerns. Every because every voice counts no one should be left behind. We have the power to make a change but it’s up to us to attend meetings and speak up.”   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/claudia-c-hernandez monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536359186152-TIBW3VNJS0L7CXVQFS8F/Claudia+Hernandez.jpg - - Claudia C. Hernandez - Claudia C. Hernandez   Claudia Celeste Hernandez, 21, is a student at California State University, Fresno studying for her Bachelor of Science in Public Health- Community Health option. Claudia’s volunteer experience, and passion for giving back to her community, has led her to become a part of Communities for a New California Education Fund. Claudia has canvased at Communities for a New California Fresno office since October of 2017. Claudia enjoys advocating for good causes, connecting the community and interacting with the residents of Fresno County. The John Sperling Fellowship training gave Claudia a better understanding of what the Communities for a New California is and how she can motivate others to realize that they have the power to bring change to their neighborhoods.   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/javonte-hubbard monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536359095023-HIL3TUCJ0A2X0BJ4A7UX/Javonte+Hubbard.jpg - - Javonte Hubbard - Javonte Hubbard Javonte Hubbard is a Senior at UC Merced who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Management and Business Economics. Javonte has served in many roles throughout his undergraduate education. Javonte served in Business Society at UC Merced, an organization that aims to prepare students for the professional world after their collegiate careers. Javonte has also served as a Resident Assistant, where he created safe and inclusive learning communities in the form of programming and guiding students in their journey at the university. Javonte also has a passion for helping people which is why he pursued the John Sperling Fellowship. The Sperling fellowship training illustrated to Javonte the importance of the work fellows will be accomplishing. Javonte looks forward to the opportunity to use what he has learned to change our communities by electing officials who not only care about them, but who will work to see them prosper, and more importantly giving power back to our communities.   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/kyle-hunt monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536359002744-DVCZAP0N32PQEQ8ZQAEK/Kyle+Hunt.jpeg - - Kyle Hunt - Kyle Hunt Kyle Anderson Hunt, 30, was born in Santa Barbara, CA and is the oldest of his four siblings. In the Bay Area, Kyle attended Parkside Elementary and Highlands Elementary before attending Central Jr. High. For high school Kyle attended C.L. McLane High School and Fresno High in the central valley where he attended college shortly after. Kyle has worked with Communities for a New California since 2012. Kyle is proud to be a Sperling Fellow and to improve his skills in helping organize people to achieve social justice.   https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/05jke05r0evmn65ntxixkyf37vmlwv monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536358910386-C41M0J5V94I3GO1EGX66/Carmen+Martinez.jpg - - Carmen Martinez - Carmen Martinez Carmen Martinez was born and raised in South Sacramento, California, and is currently attending Sacramento State University as an English Major and Minor in Journalism. Carmen is dedicated to uplifting the voices of youth in underserved communities that are too often ignored. By working with organizations like Brown Issues and Communities for a New California Education Fund, Carmen has been able to translate decision making in the Capitol back to the people that it impacts. Through her efforts, Carmen aspires to work in the Education system to create more just and equal opportunities for youth to pursue higher education instead of facing incarceration. The John Sperling Fellowship trained Carmen with the same grassroots organizing skills that have led to major social change. Being a part of this cohort reassured Carmen that in a time where fundamental human rights are at risk, the skills she has learned will guide her to building people power and work on systemic change. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/jairo-martin-mendoza monthly 0.5 2018-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1537307075461-LIIA53P3Y0W9NOZ707ZG/IMG_0223.jpg - - Jairo Martin Mendoza - Jairo Martin Mendoza Jairo Martin Mendoza was born and raised in Sacramento, CA to Mexican migrant workers. Currently residing at the center of California culture & politics, Jairo is a Digital Communications student at Sacramento State University. As a bi-national citizen of North America Jairo has established roots in community organizing from the early age of 19 while attending Sacramento City College. Being an active member of Brown Issues, a community oriented organization, Jairo has stayed committed to encourage and organize community members to make the change, bringing representation to our community issues in California and our nation on multiple engaging platforms. The John Sperling fellowship gave Jairo the proper tools and skills to continue with his mission of represent his community, and bring forward the community issues that hinder the growth of our communities across the state. The training improved Jairo’s personal connection with volunteers and peers, team organizing experience, and team management skills in a great learning environment. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/plexugdynh0yqdd8r3ahquuefneg8t monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536358678041-05BFR32E9BP8V7UIEG7M/Anahi+Nunez.JPG - - Anahi Nunez - Anahi Nunez Anahi Nunez, born in San Diego California, is a Mexican American. Anahi’s dad is from Mexico City and mom is from Nayarit, Mexico. Anahi moved to Sacramento in 2010 to attend UC Davis. Attending Davis, Anahi saw first hand the difficulties facing minorities due to the few resources provided for people of color and the low expectations the counselors and staff had from people of your communities. Nevertheless Anahi defied the stereotypes and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in December 2016. Applying for the Sperling Fellowship was a way for Anahi to continue proving that, “Latinos Si Pueden!” (Latinos can succeed!) The Sperling Fellowship training exceeded Anahi expectations. Anahi learned that her ideas and opinions matter and that she has a natural talent for connecting with others through listening to them and sharing her story. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/9j38szg6hsbn6ar2rut7yvb17xq433 monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536358462966-C7YD7EGR7AJ1UUMHJ4I6/HectorRamirez.png - - Hector Ramirez - Hector Ramirez Hector’s passion to empower ordinary people stems from his roots in the Central Valley. He is a product of the challenges that rural areas of California are faced with everyday, which are the lack of diverse representation, unequal resources, and the lack of local representatives fighting for rural families. Hector worked for Communities of a New California Education Fund as a community organizer in the city of Merced. He worked on campaigns focused on reforming Prop 13, and Fighting to Keep the Affordable Care Act. Hector graduated from University of California, Merced with a Political Science B.A. He is currently attending University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Hector plans to obtain a J.D. in order to focus on immigration issues. Although Hector has been part of this type of training many times while working with Communities for a New California, he found it refreshing to be part of it again. Hector found the courage to go in front of people he did not know and share his story. Hector found the importance, sharing stories with others has to building real relationships. Following the Sperling Fellowship Hector worked on efforts to get out the vote in Hanford during the June Primary and has continued to work for the Communities of a New California Education Fund. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/ruth-serrano monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536358262006-97KC7KFZS805F2XXAPJN/Ruth+Serrano.jpg - - Ruth Serrano - Ruth Serrano Ruth Serrano, born in Downtown, Los Angeles, is currently a junior pursuing an English major with a Political Science minor at the University of California Merced. Ruth is passionate about working with communities on issues that tend to be ignored or not talked about. Ruth also enjoys working with young children as she believes this is the time where children receive the most impact from others around them. Ruth knows that where ever she is, it will include giving back to communities who need someone to believe in the change that is necessary. The Sperling Fellowship training experience was different than any training Ruth had ever been a part of. The training gave Ruth the chance to speak on important issues that need to be addressed which allowed better understanding of the kind of person she is and what she stands for. If Ruth could describe the training in one word it would be, personal. This training empowered Ruth to go out there and empower others. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/ruby-valdovinos monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536358142333-WV08JJLD1BH4Y13QZMG8/RV.jpg - - Ruby Valdovinos - Ruby Valdovinos Ruby Valdovinos, 24, was born in Los Angeles before being raised in Sacramento California by a single parent. Ruby is currently attending Sacramento State University and is majoring in Liberal Studies. With her degree, Ruby wants to provide her community with the tools need to succeed and ability to excel in their interest and academics. Ruby was first introduced to Communities for a New California by her sister Samantha. Ruby join Communities for a New California to be part of the change and bring representation to our communities. The John Sperling Fellowship has reinforced Ruby’s leadership skills and provided the tools need to help her community. Ruby learned how to have a conversation and build movement by organizing a house meeting; which provided Ruby with the ability to help work towards the same goals stated in each meeting. https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/fellows/2018/9/7/deja-villanueva monthly 0.5 2018-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1536357749793-L931TR76X08B21JQ3R4B/Deja+Villanueva.jpg - - Deja Villanueva - Deja Villanueva Deja Villanueva was born and raised in Merced. Deja graduated from Merced High School in 2014. Deja now attends Merced College where she is studying for an Associates Degree in Sociology to transfer to UC Merced to earn her Bachelor of Sociology Degree. Attending the John Sperling Fellowship was a big accomplishment for Deja. The training gave Deja the confidence and encouragement she needed to continue the work of Communities For A New California (CNC). Deja joined CNC in 2015 in the capacity of canvasser and phone banker. The Fellowship have Deja the opportunity to move up in CNC as a Team Lead. In Deja’s new position she continues to work of helping citizens transform their own communities. Deja is grateful to have attended the Fellowship, because it not only opened up new doors, but taught her that “your story” is very compelling and… “the way in which we share our story with others can make a lot of change.” https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/home-impact daily 0.75 2017-02-09 https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/qualifications daily 0.75 2017-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1512412744482-UTNEGV9M07P8NLQTAII5/SUB-SPERLING-obit-videoSixteenByNine1050.jpg Qualifications https://www.sperlinglegacy.org/home daily 0.75 2017-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59e91da3914e6b03fd1a8d12/1512413868214-3U7UK1BQ7YNTYTLNR5TL/tr19phoenix2.jpg APPLY