Alejandra Gomez

Alejandra Gomez is an Indigenous/Chicana woman who advocates to uplift the voices, experiences and wisdom of young Black, Indigenous and all people of color who have been impacted by homelessness and the foster care system. A student at Berkeley College, Alejandra works as a Foster Care Advocate at the National Foster Care Institute. She has experience in the foster care system and was in a group home at the age of 19. Through the fellowship she aims to enhance her leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the political framework that affects Native youth in the foster care system. She hopes the fellowship will grant her a platform to amplify her voice and advocate for the needs and rights for these Native youth. 

Using her experience and expertise, she educated statewide California legislative officials and their staff; policymakers; youth service providers; community leaders and members; and youth to collectively address youth homelessness during the pandemic. Serving with the National Foster Youth Institute, Native Youth Academy and California Coalition for Youth has empowered her to develop her Indigenous leadership skills as a change agent to build the better world she hopes to see in her lifetime. Alejandra is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the foster youth, both locally and beyond.