Meet the LEJ Youth

LEJ youth get connected to nature and the outdoors by doing habitat restoration in Bayview as well as fun trips (hiking, camping and kayaking) that help build community.  The picture on the right is the LEJ youth and their friends on an overnight camping trip on Mt. Tamalpais.

LEJ youth are out in the community inviting folks to learn more about LEJ, open space in Bayview, and the redevelopment of the Naval Shipyard and surrounding areas.  The next photo down shows them tabling at the annual BMAGIC Backpack Giveaway at the Bayview Opera House.

LEJ youth get the job done! Youth grow and care for native plants out native plant nursery and community garden at Candlestick Point State Park.  The 3rd picture shows LEJ youth planting a Box-elder tree as a part of the People's Earth Day 2010.

What do LEJ youth have to say about LEJ and their community?

"When people know or find out I work at LEJ, it's almost like I get special privileges or more doors open up for me.  They would ask me to facilitate a group or present to my class because they know here at LEJ, I'm getting the proper training that I need to get ahead in life."

-Brittany Johnson

"I would want my community to look more diverse with people of all races living together without any racial discrimination towards each other. I want to be able to walk outside, take a deep breath and feel refreshed by the clean air in the community. I don't want to be able to see a factory of any kind in sight. I want to see my community cleaned and maintained on a daily basis. I also want my community to look like it's filled with people who are happy and uplifted."

-Frank Nelson

Zach Jefferson got connected to LEJ through his high school. At Downtown High School, his teacher for Wilderness, Arts, and Literacy Collaborative (WALC) recognized his enthusiasm, engagement, curiosity for environmental issues as well as social justice.  Throughout his time at LEJ, Zach has gained hands-on experience and passion to explore horticulture and landscape architecture as a career.

About his community:  "I want my community to reflect the values of the people who live in this community, to have locally owned stores, activities for youth to enjoy, community involved events and less toxins which cause health effects."

About LEJ:  "LEJ offers me opportunities to speak about the environment to people who have little to no nature experience. It's a place to go to with people who can offer more than a job, but a gateway to other opportunities. I feel LEJ can offer me more than what I have now."

Where Are They Now?

Sophia Mak recently graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Community and Regional Development.  Her experiences at LEJ protesting the PG&E power plant and engaging in the redevelopment plans of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard moved her to study urban planning in college.  Post graduation she decided to return to her roots in Bayview and to reengage with the ongoing redevelopment of the southeast San Francisco.

Craig Cohen graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  Craig is currently attending law school at University of Oregon for environmental law.  He says that the main reason why he chose to go into environmental law was because of his experiences with LEJ.  The struggle to protect the old growth forests and spotted owl in the '90s inspired him to head north to Oregon's progressive environment.  Craig's greatest hope is that that many other youth receive the same opportunities he has had working with LEJ.

Jamine Dow graduated from Hampton University in Hampton, Virgina in 2010 with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology with hopes of continuing her education in Medicine.  Jasmine was Vice President of the SEEDS Ecology Club Hampton University Chapter, a national club that promotes ecological awareness in the minority population. For the coming year, Jasmine will be the Heron's Head Park Assistant at LEJ, an Americorps position in partnership with Public Allies.

Tony Marks-Block graduated from Cornell University in Environmental Studies and is now coordinator of the Lawrence Hall of Science's East Bay Academy for Young Scientists.

Carlina Williams was honorably discharged from 4 years' service with the US Army. She says, "LEJ helped open my eyes to new things in life. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be part of LEJ."

Tanisha Gooch is currently attending DePaul University in Chicago IL. She plans to bring all of her knowledge back home when she graduates. She says, "That's what college is for—you learn, then you give back!"

Where Are You? If you were a LEJ Youth, send us an update! communications@lejyouth.org