MEET OUR TEAM


Juan Young II
Director of Programming
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Juan Young is a proud YC alum who earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, San Bernardino. After graduating, he returned to YC to serve as a college mentor, group facilitator, and program coordinator, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of leaders. Juan is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. — Go Nupes!
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Dr. Helen P. Young, Ed.D
Education Advisor
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Dr. Helen Young has over 25 years of experience in education as a counselor, director, and administrator. She earned her B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. Dr. Young is co-founder of Pipelines to Possibilities Internship Program and co-director of CA Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs

Jerome Castillo-Roberts
Sr. Facilitator-Team Leader
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Jerome Castillo-Roberts is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in California public schools. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, he has been an active supporter of YC programs since 2003. A passionate educator and world traveler, Mr. Roberts continues to inspire students as a substitute teacher, bringing his wealth of experience and global perspective into the classroom.

Kahlil A Young
Social Media Director
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Kahlil Young is a proud Young Center alumnus and former Youth Ambassador who earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge. As a social media creative consultant, he has successfully developed and executed media ad campaigns for local organizations and businesses, helping them enhance brand visibility and drive growth.




Kevin Schallert
Sr. Facilitator-Advisor
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Kevin Schallert is a proud alum of YC programs and former college mentor for our youth participants. He holds a Bachelor's degree from California State University Channel Islands and a Ph.D. from the RAND Corporation. With expertise in mathematical programming, he currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at FloodLAMP Biotechnologies. ​
Aubrey Chevalier​
Sr. Facilitator-Team Leader
Aubrey Chevalier (“Mr. C”) is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience teaching in public and private schools across California, Washington, and Guam. His passion for education and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact one the lives of his students, their families, and the locals schools and communities he has served.
Dr. Darlene V. Willis, Ph.D
Education Advisor
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Dr. Darlene V. Willis holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Irvine and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Willis has spent 20+ years empowering students and parents to achieve success through her nonprofits Empowering Parents and Families and Concerned Parents Alliance.
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Bertrand Perdomo
Facilitator-Team Leader
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Bertrand Perdomo-Ucles is a proud YC alum, former California State Youth Ambassador, and a former college mentor for our youth participants. Born and raised in Los Angles, he is a distinguished graduate of the USC Price School of Public Policy and remains deeply engaged in community affairs as a local businessman and advocate for positive change in Los Angeles.

Dr. Natalie Hart, Ed.D
Facilitator-Team Leader
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Dr. Natalie Hart hails from Tacoma, Washington. She earned her Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from USC's Rossier School of Education. She is a former Admissions Counselor and Recruiter for the University of Washington, a high school counselor, and AVID instructor.

Samantha Chen
Facilitator-Team Leader
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Samantha Chen is a proud YC alum who earned her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from UCLA and is currently a Senior UX Researcher at Unite-Us. She is a National Delegate for Girl Scouts of America and has served as a college mentor and group facilitator since 2021.

Gia Jennings
Facilitator-Team Leader
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Gia Jennings is a proud YC alum and college mentor. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Business Management from Xavier University of Louisiana and served as Marketing Operations Analyst at Tektronix and a Technology Specialist at Georgia Pacific in Atlanta, GA.​