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About
About
Latine Youth for Change (formally know as Multilingual Youth Taking Action) is a countywide leadership group committed to empowering students through leadership development, advocacy support, and by uniting students who are passionate about honoring their Latine heritage and multilingualism. Our mission is to cultivate inclusive, safe spaces where Latine youth can voice community concerns, advocate for equity, and build resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Together, we strive to inspire and prepare the next generation of Latine leaders to create lasting, transformative change.
Latine Youth for Change (formally know as Multilingual Youth Taking Action) is a countywide leadership group committed to empowering students through leadership development, advocacy support, and by uniting students who are passionate about honoring their Latine heritage and multilingualism. Our mission is to cultivate inclusive, safe spaces where Latine youth can voice community concerns, advocate for equity, and build resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Together, we strive to inspire and prepare the next generation of Latine leaders to create lasting, transformative change.
Our group meets once a week, after school to work on leadership development and building a community of support amongst each other. Envision yourself as a leader. Come join us!
Application
We are currently accepting students for the 2025-26 school year. To join, please click the button to fill out a short application.
For more information, contact Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti at lmozqueda-franyutti@santacruzcoe.org, or Andres Ortiz at anortiz@santacruzcoe.org or 831-466-5713.
Meetings
Meetings
* Our orientation and first meeting of the 2025-26 school year will be on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 11am-2pm at Seacliff State Beach (201 State Park Dr. Aptos, CA 95003). At this meeting we will do some team building activities, confirm weekly meeting times, and map out some goals for the school year. Lunch will be provided!
Weekly Meetings - We meet weekly, on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:15pm in a hybrid format. We have two physical meeting spaces at Watsonville High (Rm. 607), and Santa Cruz High (Rm. 40). You can also join virtually via Zoom link. Please fill out the application or, reach out to Litzy or Andres for the Zoom link.
In addition to meeting weekly, all of our YLLA groups will come together once a month in person to build leadership skills and work on individual group projects. Locations will alternate each month between North and South County.
YLLA Monthly Meetings - Generally every 4-5 weeks from 11am-2pm. All YLLA groups included. In person only.
October 4th - Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Dr. Aptos, CA
November 15th - Sequoia High Schools, 229 Green Valley Freedom, CA
December 13th - County Office of Education, 400 Encinal St. Santa Cruz, CA
January 17th - Sequoia High Schools, 229 Green Valley Freedom, CA
February 21st - County Office of Education, 400 Encinal St. Santa Cruz, CA
March 21st - Sequoia High Schools, 229 Green Valley Freedom, CA
April 18th - County Office of Education, 400 Encinal St. Santa Cruz, CA
May 16th - Sequoia High Schools, 229 Green Valley Freedom, CA
Cultural Knowledge
At Latiné Youth for Change we believe that embracing our cultural roots is essential for shaping inclusive spaces and diverse perspectives as future leaders. We are committed to deepening our understanding of ancestral wisdom and honoring the historical social movements that have made change in our community.
Announcements
2026 World Languages Showcase!
2026 World Languages Showcase!
This year, Latine Youth for Change is participating in, and helping to organize the World Language Showcase! The showcase celebrates multilingualism through student poetry recitation, and interactive poster presentations on topics ranging from social and environmental issues to personal stories.
For more information visit: https://ambassadors.santacruzcoe.org/home
Projects and Events
2024 World Languages Showcase
2024 World Languages Showcase
Inside California Education:
For the Students By the Students
Inside California Education:
For the Students By the Students
Students from Multilingual Youth Taking Action had the opportunity to highlight their community leadership skills on a segment for PBS Inside California Education. The students focused on their involvement in bringing the World Languages Showcase to life and their active role as advocates for multiculturalism and multilingualism in the Santa Cruz County.
See Video Here:
Facilitator
Facilitator
Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti (she/her/ella)
Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti (she/her/ella)
Litzy was born and raised in Watsonville CA, and developed a deep love for her community in Santa Cruz County. As a First Generation student, her culture and upbringing became a strong motivation to get involved in community engagement— intertwining her love for history and heritage. Litzy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Santa Cruz in History of Art and Visual Culture with an emphasis on Curation, Heritage, and Museums. She currently runs the volunteer program for the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), in Downtown Santa Cruz and has been a tenured employee since 2021. As an artist, she hopes to continue her creative contributions to the community throughout her professional career.
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