We are a movement of leaders.

At Y.E.P. Initiatives, we are building a movement of young leaders working together across communities to empower youth and create lasting change.

Our History

Y.E.P. Initiatives was founded in 2022 with a vision to empower youth leaders to transform their communities. In partnership with community leaders such as Vice Mayor Rob Moore, we developed a unique approach centered on equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to lead lasting change.
Timeline with Limited Vertical Line

2022-2023

IGNITE.EMPOWER.MOBILIZE.

• 2022 – Official Launch: Y.E.P. Initiatives is founded to empower youth leaders to create lasting community change.

• 2022 – Brainstorming Sessions: Held our first Youth Innovation Circles, where students pitched local impact ideas.

• Late 2022 – Lesson Plan Creation: Developed leadership and civic engagement lesson plans for school and community programs.

• Early 2023 – Collaboration Kickoff: Began working with community leaders, including Vice Mayor Rob Moore, to support youth-led initiatives.

2023-2024

CONNECT.BUILD.LEAD.

• Fall 2023 – School Clubs Launch: Established Y.E.P. clubs at Los Gatos High School and Leigh High School.

• Late 2023 – First Guest Speaker: Hosted our first speaker event, inspiring students with real-world advocacy stories.

• Early 2024 – Civic Engagement Milestone: Students met with Mayor Rob Moore to discuss youth policy priorities.

• Mid 2024 – Alumni Integration: First alumni from the Youth Leaders Group officially joined the organization’s leadership network.

2024-2025

EXPAND.IMPACT.INSPIRE.

• Late 2024 – New Communities: Expanded Y.E.P. programs into additional schools and neighborhoods.

• 2024 – Advocacy Campaigns: Youth teams launched community-wide initiatives on sustainability, equity, and mental health.

• Early 2025 – Statewide Collaboration: Partnered with youth councils and organizations across the state to coordinate projects.

• Mid 2025 – Measurable Impact: Student-led campaigns reached thousands through events, workshops, and media coverage.

OUR THEORY OF CHANGE

Our leadership programs are designed to cultivate a pipeline of passionate young changemakers committed to transforming their communities. Our alumni network supports these leaders as they create impact at every level—both in visible roles and behind the scenes—quietly planting the seeds of lasting change.

Beyond our leadership programs, our alumni continue advancing community empowerment as leaders across our key focus areas:

Policy and Community Advocacy:
They engage in shaping policies and governance, partnering with local leaders and organizations to drive systemic change in communities.

Empowered Youth,

Thriving Communities,

Lasting Change

Transformational Leaders:
They become youth mentors, leadership trainers, and community organizers, driving positive change in schools and community spaces.
Enablers of Community Leadership:
They empower youth and educators by providing training, resources, and tools that strengthen leadership and drive local impact.

Policy and Governance:

They work on policy and governance issues, supporting governments directly on large-scale systemic reforms in education.

Enablers of Transformational Schools:

They support schools through curriculum, assessment reform, large-scale teacher training, and ed tech.

Transformational Schools:

They choose to be teachers, teacher trainers and leaders in schools or community centres.

An Equitable,
Excellent
Education

Together, our alumni network fosters collective leadership, ignites innovation, and creates the foundation for lasting community impact that grows over time.

WHAT WE DO

Fuel Transformation

Fuel Transformation

Your support fuels empowerment, opens doors to opportunity, and helps every young leader thrive and transform their community.

Spark Leadership

Spark Leadership

Your involvement sparks bold leadership and creates pathways for youth to make real, lasting change.

Create Movement

Create Movement

Your partnership strengthens our movement, amplifies youth voices, and builds vibrant, resilient communities.

Empower Action

Empower Action

Your commitment empowers young leaders to rise, take action, and shape a brighter future for all.

OUR CORE VALUES

We’re building a movement of youth leaders driving deeper, faster change in their communities. Our core values are the guiding principles that define who we are, how we act, and the impact we create together. These values both shape—and are shaped by—our growing community.

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YEP Initiatives is guided by passionate leaders from across the nation, bringing diverse experience — from hands-on work in local communities to shaping large-scale systemic change.

James Na

Founder and Executive Director

Arnav Singhal

Founder and Executive Director

YEPI is led by a team of dynamic leaders from across the country, who bring experience and perspective from all every level – from high school to college.

Connor Idemoto

Student at Los Gatos High School, Class of 2028.

Ashvee Vij

Student at Leigh High School, Class of 2026.

Sanjeevani Dedge

Student at Leigh High School, Class of 2026.

Krishna Nidhin

Student at Leigh High School, Class of 2026.

We are partnered with various high schools who we work in collaboration with to create clubs, volunteer opportunities, and summits.

Leigh High School

Our Leigh chapter engages students through leadership workshops, community service, and advocacy projects.

Los Gatos High Scool

At Los Gatos, students participate in youth empowerment clubs and collaborate with local leaders to create change.

Saratoga

The Saratoga chapter focuses on building youth networks and developing skills to lead sustainable community initiatives.

Our regions are supported by a network of speakers, who advocate for, speak at meetings for youth. 

Rob Moore

Rob Moore is the Vice Mayor of Los Gatos, California, serving on the town council and helping guide local policy, community initiatives, and municipal decision-making. He is involved in civic leadership and works to address the needs and priorities of Los Gatos residents.

Dorsey Moore

Dorsey Moore is a community-focused leader in the Los Gatos Bay Area, known for his involvement in local initiatives and efforts to support civic engagement and neighborhood development.

Murico Sayoc

Murico Sayoc is a former Mayor of Los Gatos in the Bay Area, recognized for her leadership in local government and her contributions to community development and civic initiatives.

Nollyane Dela Cruz

Nollyane Delacruz is a reporter based in the Los Gatos Bay Area, covering local news, community events, and stories that impact the region.

Allison Brunner

Allison Brunner is a lawyer based in the Los Gatos Bay Area, practicing in civil and business law while actively engaging in local community and civic matters.

Loren Kinczel

Loren Kinczel is a finance professional based in the Los Gatos Bay Area, involved in investment and financial planning while actively participating in local community and civic initiatives.

Autumn Albers

Autumn Albers is a Los Gatos Bay Area resident with a strong interest in sustainability, actively engaged in environmental initiatives and community efforts to promote eco-friendly practices.

Jonothan Knowles

Jonathan Knowles is a health expert based in the Los Gatos Bay Area, specializing in wellness, public health, and community health initiatives.

We are part of a global network of independent organizations working to expand opportunities for every child. Across 64 countries, this network shares a common vision of equitable, high-quality education for all. Our relationship within this community is deeply collaborative — exchanging ideas, co-creating projects, and shaping a shared philosophy of leadership rooted in compassion, student partnership, and the power of collective action.

YEP (Youth for Engagement & Progress) Initiatives empowers youth to become active leaders and engaged citizens by fostering skills, confidence, and opportunities for meaningful civic participation.

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