Shades of Youth Facilitators

Lauren is an educator, facilitator, social justice activist, mother and artist. In 1995, she co-founded coAction, a racial justice and diversity training group working with educational institutions and non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. She is particularly committed to working with schools to bring about the dialogue, analysis and change around institutional racism, sexism, classism and other inequities that get in the way of learning and realizing our creative and spiritual potential. In 2008, she produced the film, Shades Of Youth, Youth Speak on Racism, Power and Privilege and is working with a team of artists and youth activists presenting it throughout the U.S. and Canada. Lauren holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master's in Multicultural Education. She lives in Santa Cruz, CA with her partner, Mig and son, Julian.

 

 

Lex is a spoken word artist and activist dedicated to social justice and creative resistance. In 2008, Lex began pursuing spoken word and education full time performing, presenting, and teaching dynamic and engaging poems and curriculum designed to address and confront an ever-evolving world. Lex appears in the film, Shades Of Youth, and is using multimedia and poetry to engage youth and adults in forums and workshops around the U.S. As a multiracial, transgender artist and activist Lex's work emphasizes the intersection of gender and race. Lex is actively engaged in spiritual development with the intention of becoming a minister, engaging with spoken word as a spiritual practice and infusing this consciousness into creativity. Lex holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from University of California Santa Cruz and currently calls Santa Cruz, CA home.

 

Eddy is a trained mediator and facilitator. He has worked in various youth serving organizations to implement alternative dispute resolution programs through traditional curricula and the arts. In 2007, Eddy started working for the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center as the Youth and Community Services Coordinator and provides trainings on variety of topics including conflict resolution and violence prevention. He has developed trainings and has done work in 8 different countries providing workshops in conflict resolution, anger management, effective communication and virtues. Some of his passions includes dance, his apparel company (Generation of the Half-Light Apparel) and spoken word poetry. Eddy holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Alliant International University and currently resides in the Peninsula.

 

 

Jesse Villalobos is an indigenous Xicano activist and media-maker who works from a radical vision for justice -across race, class and gender. With roots in the Midwest and centered in Brooklyn, New York, his efforts have taken him across the U.S. to share strategies for community-centered projects in schools, non-profits and neighborhoods -focused on challenging global white supremacy and other forms of systemic barriers.
In 1996, Jesse received the National Award for Significant Community Service for his commitment to facilitating youth to work together for action against racism and to assume leadership in their communities. Jesse was recognized in 2002 by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) for his organizing work on migrants rights, school reform, LGBT rights and media justice.

 

 

Sign up for our mailing
list and find out 15 Ways
Youth Can Help End Racism

(Email Address)