Statewide Membership Council
The California Youth Connection (CYC) Statewide Membership Council (SMC) is a vital part of CYC, acting as a governance and advisory body made up of youth representatives from each CYC chapter across California. This council highlights CYC’s dedication to youth-led decision-making, ensuring that foster youth have a direct role in shaping the organization’s direction and influencing key policy initiatives. By empowering foster youth to take charge of their future, the California Youth Connection strengthens its impact and fosters meaningful change across the state.
Statewide Membership Council Co-chairs
The California Youth Connection (CYC) Statewide Membership Council (SMC) Co-Chairs play an essential role in the leadership and governance of the organization. They ensure a fair decision-making process that involves all chapters, guiding CYC’s advocacy efforts and setting the organization’s priorities based on the voices of foster youth. Co-Chairs are responsible for fostering clear communication, keeping members updated on leadership development opportunities, campaigns, events, and any organizational changes.
In their role, Co-Chairs also collaborate with CYC staff to ensure that members have meaningful opportunities to participate in youth-led programmatic decision-making. They plan and lead quarterly meetings, making sure all representatives are engaged and empowered to make informed decisions. Furthermore, Co-Chairs work closely with CYC leadership, including the Board of Directors and the Executive Director, to align the organization’s goals and strengthen its mission as a non-profit committed to advocating for youth in the foster care and intersecting systems.
2026-2027 Statewide Membership Council Co-Chairs
Jessica Fuentes
Jessica Fuentes is a foster youth advocate who leads with lived experience, care, and accountability. She recently stepped into the role of Statewide Membership Co-Chair with California Youth Connection (CYC), where she works to build meaningful pathways for youth across California to engage, connect, and lead. Jessica is passionate about creating spaces where foster youth feel seen, supported, and empowered, and where their voices shape the policies and systems that impact their lives. Her work is rooted in community, youth leadership, and the belief that those closest to the issues should be closest to the solutions.
Kathleen Pan
Kathleen Pan is a youth advocate with a goal to make systems more equitable for young people impacted by foster care and juvenile justice. With lived experience in the system, she is a proud community college advocate, where she previously worked to support foster youth and increase access to educational opportunities. She has also gained federal policy experience through her work as a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives, in areas of education and youth policy. As a Statewide Membership Council Co-Chair, she uplifts foster youth voices across California to create changes in housing, foster youth rights, and system accountability.