Meet the 2024-2025 CYMKE Team Leaders

Dina Espinosa-Byrd

Rockwell Automation Team at Rogers Street Academy

I serve because…
I want young people to know that they are more than the adversities they may have faced in life, such as myself. I want young people to know that they are their own person and that their voice matters. They deserve to be treated as a human being with respect, love, and dignity. I want them to be able to believe in themselves and have a sense of self-worth.

Eliassah Larson

Dr. George Washington Carver Academy of Mathematics and Science

I serve because…
I value uplifting and empowering young people. I want them to see their potential and confidently advocate for their own success. I think about the opportunities I was given and how I learned that failure is necessary for growth, and I want students to realize this as well. Humans deserve to feel belonging and know that they are important and loved from a young age and I feel honored to be in a role where I can speak life into students when the world does otherwise.

Mikayla Shorty

Civic Engagement Team Leader

I serve because…
I wanted to continue to challenge myself by using my voice more. I want to bring an open mind when it comes to sharing and learning new ideas. I want to show that anything can be possible if you keep a positive mindset with new ideas and practices.

Mira Harris

Bay View High School
I serve because…
I believe that every student should have the right to an equal education, whether that is a private school, public school or charter school. I also serve because I believe in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I believe that one small act can change for a better in a village.

Yael Perez

Bradley Tech High School
I serve because…
I serve to bring the best out of the youth in my community and to inspire those who feel that their voice is unheard.

Kayla Jackson

Taco Bell Foundation Team at Harold S. Vincent High School
I serve because…
I want to bring people together for a common purpose that not only serves ourselves, but the larger community. I serve to demonstrate community care and serve in a community where I can practice living for others and putting myself second.

Erin Kirby

Chavez Cardinals Team at South Division High School
I serve because…
I believe in the transformative power of passionate young people. I have seen first-hand the impact that intentional and compassionate support can have on all people and I want to be part of creating that impact on others. I believe I can make a difference in the lives of those around me, in the same way I know others have done for me. I believe we must commit to the people to be successful in service and I strive to continue to do so with City Year.

Aaliya EvansJulia A. Uilhlein Team at Alexander Mitchell Integrated Arts School

I serve because…
Service has always been an influential part of my life and it has shaped the person I am. I believe that education is fundamental and a necessity to life. I chose to give back, because growing up I had mentors who were essential in supporting my path of education. I serve, because I believe that the drive for education starts young. Our future generation needs tools and support so that we can not only build a better world, but a world where education, service, and equity is at the forefront. I want to serve to help inspire others, like I was inspired.

Deanna Killiebrew
Siefert School Senior AmeriCorps Member

I serve because…
I want to give back to my community. I want to be that young adult that I didn’t have when I was in school. I want to be that person that the younger generation can look up to. I feel like all children deserve a City Year.

Mekhi Markes
Siefert School Senior AmeriCorps Member

I serve because…
I want to give the students the opportunity to things I didn’t have growing up, and show up as a support system my students and team can rely on. I want to be someone they remember, and can reflect and think on when the time is needed.