"Change Starts With Us"
The
Youth Leadership Association (YLA) is an organization dedicated to encourage
Edinburg Housing students to become actively involved in their communities and
pursue a higher education. This organization helps these students develop
leadership skills, build and expand their networks, and even gain community
service hours.
About YLA
Now known officially as the Youth Leadership Association, the group held its first meeting on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014.
The idea for the group first came from Executive Director Rudy Ramirez who is passionate about education and community service.
According to Mr. Ramirez, the purpose of the group is to provide students with an opportunity to engage in their communities and learn valuable leadership skills.
“The Youth Leadership Association will learn values, teamwork and leadership skills.”
Since its creation, the students have volunteered in various EHA events: McAllen Marathon, EHA’s Halloween Festival & Turkey Giveaway, Christmas toy drive, and recently donated toys to the immigrant children.
But even though the group achieved a lot during the fall 2014 and this spring, they intend to continue working hard to better their community.
Besides the intellectual gains from their participation, the students have the opportunity to enjoy different experiences. For Diego Oros, the group’s coordinator, the Youth Leadership Association has been a unique journey.
Besides the intellectual gains from their participation, the students have the opportunity to enjoy different experiences. For Diego Oros, the group’s coordinator, the Youth Leadership Association has been a unique journey.
“Being a part of the group has been a great adventure,” the 19 year-old shared.
Oros is a resident of the Lantana EHA development and is currently a freshmen computer engineering major at the University of Texas-Pan American. Although he also works part-time in the EHA IT Department, Oros dedicates time to coordinate the association.
According to Mr. Ramirez, Oro’s has been a great help from the start.
“Diego’s leadership and energy helped us grow to our current 15-20 members,” said Mr. Ramirez. “His encouragement helped gather more kids to join.”
Like Mr. Ramirez, Oro plans to continue motivating others like him to make a difference.
“Our goal is to push these kids to achieve an education while they learn important leadership skills.”
Students interested in being a part of the Youth Leadership Association can contact Diego Oros at doros@edinburgha.org or call 956-383-3839 for information.
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Director:
- Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez
Youth
Coordinators:
- Robert De Leon
- Diego Oros
Members:
- Daniela Granados
- Isaias Guevara
- Aylin Guzman
- William Lopez
- Christian Morin
- Cecilia Oros
- Leonardo Oros
- Celines Sanchez
- Gladys Sanchez
- Alexa Victorino
- Christopher Victorino
- Juliany Zamora
