She | Her | Hers
Kalamazoo, MI
Hi! I'm Nayeli. I live in Kalamazoo, MI, and I love watching horror comedy movies, doing puzzles, and listening to my favorite podcasts—And That’s Why We Drink and Wine and Crime. I have a very multicultural family structure—we are a Mexican immigrant family, my sister was born deaf, so we embrace deaf culture, and her husband is from India. I also have a very energetic and cuddly dog named Raimi, in honor of horror movie director from Michigan, Sam Raimi.
I became interested in this work when I engaged with various communities of color through immigrant rights activism, international diplomacy, financial literacy, workforce development, and wraparound supports for teen parents. I feel strongly about elevating stories, teaching leadership skills, and creating support structures for young people. I feel proud when I can effectively remove barriers for young people to fully participate in and experience meaningful opportunities. Through my work at FosterClub, I hope to become more aware of how my experiences and gifts can support others.
Nayeli graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Chinese. Prior to working at FosterClub, she served as the Scholar Recruitment Coordinator with Generation Hope in Washington, DC, where she recruited young parents to a scholarship program with wraparound supports. Nayeli is also a founder of the Latina-based sorority Delta Tau Lambda, Xi Chapter, and a chapter of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals for aviation students of color at Western Michigan University. She was one of two activists chosen from Kalamazoo to participate in a social justice retreat at the Highlander Research and Education Center, a historic site where Rosa Parks, MLK Jr., and members of SNCC trained during the civil rights movement.
