Clarissa is an undergraduate student at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), pursuing a major in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. As a passionate advocate for foster youth, she currently serves as an intern with California Youth Connection (CYC), where she supports initiatives to empower at-risk youth through policy advocacy and community organizing. 

Previously, Clarissa represented her peers as an LA County Youth Commissioner, influencing local decisions on housing, education, child welfare, and juvenile justice reform.

With hands-on experience facilitating trainings for adults with disabilities and leading youth advisory boards, Clarissa excels in public speaking, coalition-building, and strategic communication. Her academic journey includes overcoming academic challenges to reinstatement, fueling her resilience and commitment to social justice. Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing saxophone, immersing herself in jazz music, and volunteering in Long Beach community efforts.

Clarissa aspires to earn a master’s in public policy to champion equitable systems for foster youth, amplifying youth voice at city and county levels in Los Angeles.