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Rachel Choy (she/her) is working towards a career in brand marketing. She joined Our Time To Act in April 2021 as the Graphic Designer and became the Assistant Director of Communications in July 2022. Throughout her time at Our Time To Act, she has seen the implications of and needs for visual communications to create impactful changes. Some of her work includes leading social media and website content projects, collaborating with departments for marketing campaigns, and rebranding the organization. Outside of Our Time To Act, Rachel is studying for a major in Marketing and a double minor in Graphic Design and Retail Studies at Santa Clara University (SCU). Rachel is also Co-Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Union at SCU. Here, she fosters community by providing spaces, resources, and events for API students. Furthermore, Rachel is currently a Marketing Intern for Noble Health where she researches social media strategies and designs promotional content revolving around mental health therapy. < Back Rachel Choy Vice President, Internal Affairs Rachel Choy (she/her) is working towards a career in brand marketing. She joined Our Time To Act in April 2021 as the Graphic Designer and became the Assistant Director of Communications in July 2022. Throughout her time at Our Time To Act, she has seen the implications of and needs for visual communications to create impactful changes. Some of her work includes leading social media and website content projects, collaborating with departments for marketing campaigns, and rebranding the organization. Outside of Our Time To Act, Rachel is studying for a major in Marketing and a double minor in Graphic Design and Retail Studies at Santa Clara University (SCU). Rachel is also Co-Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Union at SCU. Here, she fosters community by providing spaces, resources, and events for API students. Furthermore, Rachel is currently a Marketing Intern for Noble Health where she researches social media strategies and designs promotional content revolving around mental health therapy. rachel.choy@ourtimetoact.org

Vedant Patel (he/him/his) is the Communications Chair of CYAN and currently a student studying Computer Science at the University of California, San Diego. He has been invested in US and global politics since the 2016 US Presidential election, and became particularly interested in issues surrounding housing, transit, and the environment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21 after delving into the history of urban planning of his hometown of Los Angeles and the country and world more broadly. He has advocated for increased housing density, improved transit access and infrastructure, and greater adoption of mixed-use communities at University Community Plan Update Meetings and has helped plan and organize events for Our Time To Act (OTTA). After graduation, he hopes to continue his involvement in CYAN and OTTA and contribute to a brighter future for San Diego and California as a whole. Outside of learning more about housing, transit, urbanism, and environmentalism, Vedant is an international relations and history buff. Additionally, as a Computer Science major, he is always open to expand his knowledge and skills related to the field and its various subfields such as full stack development and artificial intelligence. In his spare time, he avidly follows Formula One and is an aspiring cinephile and telephile. < Back Vedant Patel CYAN Advisor Vedant Patel (he/him/his) is the Communications Chair of CYAN and currently a student studying Computer Science at the University of California, San Diego. He has been invested in US and global politics since the 2016 US Presidential election, and became particularly interested in issues surrounding housing, transit, and the environment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21 after delving into the history of urban planning of his hometown of Los Angeles and the country and world more broadly. He has advocated for increased housing density, improved transit access and infrastructure, and greater adoption of mixed-use communities at University Community Plan Update Meetings and has helped plan and organize events for Our Time To Act (OTTA). After graduation, he hopes to continue his involvement in CYAN and OTTA and contribute to a brighter future for San Diego and California as a whole. Outside of learning more about housing, transit, urbanism, and environmentalism, Vedant is an international relations and history buff. Additionally, as a Computer Science major, he is always open to expand his knowledge and skills related to the field and its various subfields such as full stack development and artificial intelligence. In his spare time, he avidly follows Formula One and is an aspiring cinephile and telephile. vedant.patel@ourtimetoact.org

< Back OTTA United holds multi-day, organization-wide retreat in San Diego Saturday, December 10, 2022 Benjamin Wang, Staff Our Time to Act (OTTA) United is all about organizing, community, and consensus-building. These values are embodied in the work that OTTA United does for our communities. Twice a year, OTTA United reaffirms its commitment to these principles by holding an organization-wide retreat. These retreats allow OTTA United staff and board to come together as an OTTA United family and strengthen our personal and professional relationships. On December 9th and 10th, 2022, OTTA United held its second retreat in California and its first in San Diego. OTTA United members flew into San Diego from as far away as New York to make the most of this staff bonding and professional development opportunity. OTTA United’s winter retreat struck a perfect balance between work and play, with visits to the Cabrillo National Monument and Liberty Station in between trainings led by OTTA United leaders. Workshops on topics such as Community Organizing, led by Director of Services Apurv Gupta, and Event Programming, led by Director of Communications Isaac Lara, allowed us to sharpen our skills in a welcoming space surrounded by the people that make OTTA United special. Let’s hear from our Director of Services, Apurv Gupta, about the retreat. Hey Apurv! It’s so nice to see you again. Could you introduce yourself and your role within OTTA United? What does your role entail? My name is Apurv Gupta and I’m the Director of Services here at OTTA United. My role usually involves designing and producing services for the organization; these would be internal or external programs that can empower youth directly. My work tends to be a mix of research, advocacy, event-planning, and managing logistics. On day 1 of the retreat, you facilitated a workshop on Community Organizing. Could you talk a little bit about your workshop? Of course! OTTA United recently decided to shift our organizational focus into Community Organizing, a practice that empowers youth through a development of their capacity. Prior to this shift, I did a lot of research in organizing, and worked with Aidan – our wonderful Executive Director – to plan out some potential programs and applications of the approach. Not everyone on the team, however, had as comprehensive of an understanding, and my workshop aimed to build upon that so everyone was in the loop. In the workshop, I talked about the 3 types of changemaking - lone wolf, mobilizing, and organizing - and how each was significant in their own way. The training also had a lot of activities that gave OTTA United members a lens into organizing and how that could look for the organization or for themselves. Overall, I was pretty happy with how it turned out, and I’m excited to see how OTTA United embraces organizing in the future! Last but not least, I wanted to ask about what this retreat meant to you. Do you have any memories or takeaways from the retreat that you can share with us? This retreat was, by far, my most memorable professional experience. The majority of our staff population lives in San Diego, and I live all the way up in the Bay Area; the physical distance often means I feel more disconnected from the team than I’d like. But the retreat brought me closer to every single person in OTTA United. I underestimated how fun we can be, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be myself around them. The list of memories is extremely long but I’ll go through a few, hopefully keeping things brief. I could talk about bonding over Korean Chicken Wings and Frank Sinatra with Tommy; spending 4 hours working with Ben and Ken on a speech while also guessing Ken’s middle name (we still don’t know); laughing with Isaac and Leana while sharing our mutual love for Keshi; playing Super Smash Ultimate with Donovan and Ken and getting absolutely demolished; flying out with Rachel, Andrew, and Ken in an absurd amount of giddiness; and having intimate, personal conversations with everyone on the team, especially Aidan. I’ve left out about a hundred significant moments, but I’m so grateful for OTTA United and for our team. I’ve never been in a community so diverse yet so powerful, and I’m always going to cherish that. In the end, the success of OTTA United’s winter retreat can be attributed to the perfect balance of work and play as well as the meticulous and careful planning of Rachel Choy, OTTA United’s Assistant Director of Communications. Alongside the efforts of Isaac Lara, OTTA United’s Director of Communications, Rachel’s diligent work and attention to detail made the event possible in the first place. This retreat was a wonderful way to renew our commitment to OTTA United’s values and principles while also fostering deeper connections among the OTTA United staff and board. We look forward to many more awesome retreats in the months and years ahead! Next Previous

Allison is a high school senior who enjoys learning about the world and people around her. She is an avid clarinet player with various honor band and youth orchestra experience, and she serves as a drum major for her school marching band. When not hurdling or throwing for her school track and field team, Allison can be found hanging out with friends, watching movies, solving different types of puzzles, or organizing things around the house. < Back Allison Park Treasurer Allison is a high school senior who enjoys learning about the world and people around her. She is an avid clarinet player with various honor band and youth orchestra experience, and she serves as a drum major for her school marching band. When not hurdling or throwing for her school track and field team, Allison can be found hanging out with friends, watching movies, solving different types of puzzles, or organizing things around the house. allison.park@ourtimetoact.org

Henna is a fourth year Business Psychology student at the University of California San Diego. Before joining Our Time To Act, Henna dedicated her time to a senior home where she served as the event coordinator for our events. Henna planned and executed thei monthly visits to the local senior home where they would put on fun games and did arts and crafts. Henna's hobbies include reading and cooking and outside of OTTA, Henna also work in retail. < Back Henna Malikyar Director of Operations and People Henna is a fourth year Business Psychology student at the University of California San Diego. Before joining Our Time To Act, Henna dedicated her time to a senior home where she served as the event coordinator for our events. Henna planned and executed thei monthly visits to the local senior home where they would put on fun games and did arts and crafts. Henna's hobbies include reading and cooking and outside of OTTA, Henna also work in retail. henna.malikyar@ourtimetoact.org

Nicholas (Nic) Tappin (he/him) is a Political Science student at the University of California San Diego. He has been a San Diego native his entire life, where in his free time he serves as the Legislative Director for the University of California San Diego Associated Students Office of External Affairs. He also serves as a dedicated Board Member of the UC Student Association and as the Vice President of External Relations of the Pre-Law Coalition of UC San Diego. Nicholas has lobbied members of Congress and California state legislators on bills directly impacting students' housing, higher education accessibility, and food insecurity. Nicholas officially joined Our Time To Act in January of 2024 as the Policy and Coalition Representative. Outside of Our Time To Act, academics, and student government, Nicholas enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends. < Back Nicholas Tappin Policy & Coalition Representative Nicholas (Nic) Tappin (he/him) is a Political Science student at the University of California San Diego. He has been a San Diego native his entire life, where in his free time he serves as the Legislative Director for the University of California San Diego Associated Students Office of External Affairs. He also serves as a dedicated Board Member of the UC Student Association and as the Vice President of External Relations of the Pre-Law Coalition of UC San Diego. Nicholas has lobbied members of Congress and California state legislators on bills directly impacting students' housing, higher education accessibility, and food insecurity. Nicholas officially joined Our Time To Act in January of 2024 as the Policy and Coalition Representative. Outside of Our Time To Act, academics, and student government, Nicholas enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends. nicholas.tappin@ourtimetoact.org

< Back OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Saturday, June 10, 2023 Our Time to Act United MEDIA CONTACT: Mariya Grabovska, Press Intern ( mariya.grabovska@ottaunited.org ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OTTA United is proud to announce the successful completion of its Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties. This two-part series, conducted in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services as part of the Stop the Hate grant, focused on addressing the challenges of "activating" and "motivating" youth in diverse settings. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties is a community of funders dedicated to investing in social change work. The Stop the Hate grant, a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, aims to support organizations facing difficulties in engaging and motivating youth across diverse contexts, including service, activism, and the workplace. The primary objective was to enhance understanding of the youth perspective, improve intergenerational workplace relations, and provide practical frameworks for incorporating youth into organizational activities. The first workshop, titled "How Youth See Themselves, and How the World Sees Them" was a tremendous success. It was facilitated by Nicole Lillie, Director of Housing Justice, who skillfully guided a diverse group of nonprofit leaders through a dynamic program. Participants were encouraged to examine their preconceptions and biases about both young and older individuals, inspiring rich discussions and insights. Key takeaways from Workshop 1 included valuable tips for optimizing youth outreach, all framed from the youth's perspective. The engaging format and thoughtful content left participants better equipped to bridge generational divides and activate youth engagement effectively. In Workshop 2, "Models for Motivation: Radical Candor in an Intergenerational Workplace" Aidan Lin, Executive Director, led attendees through an exploration of Radical Candor framework as a motivational tool. Radical Candor can be summarized by caring personally about the team, not shying away from being direct of giving feedback, and seeking feedback when necessary. This session emphasized the importance of vulnerability in the workplace and provided participants with a practical understanding of how to employ Radical Candor effectively. An interactive activity allowed participants to practice giving feedback using the Radical Candor model, enhancing their communication skills and fostering a culture of openness and constructive dialogue. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties extends its sincere gratitude to Aidan Lin, Nicole Lillie, and all participants who contributed to the success of these workshops. The organization remains committed to fostering generational understanding and empowerment. Next Previous

Irene Wu (she/her/hers) is a senior at San Marcos High School and fascinated with the intersection of youth activism and social media. She is active in API youth activism as the SD API Youth Network Co-Chair and is excited to be furthering Our Time To Act’s goals for empowered and passionate youth. Outside of OTTA, Irene adores reading and art, and is always looking for new book/movie/podcast recommendations. < Back Irene Wu Social Media Coordinator Irene Wu (she/her/hers) is a senior at San Marcos High School and fascinated with the intersection of youth activism and social media. She is active in API youth activism as the SD API Youth Network Co-Chair and is excited to be furthering Our Time To Act’s goals for empowered and passionate youth. Outside of OTTA, Irene adores reading and art, and is always looking for new book/movie/podcast recommendations. irene.wu@ourtimetoact.org

< Back to Open Positions Co-Director of Engagement Staff Director (Volunteer) San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before February 28th, 2024. ABOUT THE ROLE About the Role We seek a driven and enthusiastic Co-Director of Engagement to join our Engagement Team. This is a great opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience and mentorship. Position responsibilities: Work closely and coordinate with the other Co-Director of Engagement to manage the Engagement Team of 5 Strategize the direction of OTTA United’s marketing and branding efforts Set objectives and plans to create consistent engagement content for the community Lead the development of the following marketing channels: press releases, emails, social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube), and website Assist in planning events to drive membership and donorship Learn how to navigate MailChimp, Meta Manager, and Google Ads Manager Lead and facilitate weekly team meetings Lead bi-weekly one-on-one check-ins with Engagement team members Attend weekly Directors’ meetings What We Offer: The Co-Director of Engagement's main focus will be learning and applying the trade in a professional setting. Learn how to operate within a non-profit organization, including event logistics, social media management, and team management Develop strong leadership and communication skills Opportunity to work on and apply your skills to real-life marketing projects and gain practical experience Exposure to various marketing strategies, procedures, and systems A chance to develop and showcase your skills and creativity Insight into different areas of marketing Hourly Commitment: 6-12 hours per week, with flexible start and end times to fit your schedule If you are passionate about marketing and have a desire to learn and grow, we encourage you to apply! REQUIREMENTS Requirements: Enrolled in a marketing, communications, or related field of study Strong writing and communication skills Familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines Able to work both independently and as part of a team Basic knowledge of graphic design software, such as Canva, is a plus ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION WORK MODALITY & LOCATION The work modality of this role is either hybrid or remote. Work is welcome in person at OTTA United’s office, located in San Diego, California (3252 Holiday Court Ste 103, San Diego, CA 92037), but it is not required. PAY & BENEFITS This position is on a volunteer basis. There is no monetary compensation for this position at this time. OTTA United deeply values the potential for personal and career development and strives to uplift its team members to best position them for their bright futures. Non-monetary benefits include: Tailored work experience and growth to fit your desired career path Letters of recommendation Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers OTTA United is a youth-founded, youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. OTTA United values authenticity and passion. We play the role of coalition builders and mentors within our communities, sharing knowledge, resources, credit, and impact. And as a justice-oriented, impact-driven, and people-centered organization, our perspective grounds us with who we serve and the work we do while advancing our mission. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Here are some things to keep in mind: Our team values flexibility and taking initiative over structure and top-down delegation. This philosophy is not a good fit for all, so we want to be clear upfront. If you thrive in dynamic, open environments, this is the place for you. We value meaningful impact and support. We seek to authentically serve both our audience and our team members alike. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization are growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve, at all levels of our organization! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow us to be an effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. We prefer personability over professionalism, at least in internal settings. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Director of Advocacy Volunteer San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Advocacy is in charge of high-level plans, oversight, and execution of advocacy-related action, which is designed to further youth interests at all levels of our political system. They oversee the Assistant Director of Policy & Action and the Assistant Director of Research to guide Our Time to Act United's advocacy agenda and impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of youth across the state and nation. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience required. Demonstrates strong goal management, team building, and interpersonal skills. Exemplifies strong leadership qualities. High school student or beyond. 10-12 hours, 3-4 meetings a week. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Administrative Interns (Quarter 3, Jul-Sep) Intern (Volunteer) San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Applications are due on June 16th. ABOUT THE ROLE The main role of the Administrative Intern is to learn and improve how work is completed efficiently and effectively at OTTA United. Administrative Interns are encouraged to adopt both a system-wide and individual approach to problem-solving and are assigned to a specific Director to support their work. We seek applicants who are passionate, solutions-oriented, and excited to dive into specific areas of work at OTTA United. TERM & PROCESS Q3 Administrative Interns are accepted for work between July 1st and September 30th. Administrative Interns may apply for multiple repeating terms. In July, Administrative Interns are introduced to OTTA United, staff members, and their fellow intern cohort. Interns are assigned to shadow and assist a specific Director depending on need and intern preference. By the end of July, interns will begin to formulate an Individual Impact Project (IIP) that serves as a guide for applied learning throughout the course of the term. At the beginning of August, interns will pitch their IIPs and begin work. They will meet weekly with their assigned Director and occasionally with the entire intern cohort. Along the way, interns will assist Directors with administrative tasks that provide experience and insight into the inner workings of a nonprofit. This will continue until mid-September when IIPs come to a close. Interns will give concluding presentations on their work and reflect on what they learned. Interns may also apply for an extension to continue their IIPs into the next term. INDIVIDUAL IMPACT PROJECT (IIP) GUIDELINES IIPs aim to improve the management of the nonprofit in order to maximize operational efficiency, program efficacy (impact), team cohesion, or the general advancement of OTTA United's mission. Interns are encouraged to design IIPs to improve the specific skills that best support their personal or professional development. One component of IIPs is a 1:1 conversation with a relevant subject field expert, which offers valuable growth opportunities for interns. Interns are encouraged to be creative and ambitious with their IIPs! OTTA United will support you in your quest for knowledge and growth. REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE All youth (15-24) are encouraged to apply, regardless of education and experience level. WORK MODALITY & LOCATION The work modality of this role is either hybrid or remote. Work is welcome in person at OTTA United’s office is located in San Diego, California (3252 Holiday Court Ste 103, San Diego, CA 92037), but it is not required. PAY & BENEFITS This position is on a volunteer basis. There is no compensation for this position at this time. OTTA United deeply values the potential for personal and career development and strives to uplift its team members to best position them for their bright futures. Non-monetary benefits include: Tailored work experience and growth to fit your desired career path Networking opportunities with community nonprofits, policymakers, elected officials, and companies Letters of recommendation Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers An emphasis on connecting you to future jobs, either at OTTA United or within the community EXPECTED HOURS & FLEXIBILITY Interns are required to work at least 5 hours per week but are not expected or required to work more than 10 hours per week. Interns are allowed to work more if they so choose. Many staff members and interns are also students, so our work environment is as flexible as possible. Certain responsibilities, such as staff meetings, are fixed. Other obligations can be flexible around your schedule. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION OTTA United is a youth-founded, youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. OTTA United values authenticity and passion. We play the role of coalition builders and mentors within our communities, sharing knowledge, resources, credit, and impact. And as a justice-oriented, impact-driven, and people-centered organization, our perspective grounds us with who we serve and the work we do while advancing our mission. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Here are some things to keep in mind: Our team values flexibility and initiative over structure and top-down delegation. This philosophy is not a good fit for all, so we want to be clear upfront. If you thrive in dynamic, open environments, this is the place for you. We value meaningful impact and support. We seek to authentically serve both our audience and our team members alike. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization are growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve, at all levels of our organization! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow us to be an effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. We prefer personability over professionalism, at least in internal settings. APPLY

Evan (He/Him/His) is a Housing Justice Organizer for the Enacting Social Housing team, and a high school student at The Bishop's School. He love biology, the history of the atomic bomb, the Los Angeles Rams, and is very excited to learn more about legal advocacy. He looks forward to developing relationships with likeminded individuals that last for years to come. < Back Evan Hamadeh Housing Justice Organizer Evan (He/Him/His) is a Housing Justice Organizer for the Enacting Social Housing team, and a high school student at The Bishop's School. He love biology, the history of the atomic bomb, the Los Angeles Rams, and is very excited to learn more about legal advocacy. He looks forward to developing relationships with likeminded individuals that last for years to come. evan.hamadeh@ourtimetoact.org