Who We Are

  • In 1994, a group of Alameda parents, nonprofit organizations, government leaders and concerned citizens met to discuss ways to address the needs of Alameda youth. The collaboration led to the first annual Stand for Children event and then to a series of meetings with the City of Alameda (City), Alameda County, Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), and agencies in the City that serve youth where continued support for families from a youth perspective was discussed. The Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families (ACCYF) was born to serve as a clearinghouse of information, an incubator of innovative ideas and an advocate collaboration for children, youth and families in Alameda by assessing and mapping community resources, providing a report card on the status of children, youth and families, creating a comprehensive website for parents, youth and member organizations, and meeting monthly to present youth-oriented programs and services to the community. ACCYF is co-chaired by the Alameda County District 3 Supervisor, the Mayor of Alameda and the AUSD School Board President.

  • Youth Leadership

Meet the Board

  • Leelou Leary - Co-President

    My name is Leelou Leary and it is my last year at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School as a Senior. I joined ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee to have a voice from a youth perspective, and to make changes that influences our community. This is my 3rd year apart of YAC, and the most rewarding aspect is seeing our work benefit Alameda in realtime. A highlight from these years was distributing holiday gift cards to Dignity Village during the winter. In my free time I enjoy listening to different kinds of music, and artists but my favorites are Radiohead, The Strokes, and The Smashing Pumpkins!

  • Soliana Tesfalidet- Co-President

    My name is Soliana Tesfalidet, and I’m a senior at Encinal High School. I joined ACCYF to be a voice for the youth in my community.  A few of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, listening to music, and cheer!

  • Issac Tan - Vice President

    My name is Isaac Tan, and I am a junior at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School. I am serving as the Vice President for the ACCYF Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC). Joining this organization is an incredible opportunity to build up and represent the youth’s voice in Alameda and actively connect with its eclectic community. They are the upcoming generation that can greatly impact society and should be an example instead of being looked down on. Currently, I am the ASB Co-President of Encinal’s leadership team and participate in Encinal’s drama club. Listening to music, playing the piano, and hanging out with my friends and family are some of my favorite ways to spend my free time.

  • Hiabel Berhane - Secretary

    Class of 2028 in Encinal, I enjoy all art forms: drawing, painting, and writing. I joined YAC because I wanted to help teens in Alameda get the representation they need within their community and to be able to help struggling teens with everyday needs.

  • Natasha Hicks - Outreach Chair

    My name is Natasha Hicks and I am currently a senior at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School! I joined ACCYF youth advocacy committee in order to provide a voice for the youth as well as bring positivity and change to my community. A few facts about me: I have 8 piercings, i’m a cheerleader for my school, I love live music, and i’m a FC Barcelona fan! I’m so excited be apart of this team!

  • Wilma Chan

    In the words of Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Wilma Chan was a longtime dedicated public servant who served the residents of Alameda for more than two decades as a former State Assembly Member, Speaker of the Assembly and Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Former Supervisor Chan was a tireless advocate for seniors, children and families, promoting programs that advance children's health and help lift people out of poverty, plus so much more. Her compassion, strong sense of community and devotion to the people she served will be profoundly missed.