Where Are They Now?

East Bay College Fund has made a life-changing difference for many young people. Our alumni are well on their way to a future of personal and professional achievements. Many are giving back to our community and serving as role models to students just beginning their journey. Below are examples of where they are now.

Akiba Bradford, Adriana Perez, Jameil Butler, Marvyn Arevalo-Avalos reunite at a summer retreat as alumni

Brittany Chambers
(B.A. Anthropology, Minor in Gender and Women’s Studies, UC Berkeley 2010)

  • Pursuing a masters of public health at California State University, Fresno
  • Plans to apply to PhD programs

Leonel Mendoza
(B.A. Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley 2009)

  • Currently working as an EMT on an ambulance and interning at a bio-firm doing research in micro-biology.
  • Goal is to get his medical degree and work with children in the United States and other countries.
  • Travels to build classrooms at an orphanage in Thailand. Considers it a life-long connection

Krsna Avila 
(BA in Sociology and Psychology, UC Davis 2010)

  • Legal Services Manager for Educators for Fair Consideration
    (E4FC), an organization dedicated to helping immigrant students achieve the ‘American dream’ of college and citizenship.
  • Fights for the passage of the DREAM Act, which would give legal status to tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants–Raising awareness, contacting educators and politicians.
  • Looking forward to attending a prestigious law school in the near future and to reminding undocumented students that anything is possible!

Rakim Johnson
(B.A. Economics, UC San Diego 2010)

  • Attending Stanford University School of Law

Marvyn Arévalo Avalos
(B.S. Human Development, UC Davis 2010)

  • Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri.
  • Works as a research assistant for the CAMBIO Center, conducting research with immigrants settling in the Midwest.
  • Vice-president of the Latino/a Graduate and Professional Network at Mizzou

Damien McDuffie
(B.A. African American Studies and Political Science, Loyola Marymount 2008)

  • Creator and Editor-In-Chief of REVIBETHEMOVEMENT.COM, a music site that analyzes social justice issues through the lens of Hip-hop with particular attention to how the culture reflects on black men.
  • Currently works for CITYYEAR LOS ANGELES. Oversees 16 corps members that work as mentors and tutors to middle school kids in Watts, CA

Katie Jay 
(San Jose State University 2008)

  • Pursuing a Masters of Social Work at the University of Southern California

Yahya Abdul-Mateen
(UC Berkeley 2011)

  • Attending Yale School of Drama in the fall to pursue MFA
    (Masters of Fine Arts)
  • Worked as Program Coordinator for the HOPE SF Youth Leadership Academy in San Francisco at Mayors Office of Housing

David Lloyd
(Bachelor of Sociology, UC Berkeley 2007)

  • Police Officer for the past 3 and a half years, first for Oakland, currently for Alameda Police Dept. Working patrol and midnight shift.
  • Bought a house in Walnut Creek in July of last year
  • “Very grateful for the opportunity that was provided to me with help from East Bay College Fund.  I am very interested in giving back to the organization in any way I can and would like to be a mentor at some point.”

Samuel Becerra
(B.A. Economics, Pomona College 2008)

  • Working in the world of public finance. combining interest in the financial markets with desire to serve surrounding community.
  • Active in local community organizations like the East Bay College Fund and my local church.  Participate in organizations that support and encourage economic, academic and social change in our community.
  • Purchased a condominium near downtown Oakland.  “As a longtime resident of Oakland I decided that it would be important for me to live, eat and play in Oakland as much as possible.  As an Oakland native and now homeowner, I am excited to see our City grow and prosper.

Akiba Bradford
(B.A. Anthrology and Sociology, Knox University 2011)

  • Program Assistant at the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.
  • Working on variety of projects including: Attorneys General’s Defending Childhood Task Force; Improving Permanency for LGBT Youth; Dispelling Myths Surrounding the Incarceration of LGBT; Alameda County Children with Incarcerated Parents; Santa Clara Reentry.

Jameil Butler
(B.S. Recreational Administration, California State University, Fresno 2010)

  • College Advisor for East Bay College Fund supporting our College Access and African American Male Achievement
  • Jameil is a role model for younger African American males seeking a college degree.  By sharing his experiences, challenges and ultimate success he inspires many to follow in his footsteps.