Meet the Board

Ricardo Alcaraz
President

Ricardo Alcaraz is a dedicated student leader and aspiring business professional who will be attending Cal State Long Beach as a Business Management major. He has a strong background in student advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. As the founder of a student-run business group and a former district wide student trustee, he brings experience in leadership, strategic planning, and coalition-building. Ricardo is passionate about creating opportunities for young leaders and making an impact through education, business, and service.


Catherine Medina
Vice President

I am a Chemistry major at Irvine Valley College. I plan on transferring to Cal State Fullerton and getting my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. After that I plan on attending medical school in hopes of becoming an OB-GYN specializing in reproductive endocrinology. I also work at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange as a premedical student. I currently own a small business as an eyelash technician. In my free time, I help out as a horse trotter at Irvine Regional Park. 


Adriana Garcia
Secretary

I am a rising sophomore at Chapman University, majoring in Biochemistry with the goal of becoming a physician assistant in the future. As a first-generation student and member of the Latinx community, I am deeply committed to uplifting underrepresented voices in higher education and healthcare. I hope to be an excellent medical professional that others from similar backgrounds can see as a role model. At Chapman, I am the Secretary of Chapman Ballet Folklórico, where I help promote cultural pride and community engagement through traditional Mexican dance. This leadership role has enhanced my connection to my heritage. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time at the beach, reading, and finding ways to stay active and involved in my community. I am excited to contribute to the Orange County Youth Chamber of Commerce and collaborate with others who have similar goals as me to create a positive change.


Jessal Martinez
Treasurer

I am from Riverside, CA and am currently attending UC Irvine as a 1st year Criminology, Law, and Society major, and hoping to declare a Psychological Science double major. I am a first generation chicana pursuing higher education. I have always felt deeply connected to my community and have aspired to reach my goals to show everyone what being latina is really about. To show that we can do whatever we put our mind to despite the odds. I hope to enter a Forensic Psychology Masters program after finishing my undergrad, and my future plans consist of becoming an FBI agent working in criminal profiling. Before you ask, yes, just like criminal minds which is actually one of my favorite shows! In my free time I love to spend it with my family, boyfriend, and friends. I enjoy reading, especially crime novels. I love shopping and watching movies as well! As an OC girl my favorite place is the beach. That’s just a little bit about me. I hope in my time serving on OCHYCC I get to be a voice for the community that has truly been a inspiration for me.


Cecilia Lorenzo
Director of Marketing

Cecilia Lorenzo is a passionate Film and Media Studies major at Santa Ana College with a strong commitment to storytelling, advocacy, and community empowerment. As a first-generation college student and international student, she brings a unique perspective shaped by personal challenges, resilience, and a deep desire to create meaningful change.
With a background in student leadership, marketing, and outreach, Cecilia uses her creativity and voice to amplify underrepresented stories and promote access to education and the arts. Whether she’s behind the camera, writing scripts, or designing campaigns, Cecilia is dedicated to using media as a tool for social impact and cultural representation.


Lauren Reall
Co-Director of Marketing

I am an incoming first year student at UCLA starting in the Fall of 2025, majoring in Business Economics. I am deeply passionate about traveling and exploring different cultures, and I’m especially interested in how these cultural experiences shape and influence global economies. Building on the leadership roles I held throughout high school, I want to continue growing as a leader and making a positive impact both on campus and beyond.


Harriel Smith
Co-Director of Marketing

"My journey started in Hattieville, Belize, and has taken me all the way to Santa Ana College, where big dreams are turning into even bigger plans. I am proudly double majoring in Pre-Nursing and Medical Assistant Administration, while also serving as the Associated Student Government Health Awareness Commissioner at SAC. When I’m not hitting the books, you can probably find me nose-deep in a romantacy book or surviving a chaotic Fortnite match — balance, right? After graduating from SAC, my dream is to pursue my BSN and further my education at medical school to become your friendly neighborhood surgeon! I believe real change starts from the inside out, and I plan to be part of it. Whether that be in an operating room or the table where blueprints for change are being curated. My journey may have started with a suitcase and a dream, but it’s powered by purpose, persistence, and a steady stream of caffeine that has landed me right on the doorstep of OCHYCC."


Angie Sandoval
Director of Community Relations

I am a first-generation transfer student at California State University, Fullerton, class of 2026. I am very passionate about spreading knowledge about financial literacy and empowering students who have different journeys to college. I am currently earning my Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. I am working towards earning my CPA license so that I may be a trusted Accountant who can give back to small businesses in my community. I look forward to learning and growing alongside each other and becoming strong future business leaders. This year I return to the board to make new connections and deepen current Youth Chamber partnerships that will empower current and future youth chamber members. 


Ariana Perez
Co-Director of Community Engagement

Ariana Perez is a first-year student at the University of California, Irvine, double majoring in Chicano Studies and Political Science. She is actively involved on campus as a member of UCI ROTC and a campus representative for the Admissions Office. Ariana is passionate about public service and aspires to pursue a career in policy and law, with a focus on advocacy, equity, and empowering underrepresented communities. Her work reflects a deep commitment to student success, inclusivity, and driving meaningful change.


Maria Cancino
Director of Ambassadors & Mentoring

I am currently a junior at Chapman University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Latinx and Latin American Studies. As a proud first-generation, nontraditional college student, my journey has been shaped by resilience, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to service. I’m passionate about psychology, and using it to uplift my community, particularly by supporting youth, promoting mental wellness, and helping bridge gaps in care for underserved populations. On campus, I stay actively involved through Psi Chi Honors Society of Psychology serving as an Ambassador, Latinx Club, along with mental health advocacy work. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and giving back through meaningful community engagement.




CONTACT US:
ocyouthchamber@gmail.com
5270 California Ave, Irvine, CA 92617

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