Meet the Young Adult Programs Team!

//What's Happening

Meet the Young Adult Programs Team!

The Young Adult Programs team is growing, and we thought we would introduce ourselves!

Sofia Lilly – Director, Young Adult Programs

Hi, babes! My name is Sofia. I am a Leo Sun, Aries Moon, and Sagittarius rising – meaning I am loving and strong; bold and sensitive; adventurous and disciplined. I love reading books on manifesting (currently reading Magnetic Mindset by Gala Darling) and listening to self-development podcasts (Almost 30 is my fav). I believe in angels, animal spirit guides, and feel very connected to my tarot decks. My favorite self-care activities include getting my nails done, mindless scrolling through Instagram Reels/TikToks, running while listening to Beyoncé, and chatting on the phone with friends. I consider myself a high vibe material girl. Birria tacos, pupusas, and chicken tenders are my comfort foods. I have three pets: my soul dog Molly, a cuddle bug cat Cookie, and a little dog (pictured), Leibchen. My vision board includes a hot partner, a small farm on a lake + a house decorated with items from Anthropologie, and travel to tropical islands; but my ultimate goal is to feel good. Like, totally in love with life. And for you to be, too!

Jess-Mara Jones – Manager, Young Adult Programs

Hi Friends! My name is Jess-Mara! I am an Aquarius with an ISFJ and Type 2 enneagram personality. I enjoy audiobooks on Psychology (my college major), listening to Fresh Air and 1A on NPR, and binging docuseries and Marvel movies with my husband. My favorite self-care activities are couponing and deal hunting, strolling the aisles of Target and dancing like no one’s watching…sometimes all at the same time. I’m big on Faith, Family, Friends & Food. One of my favorite quotes - that I first heard in one of my all time favorite movies, The Princess Diaries - is by Eleanor Roosevelt. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Ahja Howard – Recruitment Associate, Young Adult Programs

Hi Everybody! I am Ahja Howard, and I am a Taurus. The best sign! One thing about me, I am going to hit the road. I love to travel. I also love nature. I love to go to the lake to relax and listen to music. Sometimes, I even journal there too. The lake is my peace space. My joy is my nephew. He is literally my twin + you would think he is my son if you see us together. I LOVE FOOD! Every day I remind myself of this quote I found on social media in middle school and it is “Your life is a mirror. It smiles when you do.”

Elizabeth Rojas – Data Science Associate, Young Adult Programs

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Rojas! I am born and raised in the best coast, the west coast in Los Angeles. I am a Spring baby born on April an Aries, although it's been debated as I was a premature baby. I spent the last 10 years living in Minnesota, where I fell in love with snow and Fall!! But I can't be kept away from the beach! I love swimming + going on walks or drives without the GPS to wander and then find my way back. I’m a Major Foodie. My favorite meal of the day is breakfast, and even better, brunch! My favorite quote is "There had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background its flashing glory" - Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Read This Next...

How will you Step Up?

Join our community, whether you're looking to discover your own dreams, or guide others to fulfill theirs.

Step Up
AmeriCorps
Charity Navigator. Four star charity
Candid. Platinum Transparency 2022
Employer of National Service
510 South Hewitt Street #111 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone: 201-468-0568 / Email: national@suwn.org

Step Up is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 95-4701468.

Step Up © 2024 All rights reserved.