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Young Adult Ambassadors

The Young Adult Ambassadors (YAA) program engages dynamic leaders who exemplify the Maryknoll charism, committed to social justice and their Catholic faith in a global context. Being a Young Adult Ambassador offers young adults the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of like-minded peers while continuing their personal, spiritual, and leadership formation.

Ambassadors engage in workshops, lead and participate in formation events, take part in social justice projects, and join global immersion experiences. Through this journey, they are empowered to invite others into meaningful action and help build a more just and hopeful future.

Meet the Young Adult Ambassadors 

Stephanie Luna 

Meet Luna (she/ella), one of our Maryknoll Young Adult Ambassadors! As a third-generation Mexican-American, Luna has turned her life experiences into a passion for creating safe and empowering spaces for those on the margins. Currently working in social services in San Francisco, she focuses on providing secure housing and tackling food insecurity for people on the margins. A former Maryknoll employee, Luna brings her expertise in community building and advocacy, along with her strong emotional intelligence and empathy. She looks forward to reconnecting with the Maryknoll community, continuing to listen, learn (and unlearn), and growing alongside others on this journey.

 

Celeste Flores

Meet Celeste Flores, one of our Maryknoll Young Adult Ambassadors! A first-generation college student and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Celeste is dedicated to community building and leadership development. As the Director of Community Building at Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, she leads civic engagement, community organizing, and policy advocacy. She also served on the CRS Rice Bowl Board for the Archdiocese of Chicago from 2018 to 2020 and was the young adult representative on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council from 2016 to 2019. With a passion for environmental justice and immigration movements, she’s participated in a Maryknoll Retreat at Los Altos and an immersion trip to Bolivia. Celeste continues to grow in her faith while building communities of solidarity.

Ogechi Akalegbere 

Meet Ogechi Akalegbere, a Nigerian-American and a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry within the Archdiocese of Washington. With over eight years in youth ministry and catechesis, she previously served as the Christian Service Coordinator at an all-girls Catholic school, focusing on diversity and ministry leadership. Ogechi is a public speaker, competitive powerlifter, and fitness instructor, and she hosts the podcast Tell Me, If You Can. She's also a board member of CUBL and the 2021 winner of the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. Ogechi is currently pursuing her Master's in Pastoral Studies at Catholic Theological Union. She values the reflective nature of Maryknoll and seeks to connect with fellow ministers of justice. 

Andres F. Garcia

Meet our Maryknoll Young Adult Ambassador, Andres F. Garcia! Born in Medellín, Colombia, and raised in Queens, NY, Andres has a BA in Philosophy and is currently pursuing an MA in Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. His passion for global solidarity and social justice is shaped by two immersion trips he took with us to El Salvador and Bolivia. As a dedicated Maryknoll Young Adult Ambassador, Andres is looking to network and bridge faith, education, and mission for young adults and other communities. He believes that one of his greatest resources is his ability to listen well and share the diverse stories of people he encounters, highlighting the transformative experiences of hope he has witnessed during his immersion trips.

Brinkley Johnson

Meet our Maryknoll Young Adult Ambassador, Brinkley Johnson! She first connected with Maryknoll during a 2018 immersion at Seattle University, where she learned about our programs and reflections. While living in El Paso, she gained some valuable mentorship from former and current Maryknoll Lay Missioners. Brinkley recently participated in the Yucatan immersion and a Wholemakers facilitator training. With a passion for social justice, she spent two years volunteering with Annunciation House and currently works with Jewish Family Service in San Diego, helping families reunite and find a sense of belonging. Brinkley is excited to deepen her connection with Maryknoll and co-create a community centered on Catholic Social Teaching, honoring the experiences of displaced people.