I am proud to present ESTE Inc., a grass-roots, non-profit organization rooted in the belief that all youth should have equal access to an education that fosters truth, self-love, and social consciousness. In order to provide such an education however, new and equitable systems of learning are needed. This is especially true for children of color and otherwise socioeconomically disenfranchised youth. Drawing on academic research, my own lived experience as a woman of color, and two decades working in education, I have developed a youth-led, community inclusive approach that offers an exciting alternative. Our team at ESTE Inc. will create and provide history, Ethnic Studies, and social justice resources for both adult and youth learners. We will collaborate with a nationwide network of mission- aligned allies to help people turn learning into action and work in solidarity for youth. Our intention is that these efforts will not only benefit all communities, but will provide us the opportunity to open a youth center in our own hometown of Lancaster, CA. In this way, our team can directly serve and show love to the kids and families who inspired ESTE to begin with.

- Lucia