Our Mission

Our mission is to transform East Oakland into a healthy and economically robust community by developing the leadership of youth and young adults and improving the systems that impact them.

Located in the heart of East Oakland, YU is a neighborhood hub offering young people services and programs to increase physical and mental wellbeing, community connection, educational attainment, and career achievement among youth members.

…But delivering services is not our only goal.

Youth UpRising (YU) envisions a healthy and economically robust East Oakland powered by the leadership of youth and young adults as well as improvements in systems and environments that impact them. Our primary focus is building a systems change and community economic development platform that supports and strengthens our personal transformation work.

Theory of Change

We believe that if we provide youth with relevant services and programs, meaningful engagement with caring adults, and opportunities to practice leadership—they will become change agents and contributors to a healthy, thriving community.

This formula for change maintains that healthy, involved people can influence policy and ultimately create healthier, safer, and economically robust communities. It recognizes that youth are inherently resilient and that risk can be reduced with the right set of supports, services and opportunities.

Contact:
Princess Heard
Executive Assistant to the C.O.O

The Board

Meet Our Board President: Ms. Meredith Brown 

Championing Youth Empowerment Through Advocacy and Action 

At the helm of our organization is Ms. Meredith Brown, a passionate attorney and dedicated advocate for education and youth empowerment in our community. With a distinguished career marked by a commitment to justice and service, Ms. Meredith Brown has devoted her life to uplifting young people and providing them with the tools they need to thrive. 

Professional Background 

As a practicing attorney, Ms. Meredith Brown has utilized her legal expertise to fight for the rights of marginalized youth, ensuring they have access to essential resources, education, and opportunities as a trustee on college boards, literacy volunteer, and youth sports coach.    Her work involves serving public and private colleges, K-12 institutions and post-secondary vocational institutions, as well as public agencies.  Through her legal practice, she assists in the implementation of programs integral to stable communities and the delivery of essential services.    

A Vision for Empowerment 

Ms. Meredith Brown believes that investing in youth manifests a commitment to advancing the wellbeing of our families and community. Under her leadership, our organization has strengthened its internal controls, business practices  and professional standards in order to support expanded youth programs, including mentorship initiatives, workshops, and advocacy efforts designed to empower young people. She is passionate about fostering an environment where every youth feels valued, heard, and equipped to pursue their dreams and the adult staff can benefit from professional development.  

Community Impact 

Her dedication goes beyond legal work; Ms. Meredith Brown actively engages with local schools, community centers, and youth organizations to support collaborative programs that provide young people with opportunities to learn how to navigate and succeed in work and academic environments. From organizing community events to leading educational seminars, she is a driving force for positive change, advocating for policies that prioritize youth development and well-being. 

A Role Model for Future Leaders 

With her unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, self-discipline and institutional accountability Ms. Meredith Brown demonstrates pragmatic leadership and grace as a role model for young leaders in our community. She encourages them to take an active role in shaping their futures by setting goals and working diligently and consistently as they use their voices to advocate for themselves and their peers. Through her mentorship, she instills confidence and resilience, equipping youth with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 

Join Us in Our Mission 

As our Board President, Ms. Meredith Brown is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within our organization. Her vision is clear: to create a safe and supportive environment where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We invite you to join us in our mission to empower youth and make a lasting impact in our community. 

Meredith Brown
President and Board Chair
Partner, Atikson, Adelson, Loya, Rudd & Romo

Supervisor Nate Miley
Alameda CountyBoard of Supervisors

Hon. Linda Handy, MSODA
Trustee Area 3, Peralta Community Colleges

Derrick H. Muhammad
Attorney, Law Offices of Derrick H. Muhammad

Christine Williams
Owner/Principal Consultant, Equity Consulting LLC