Momentum Ambassadors

Your story can make a difference

About Momentum Ambassadorship

Since our founding, the youth of Café Momentum have been sharing their stories — and it’s these stories that ignite a passion in others to advocate for the systemic change that our country needs and our youth deserve.

To continue empowering and elevating the voices of our interns, we launched the Momentum Ambassadors Program in 2020. This leadership program is designed to encourage interns to be decision-makers rather than decision takers, to think critically about the things they want to see happen and, on a deeper level, why they want them.

The ultimate goal of this program is to provide meaningful and inclusive opportunities for our youth to use their voices, express their views and share their experiences with authenticity and candor. Throughout our 12-month ambassador program, our youth improve their interpersonal and communication skills, experience personal and professional growth and play a significant role in our mission to challenge the juvenile justice system and the way it works (or doesn’t).

The Benefit to Our Youth

Momentum Ambassadors is a paid program that creates a path for our youth to continue their personal and professional development with Café Momentum while building confidence in themselves and their story. Through sharing their experiences and opinions, the youth will inform Momentum programming, expansion and messaging while also improving the dialog between our organization and its interns, volunteers and the public. As mentors, ambassadors will help future interns accomplish their personal goals while experiencing their own personal growth. As spokespeople, our ambassadors strengthen their self-confidence, public speaking and conversation skills while working toward their dreams.

Our Ambassadors

Tristyn, 22

Ambassador Fellow, Dallas

I am dedicated to being a leader in my community and for all justice-involved youth by utilizing my voice and platform to pour love, life, and confidence into them, using my story and life experiences as a bridge of connection.

Santorrio, 22

Senior Ambassador, Atlanta

My ‘why ‘ is for the impact I have on the youth. I look to encourage and support the youth as well as my peers. I love to give knowledge as I continue learning myself.

Adela, 21

Senior Ambassador, Dallas

I wanna continue impacting youths’ lives just like mine was and share how impactful Café Momentum has been in my life, as I believe it can do the same for others.

James, 22

Senior Ambassador,
Dallas

My ‘why’ is rooted in the belief that there is opportunity and room for growth for every young person, regardless of their background, circumstances, or the need for a second chance.

Kenzo, 26

Senior Ambassador, Los Angeles

My ‘Why” is the experience that shaped me and gave me the knowledge to be the most effective man I can be for young people. What I went through taught me lessons no classroom ever could, and it allows me to be for someone what I once needed for myself.

Nevaeh, 18

Momentum Ambassador, Pittsburgh

I believe that all youth deserve a second chance, and I want to use my story to inspire them to believe in themselves.

Aanaya, 20

Momentum Ambassador, Dallas

To encourage the youth against the way this generation makes it normal for you to be in the streets. I would like to share my story so they can understand that this is not the life they want, and that we can prevent the continuation of this cycle by using our voices and asking for help.

Lucci, 20

Momentum Ambassador, Dallas

 I am committed to helping young people defy the labels placed on them by the system and unlock the best version of themselves.

Arnold, 18

Momentum Ambassador, Atlanta

I wanted to be an ambassador because I care about making a positive impact and change in the world by giving back to the community and being a role model to others who don’t have anybody to turn to or anybody to look up to.

Neiko, 18

Momentum Ambassador, Pittsburgh

I just would like to prove to the system that one mistake we make in this life doesn’t define us all. We as individuals have the choice to let it make us or break us, and I’m going to be the one to let it make me!

Terrance, 20

Momentum Ambassador, Pittsburgh

This past year serving as an ambassador has shown me so much and truly changed my perspective. I learned how important it is to pour into youth and provide them with something positive to relate to, especially in a world where guidance and encouragement can make a lasting impact. My ‘why’ is mentorship.

Keithtavious, 19

Momentum Ambassador, Atlanta

I am committed to actively promoting our mission, upholding the standards required of this role, and supporting interns and other ambassadors through encouragement, collaboration, and open communication.