Alhambra Sasha Renee Perez Internship Program: Shaping Young Leaders and Inspiring Civic Engagement
The Alhambra Sasha Renee Perez internship program stands as a testament to the power of youth involvement in local politics and community development. This initiative, exemplified by the experiences of young leaders like Nicholas Kiet Quach, demonstrates the profound impact that early exposure to civic engagement can have on shaping future generations. The program provides a platform for young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities, bridging gaps between generations and fostering a sense of ownership in the democratic process.
A Springboard for Young Aspirations
Nicholas Kiet Quach's journey into the world of politics began at the age of 14, when he interned for then-mayor Sasha Renee Perez. This experience proved to be a formative one, instilling in him the belief that "young people can be in politics." Quach's story highlights the importance of providing opportunities for young people to engage with their local governments and contribute to decision-making processes.
Quach's involvement extended beyond his internship. He served three terms on the Alhambra Youth Commission, sat on the Alhambra Library Board of Trustees since 2022, and acted as campaign manager for a California State Senate campaign. These experiences provided him with a comprehensive understanding of local politics and the importance of community involvement.
Bridging Generational Divides
Quach observed that his parents, as Vietnamese refugees, often did not rely on city services, preferring to handle matters themselves. This observation underscores the need to bridge the gap between immigrant communities and local politics. By improving local support systems, such as addressing issues like potholes and malfunctioning traffic lights, young leaders can build trust and encourage greater participation from diverse communities.
Quach's experience on the Alhambra Library Board of Trustees highlighted the importance of including young voices in decision-making processes. He noted that while there were discussions about the needs of older community members, the specific concerns of young people were often overlooked. This underscores the need for diverse perspectives to ensure that community resources effectively serve all residents.
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Mentorship and Empowerment
Matthew Rudzen, a political science graduate from UCLA and Alhambra resident, recognized Quach's exceptional dedication to the city of Alhambra. He noted that Quach was often entrusted with responsibilities typically assigned to senior staff members, highlighting his leadership potential and the value of investing in young talent.
Giovanni Chavez, President of the California Young Democrats, emphasized Quach's unique love for his hometown of Alhambra and his commitment to recruiting young people into local politics. This dedication to community building underscores the importance of fostering a sense of civic responsibility among young people.
The CAUSE Network: Cultivating Future Leaders
The Committee for Advancement of the Underrepresented Student Experience (CAUSE) plays a vital role in developing young leaders through programs like the CLA ( летом 2025 года участники CLA в течение девяти недель участвовали в значимой работе - совершенствовали лидерские навыки, углубляли понимание гражданских вопросов, затрагивающих азиатские и тихоокеанские общины (API), и показывали, как многого мы можем достичь, когда работаем вместе для достижения общей цели. Их программа завершилась в пятницу, 8/15, возможностью поделиться тем, что они узнали, со своими принимающими офисами и сетью CAUSE. Она включала размышления о семинарах CAUSE по лидерству, местах размещения в принимающих офисах, поездке на Капитолийский саммит в Сакраменто и их Mock Campaign для 49-го округа Ассамблеи, представленной на летнем вечере CAUSE). These initiatives provide participants with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of civic issues, and collaborate towards a shared purpose. The program culminates in opportunities for participants to share their experiences and insights with the CAUSE network, fostering a sense of community and shared commitment to civic engagement.
The CAUSE network boasts over 300 alumni, a testament to its success in cultivating "bold thinkers, caring advocates, and everyday change-makers." These alumni serve as role models and mentors for future generations of young leaders, inspiring them to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.
Rose Court: Recognizing Excellence and Inspiring Future Generations
The annual announcement of the Rose Court® is a cherished tradition that celebrates the achievements of young women in Pasadena. The selection process, based on academic excellence, leadership, public speaking, and community involvement, identifies remarkable young women who will represent Pasadena and inspire future generations.
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The 2026 Rose Court® exemplifies the diverse talents and aspirations of young women in the community. Riya Gupta, a student at CalTech, aspires to work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to advance robotics and spaceflight initiatives. Serena Guo, a senior at Arcadia High School, is passionate about law and public policy and hopes to pursue a career as a lawyer working toward justice and equality. Keiko Rakin, a senior at Alhambra High School, aspires to become a human rights lawyer, fiction author, nonprofit leader, and bookstore owner. Olivia Hargrove, a sophomore at Pasadena City College, is pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering and hopes to work in the field or obtain a master's degree. Sophia Ren, a senior at Arcadia High School, is the founder and director of Youth4ward, a nonprofit supporting foster children nationwide through music education and community initiatives. Naira Wadley, a senior at John Muir High School, plans to study psychology and pursue a doctorate with a goal of working with adolescents. Livia de Paula, a senior at Temple City High School, is passionate about leadership and service and hopes to pursue nursing with plans of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Young people may face unique challenges when entering the world of politics and community involvement. Quach noted that some individuals on the Library Board expressed skepticism about the ability of young people to contribute meaningfully due to their lack of experience. However, Quach effectively countered this argument by emphasizing the importance of including young voices in discussions about issues that directly affect them.
Rudzen observed that young people may be deterred from pursuing leadership roles due to their age and perceived lack of experience. However, he emphasized Quach's exceptional abilities and his capacity to overcome these challenges.
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