Arabella, born and raised in South San Jose, has been system impacted since a young age. Homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence and addiction, are just a few of the many things she experienced before even becoming an adult.
Arabella’s journey at YWFC and passion for abolition and decarcerating her loved ones and community, emerged from her incarceration. At the age of 15, she was connected to YWFC and was one of the first participants in the very first Juntas Libertadas circulos (Freedom Circle) that was held in Juvenile hall and the ranch.
After finally getting off probation at 18, Arabella sealed her record, began her SOTR internship and her passion for advocacy and community organizing work continued. After graduating SOTR, she began her fellowship with “When Young Moms Thrive”. She is now a Self-Determination Coordinator – a role that has always been a dream of hers. Arabella is currently enrolled in college majoring in Drug & Alcohol studies and became the first generation in her family to pursue higher education.
