Synthia Renteria joins YWFC’s Los Angeles site as a Self-Determination Coordinator, bringing a powerful combination of lived experience and professional expertise to her role. Having navigated the complexities of both juvenile and adult incarceration, as well as periods of homelessness during her youth and adulthood, Synthia understands firsthand the systemic barriers that justice-impacted individuals face. Her journey through the criminal legal system—including successfully completing adult probation, securing stable housing, and expunging her adult record—positions her uniquely to connect with and advocate for the young people YWFC serves.
Synthia’s commitment to community transformation is reflected in her impressive educational achievements and specialized training. In 2024, she graduated from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College with an Associate of Arts degree in Community Planning and Economic Development, equipping her with the tools to address systemic inequities at their roots. She has further strengthened her capacity to support community initiatives by earning a Professional Grant Writers Certificate from San Diego State University and completing certification in Trauma Healing Through Somatic Practices Therapy. This unique blend of personal resilience, academic preparation, and therapeutic training enables Synthia to support young people holistically as they chart their own paths toward healing, stability, and self-determination.
