2026 - 2027 INTERNS & COORDINATORS
Carlos L. (he/him)
Oceanside Intern
Carlos is a senior at El Camino High School. Born and raised in Oceanside, a coastal city home to many underprivileged and historically marginalized communities, he understands firsthand how environmental and social inequities intersect. He is passionate about amplifying the voices of minority and low-income youth who are too often excluded from conversations about climate justice. Previously, Carlos was a Student Representative on his School Site Council, a Class Vice President, and an intern with Save Oceanside Sand.
Elizabeth Thanh Tam Nguyen (she/her)
Youth Coordinator
Elizabeth is passionate about environmental and marine conservation as well as empowering the youth to take action and become leaders in their communities. She graduated with a degree in Marine Biology from UC San Diego and worked at multiple non-profit organizations as an environmental educator and youth mentor. As Youth Coordinator, she is excited to uplift the voices of youth leaders in Oceanside and Southeast San Diego and support them in their climate action projects.
Karla Y. B. (she/her)
South Bay Intern
Karla is a senior at Sweetwater High School. Born in Tijuana, Mexico; she has lived all over Southern California, primarily in Los Angeles and San Diego. Growing up in these places engrained a deep understanding of how important having access to green spaces and the diverse natural environment is; especially surrounded by a criss-cross of highways in both Los Angeles and National City. Deeply passionate about environmental, social, and justice issues; she hopes to use her role to work with her community to allow those who in the past haven’t been given the chance to have a voice to have one, and to create collective change in their very own communities through their unique perspectives and input.
Maria E. (she/her)
Youth v. Oil Intern
Maria is a senior at Hilltop High School passionate about social, environmental, and gender justice. She works to empower youth in her underserved community to engage in advocacy and civic engagement, with the goal of educating her community that they CAN make a difference and DO have a voice in decision-making. Growing up in Mexico City and following her immigration, Maria has worked to represent those most marginalized in decision-making by talking to representatives about important climate legislation that affects some more than others, leading walkouts, and leading speaking and workshop events through Youth4Climate and Youth v. Oil. Maria is excited to start a new chapter as the Youth v. Oil Intern and is eager to collaborate and work with more communities throughout the county.
McGarrah Wilson (she/her)
Youth Program Manager
McGarrah became passionate about the environment from a young age when experiencing poor air quality, polluted waterways, and lead-contaminated drinking water growing up in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Environmental Studies and has worked with youth in a variety of fields from running a leadership training program to working in youth mental health. As the Youth Program Coordinator, McGarrah activates and empowers the next generation of climate leaders and believes youth are the future of the climate movement.
Taarika S. (she/her)
Youth4Climate Intern
Taarika is a junior at Canyon Crest Academy. With Youth4Climate, she has spoken at events, been the Youth Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, served as the Speaker Coordinator for two Summits, and has been a dedicated volunteer for a couple of years. Born and raised in San Diego, Taarika cannot imagine a world without the beautiful beaches rimming the coast, the lazy lagoons where wildlife thrives, the canyons hidden between nooks of the Earth, and the stunning environment that is at the heart of her home. Taarika hopes to help preserve the beauty of her community by empowering youth to take action and have their voice heard in this fight.
2026 - 2027 Volunteer Leadership
Daryn T. (she/her)
Legislative Lead, Data Center Campaign Lead
Daryn is a junior at Canyon Crest Academy and leads Youth v. Oil’s Legislative Team. Since joining Youth v. Oil, she has been mobilizing youth around the county to make their voices heard in government. Along with other youth, Daryn has organized meetings with elected officials, created bill ideas, and gave presentations in multi-generational spaces. Daryn has a firm belief that inspiring the next generation’s wave of passionate activists will pave way for a better, greener future for all.
Diego Sandoval (he/him)
Youth Board Member
Diego joined the board in 2026 after serving as the Media Team Lead for Youth v. Oil and volunteering since 2024. He is a graduate of Eastlake High School and is double majoring in Urban Studies & Planning and Public Policy at UCSD’s Revelle College. As a young person, Diego is especially concerned about sustainability: meeting our own needs today without hurting the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In an era where over-consumption is the norm, Diego has made an oath to only buy clothes 2nd hand, while running a neighborhood composting site and teaching other youth how to do the same. Diego envisions a walkable San Diego, one where car-dependency isn’t the only option, and advocates for density and transit to see this vision through. He believes a better future begins with investing in youth today.
Miles W. (he/him)
Youth Website Editor
Miles is a freshman at Canyon Crest Academy. He started helping lead a climate action club at his elementary school in 3rd grade, and he attended his first 350.org march at the age of 4. He manages the websites of 2 non-profit organizations and enjoys being able to help not only from his computer but out in our communities. Miles joined Youth4Climate in early 2025 and is excited to continue building meaningful change with hopes of leaving a significant and positive impact on the environment, our planet, and the people on it.
Maya S. (she/her)
Youth Volunteer Coordinator
Maya is a junior at Point Loma High School. San Diego’s abundance of natural lands and parks has always been a part of her life, from beach days, swimming, to hiking and running trails, wherever and whenever. As an ongoing volunteer for cleanups on Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, San Diego River, and the Famosa Slough, she has built an interest and appreciation for nature. Maya’s goals are to expand community action and form connections with people who also share environmental passion.
Sofia C. (she/her)
Youth Board Member
Sofia joined the Board in 2026. She is a senior at Canyon Crest Academy and previously served as the Youth v. Oil Intern, leading SanDiego350’s student-driven campaign against fossil fuels. She believes the environment is a central pillar for all human rights, and works to promote a sustainable future in communities, schools, health systems, and economic systems. As she continues to work with SanDiego350, she hopes to bring creativity and further her love for policy, law, and community service.
Xavier G. (he/him)
Youth Volunteer Coordinator
Xavier is a junior at Hilltop High School and serves as a Youth Volunteer Coordinator for Youth4Climate and Youth v. Oil. He is passionate about health justice and how it intersects with climate action, recognizing that environmental issues such as pollution, extreme heat, and climate disasters can impact community health. Through his work, Xavier is dedicated to uplifting youth voices, building awareness, and advancing equitable climate solutions that protect both people and the planet. He hopes to inspire others to join the fight against climate change.