HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM BAY AREA
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Sonemani Bitna (they/them)
High School Mentor (Senior Program Associate)
Where are you from? Memphis TN
What brought you to Summer Search? I love 1:1 youth mentorship, I also saw myself in this program and wanted to be a part of the work that they do in getting folks outside and providing enriching summer experiences.
What do you like to do in your free time? Fight! BJJ, jujitsu and MMA. I also love to be outdoors and explore new places. I particularly love summitting high peaks. I also really love kickin it with my chosen family and friends! (Even if it's through zoom!)
Share a fun fact about yourself! I ran 3 marathons and 1 was international in Bangkok, Thailand.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love the opportunity to co-create spaces together and support Summer Searchers in gaining ever expanding opportunities to grow into themselves.
510-601-2134
Jen Tribbet (any)
High School Mentor (Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? All Over. The Midwest and the Atlanta Metropolitan area mainly.
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? When Whitney Houston said, "I believe children are our future," in her hit song Greatest Love of All, I felt that deeply and I committed to working with the young people who would be shaping the future with their contributions. What keeps me here is having built a sense of community with students, staff, parents, and even donors.
What do you like to do in your free time? So much. Mostly my life revolves around my dog Xikkon. Outside of being a dog caretaker, I'm an avid anime and manga fan, hobby sewist, and amateur home cook. I also really like to talk about being anti-capitalist with anyone who is willing to dream of solutions to societal ills outside of the motivation of making a profit.
Share a fun fact about yourself: I once wrote for National Public Radio (NPR) and 14 million people heard my voice, which I think is kinda neat.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? They're finding out every day who it is they want to be in the world and putting actions behind their dreams and aspirations. They're open to growing, expanding their views, and maturing in ways that are true to themselves.
510-601-2158
Lesly Henriquez (she/her)
High School Mentor (Program Associate)
Where are you from? Born in El Salvador, grew up in Novato, CA.What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? I am a Summer Search alumni myself! This organization and my mentor, (who is now my co-worker and friend) had a big impact in my growth as a student but also as an individual. I hope I can have a similar impact on my own students. I'm also fascinated by how much this generation has to offer and am eager to learn and grow from interacting with you all. What do you like to do in your free time? I love to hangout with my family and watch my nephews slowly grow up, dance at bailes or raves with friends, or simply sit at views and listen to music.Share a fun fact about yourself: I love to shuffle playing cards and know a magic trick or two(:Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Because of their openness to learn, not just about themselves, but of the world and everything it has to offer. The optimism and willingness to be in uncomfortable situations to come out as more well-rounded individuals.
510-601-2140
Carly Solberg (she/he/they)
High School Mentor (Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? Napa, CA (just north of the Bay)
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? I really wish I had a cool adult checking in on me in high school... someone I could talk to about my friends, my family, and my inner thoughts. I love getting to know so much about my students-- like what makes them laugh, what makes them frustrated, and what gets them excited.
What do you like to do in your free time? You can usually find me going down random rabbit holes on YouTube for hours. If I'm not on YouTube, I'm probably riding my bike around Oakland or playing with my two cats, Tino and Vinny. I also just started indoor rock climbing, so I've been kind of obsessing over that lately, lol
Share a fun fact about yourself! I have a tattoo of a baguette on my wrist because I love eating bread so much :)
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love our Summer Searchers because y'all always inspire me to be a better person in my own life! And y'all make me laugh so much.
707-774-8188
Julia Barbano (she/her)
High School Mentor (Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? I was born in New Mexico but have spent the majority of my life in California.
What brought you to Summer Search? What keeps you here? I’ve always loved working with and hanging out with our youth. They’ve got the best ideas, have a fearlessness about them and are fresh in their way of thinking. Being a Mentor gives me the opportunity to have thoughtful conversations with these awesome humans as we share and grow together. I love it!
What do you like to do in your free time? Anything that brings me joy! That often involves some combination of nature, friends, family, music, food and chillin out. Some of my favorites; starfishing in my bed until late morning and swimming in tropical water.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Because they are learning about who they are and who they want to be…just like me!
510-601-2150
Liz Carey (she/her)
High School Mentor (Senior Program Associate)
Where are you from? I was born in foggy San Francisco and grew up living in Japan, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
What brought you to Summer Search? or What keeps you here? Instead of teaching youth to build ships, I believe it is more valuable to share a love for our oceans. I love the way Summer Search promotes diversity and access in outdoor spaces in ways that are culturally responsive, inclusive to our youth, and honor their personal values and decisions. I hope to instill confidence and provide support to Summer Searchers as they navigate their own sense of self and belonging in the outdoors.
What do you like to do in your free time? I am most happy exploring nature, eating snacks, and sharing moments of rest with friends.
Share a fun fact about yourself! One of my favorite pastimes is meandering through the aisles of Costco, trying samples, and sharing reviews. I never leave without a churro!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love learning from youth and am ever inspired by their openness to try new things, follow curiosities, and find new passions in their own unique ways.
510-601-2156
Zavi Smith (she/her)
Senior High School Program Manager
Where are you from?
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Share a fun fact about yourself!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
510-601-2157