Meet Nathan Cabrera (he/him), an 11th grader at the Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA) at Roosevelt and a member of Partnership’s Policy Advisory Board. We connected to talk about his journey as a changemaker and his participation in our Advocacy Days. Read more below.

Nathan’s advocacy journey began in ninth grade when InnerCity Struggle (ICS)—one of Partnership’s core advocacy partners—invited him to join their coordinating committee. He learned how students can take action by canvassing, speaking at school board meetings, and reviewing local policies. Beyond the skills he learned, Nathan appreciated the friendships and connections he built with peers from across Los Angeles.

“I started with ICS and am still participating. Then I joined the YMCA, the Partnership, and others,” he said. “These organizations are all connected in some way—they’re about bringing communities together and solving problems.”

The leadership skills Nathan gained through advocacy inspired him to give back in other ways—like tutoring. He and his friends now run a math support program at their local YMCA, believing that real change starts with simply showing up. “Being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers,” he said. “It’s about helping others and knowing that change takes time and teamwork.”

Nathan’s commitment to equity and uplifting others led him to join the Policy Advisory Board, where he helps inform Partnership’s work and elevate student voices. This school year, as a board member, he returned to Sacramento for Advocacy Days—Partnership’s annual trip, where students, families, educators, and community partners meet directly with lawmakers to champion equity in education. The group of over 30 members prioritized advocacy for equity-centered programming and hiring, expanded Golden State Teacher Grant funding, more literacy and math coaches, and stronger protections for immigrants in schools.

He eagerly advocated for the Golden State Teacher Grant, which would allocate $50 million in the 2025-26 school year to support the recruitment, training, and retention of teachers in high-need schools. “If we want more teachers in our schools, we need programs like this to support them and help them stay,” he said.

Nathan hopes one message sticks with the leaders he meets: students want change—not just for themselves, but for future generations. “I want the next group to enjoy school even more than I did and to have what I didn’t.”

Nathan’s favorite part was speaking directly with legislators and staff—right where laws are introduced, debated, and passed. He was also excited to connect with others who share his passion for advocacy, practice his storytelling, and tour Sacramento.

Learn more about our 2025 priorities here.