Merced Velez, Advot Alum

On September 24th 2014, Merced Velez celebrated her 15th birthday in jail. Incarcerated at Camp Kenyon Scudder, Merced struggled to advocate for herself effectively. Advot’s workshops during her detention provided Merced with a path forward.

“Ending up in jail could have made my life really tough, but joining the Advot program changed everything,” Merced said. “Advot helped me see that I could do great things and even go to college.” 

Released early for good behavior, Merced eagerly embraced Advot’s programming, finding the alumni programs, plays, and gatherings an important support system and way to stay connected. Advot was her anchor, empowering her with the life skills to pursue her big dreams. “We did lots of activities that made me better understand others and solve problems without getting upset.” 

Throughout high school, Merced continued to use Advot’s communication tools to advocate for herself and her family, especially as they navigated turbulent times. In 2016, she graduated surrounded by a dozen members of her Advot family. 

“The program also showed me how to keep learning and growing, so I could have a good future. Thanks to this program, I started believing in myself and worked hard to get to college. It really helped me turn my life around and aim for big dreams.”

Her voice is her power: Today, Merced works in a law firm in Los Angeles and is on track to graduate from Cal State Pomona next year. Her time with Advot instilled in her the belief that her voice matters and the knowledge that she holds the power to shape her destiny.