National Convening Program Books 2015 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 60

YEO Bios
Marita Garrett
Councilperson

Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania
As a newly elected council member, Garrett has implemented Ward
One Community Conversations, an initiative to connect and empower
residents in working together to improve neighborhoods. Garrett’s aim is
to increase civic engagement and encourage constituents to get involved
in the legislative process to ensure that their voices are being heard.
Garrett is the CEO and managing partner of Admintrinsic, which provides
administrative and community support consulting. She received a bachelor’s in psychology and a
graduate certificate in gerontology from University of Pittsburgh, as well as a master’s in counseling
psychology from Chatham University. Garrett was selected as a Jonas Salk Fellow, has been named
one of the New Pittsburgh’s Courier “Fab 40 Under 40,” and received the Rising African American
Leaders Award. She serves on the University of Pittsburgh Center for Health Equity’s Community
Research Advisory Board, and was appointed to serve as second vice chair of the executive
committee for the Congress of Neighboring Communities. @MaritaGarrett

Alex Garza

City Councilman
Taylor, Michigan
City Councilman Alex Garza serves on the Taylor, Michigan City Council.
Garza has previously worked as a legislative aide for Detroit City Council
President Charles Pugh, and for State Representative Rashida Tlaib.
Garza serves on Taylor’s downtown development authority and works as
a research and policy analyst. He most recently worked as a field director
for Organizing for America. Garza is seeking his bachelor’s degree in public
administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Briseida Gonzalez

School Board Member
Lynwood, California
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Briseida Gonzalez was elected to the Lynwood Unified School Board in
November 2011. She is the daughter of blue-collar Mexican immigrants
and was raised in the Southeast Los Angeles area. She is a graduate of the
University of California–Riverside, where she earned a bachelor’s of arts in
political science and sociology. She completed a master’s of social work at
the University of Southern California. Gonzalez’s commitment to improve
the lives of others led her to a career in early education and social work in the nonprofit sector. As a
school board member, Gonzalez is dedicated to promoting safe and nurturing learning environments
that provide students with the opportunity to develop to their maximum potential by creating a
network of support services. She takes pride in being part of the Young Parents and Pregnancy Fair,
Teen Dating Violence Awareness initiatives, and a stronger network of integrated support services.
@brisgonz