Willie L. Brown, Jr. Fellows Profiles

Placement: San Francisco Public Defender’s Office

Nyisha L. DuVal-Brown is a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. Through this fellowship, Nyisha aims to enhance her policy-writing skills by collaborating with others to find solutions to climate issues, particularly in the protection and preservation of Earth’s oceans. Her educational goals include attending Stanford Law School to study environmental law, followed by a career in politics, where she hopes to shape legislation that prioritizes environmental protection. Nyisha is passionate about inspiring future scholars of all ages to continue their education despite obstacles. She is interested in exploring a career in politics and is set to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in 2025. In her free time, Nyisha enjoys studying astrology and engaging in health and wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, and weightlifting.

Placement: San Francisco Department on the Status of Women

Layla Roten is a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Public Health with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2025. After entering the foster care system at the age of 16 and beginning her studies at SF State just a year and a half later, Layla has developed a deep commitment to advocating for system-impacted youth. Through this fellowship, she aims to enhance her professional skills and gain valuable experience working with public agencies. Layla is particularly interested in pursuing a career with a local public health department. As a first-generation student from California's Central Valley, she values education and is dedicated to setting a positive example for her younger siblings and cousins. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Layla enjoys exploring hiking trails around the Bay Area and discovering new cafes in San Francisco.

Placement: San Francisco Controller's Office- System's Division

Nathan Johnson is a transfer student from Vincennes University in Indiana and is currently majoring in Criminal Justice Studies at San Francisco State University. He is a full-time student who maintains a high GPA. Nathan joined the military in May 2012, initially stationed in Virginia, but had to return to California due to a family emergency. He was eventually stationed in California, where his military career took him to various parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. After an eleven-year career, Nathan decided to return to school and left the military in December 2023. He enrolled in classes for the spring 2024 semester and is now fully committed to his studies. Nathan is currently balancing his educational goals with his responsibilities as a Navy Reservist.

Placement: San Francisco Board of Supervisor's Office- District 10

Drew Hernandez is a San Bernardino native who will be graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Studies from San Francisco State University this fall. He recently returned from studying abroad in South Africa, where his passion for environmental issues grew even stronger. Drew is driven by a desire to improve communities, protect the planet, and advocate for change. His interests lie at the intersection of community development, science, and activism.

Placement: San Francisco Public Defender's Office

Leilah Williams, a Bay Area native, is currently a junior at San Francisco State University pursuing a BA in Sociology, with a minor in African Studies and a certificate in Pre-Law. Leilah is interested in pursuing a law degree after graduation. She has dedicated herself to helping the most at-risk and vulnerable segments of the population through her work at various non-profit organizations in the Bay Area. Leilah is also active in the community through volunteer work, her church, and the arts as a dancer and singer in local ensembles. Additionally, she is committed to feeding the homeless and making a positive impact wherever she can. Leilah hopes to use her education to be a positive force in the world. Inspired by the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu, she believes in the importance of doing "your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Placement:  San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

Belayneh Salilew is a first-generation Ethiopian who completed high school and attended university for a year before moving to the United States. Currently, he is a senior at San Francisco State University, pursuing a degree in social work. His passion for social work stems from his own experiences overcoming adversity, witnessing the power of community support, and his belief in universal equality of status, rights, and opportunities regardless of circumstances. Through this fellowship, Belayneh hopes to gain practical experience across the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work, as well as insight into the operations of the public sector. His educational goals include obtaining a social work license, deepening his understanding of social systems' complexities, and creating lasting change that empowers all individuals. He is particularly interested in exploring a career in micro, mezzo, and macro-level social work practice, and is set to graduate with his bachelor's degree in Spring 2025. Outside of his studies, Belayneh enjoys running and painting.

Placement: San Francisco Adult Probation Department

Lynn’de Lopez is a first-generation college student at San Francisco State University, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. A naturally caring person, she paused her education and career goals to focus on raising her new son. After leaving a domestic violence situation and becoming a single mother, Lynn’de is determined to provide the best life possible for her son. Through this fellowship, she aims to develop her skills within her community and gain experience in the justice system. Her educational goals include finishing school in the next few semesters and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Spring 2025. Lynn’de is interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of juveniles.

Placement: San Francisco Human Rights Commission

Roselie Roman, a San Francisco Bay-Area Native, is a first-generation college student who moved to San Diego in her adolescence. In the Spring of 2017, she earned two associate degrees at San Diego City College before transferring to San Diego State University. She later transferred to San Francisco State University as an English - Professional Writing & Rhetoric major. Roselie has diverse experience as a writer, including automotive service writing, medical correspondence, and education management.

During the Spring Semester of 2024, Roselie worked as an Assistant Preschool Teacher on campus, providing childcare for students and community members. In the Fall of 2024, she was selected as one of ten fellows for the prestigious Willie L. Brown Jr. Fellowship, which offered her an internship at The City of San Francisco government organization, The Human Rights Commission in the Department of Racial Equity.

In the Fall of 2024, Roselie applied to two graduate programs for a Master of Arts in English Composition at both San Francisco and Sacramento State University. She plans to continue pursuing community engagement opportunities and assisting students in developing professional writing skills. Roselie is an aspiring English Lecturer and Professor, as well as a Humanitarian in the making.

Placement: San Francisco Department of Public Health

Da’Janique Crosley is a junior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Sociology. Born and raised in San Francisco, she has lived her entire life in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, a low-income area where she has witnessed and experienced significant challenges over the past decade, including violence, homelessness, and drug abuse. The knowledge Da’Janique has gained at San Francisco State has inspired her to pursue a career focused on improving the overall well-being of individuals in impacted communities. She believes it is crucial for people in these communities to have someone who looks like them, understands their experiences, and can serve as a compassionate support system. Da’Janique is determined to be that support system.

Placement: San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

Jessica Stone is a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Race and Resistance Studies. Through this fellowship, she aims to develop her leadership skills, gain insight into public service, and cultivate meaningful relationships to support her career journey. Jessica plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy, with a focus on policymaking and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and loves cooking cuisine from around the world. 

Graduate Fellow Placement: San Francisco Board of Supervisors Office, District-10

Candice Branner is pursuing a Masters degree in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, where she also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, and a Minor in Africana Studies. Her journey into Public Administration was ignited by personal experiences that deeply resonate with her. Her son's diagnosis of Autism in 2018 was not only a personal challenge but also a catalyst for her pursuit of knowledge and action. Navigating the complexities of the public special education school system exposed her to the inequalities that many families face, especially in urban communities like the ones she grew up in and currently resides in. This personal journey has fueled her passion to delve deeper into the policies and governance structures that shape daily lives. She aims to equip herself with the necessary knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to the public sector. In line with this, she applied to the Willie L. Brown internship, where she hopes to gain hands-on experience and insights into the workings of the public sector. Her ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit agency dedicated to supporting families of individuals with disabilities. She aspires to pursue a career in analyzing policies for a government agency. She believes that by doing so, she can contribute to being a part of change that influences policies that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all members of society

Graduate Fellow Placement: Port of San Francisco

Alondra Mora is the proud daughter of two immigrants who moved their whole lives to the United States. As a first-generation Mexican American, she is still learning to navigate her life in a new country with her family—creating a pathway her younger siblings can follow. She has struggled her whole life with the language barrier, as her first language is Spanish. Learning the language was a massive struggle throughout school; she would fall behind because of the language barrier and it also started to affect her confidence. Although she struggled throughout school, she has learned how to manage fears, anxiety, and barriers. Her experiences have shaped her and will continue to shape her. For her bachelor's degree, she focused on Environmental Studies; the environment is a significant part of our life and will only get more critical. Throughout the four years, she also learned the importance of policy and how it goes hand in hand with the environment. The environment relies on policy because change will only be made with it. This led her to pursue a master's in Public Administration

Graduate Fellow Placement: San Francisco Board of Supervisors Office, District-10 (Completed)

Rosine Garcia is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration candidate at San Francisco State University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Hospitality Management, and a minor in Chicanx-Latinx Studies from the University of San Francisco. Her most recent experience was serving as the Site Director at the Mission Food Hub where she oversaw all Mission Food Hub staff, interns, & volunteers and was the primary communication for all community-based organization partnerships. Through her time at the Mission Food Hub, Rosine has grown a passion for helping Latino immigrants get the resources that they need to survive. Her passion lies in uplifting underserved communities and empowering them with the tools they need to succeed.

Placement: San Francisco Grants for the Arts (Completed)

Demi Vera, a Queer Afro-Puerto Rican from The Bronx, NYC, is a socially-conscious community organizer pursuing their second year in the San Francisco State University MPA program, with a focus on race and resistance. Demi's work spans facilitation, grassroots organizing, and workshop development. As a Willie Brown recipient, Demi previously served for SF Grants for the Arts, developing tools for equitable granting amongst San Francisco-run LGBTQ organizations.