Yesennia Cervantes serves as the Southern California Regional Manager for California Justice Leaders at Impact Justice, where she provides regional leadership focused on program quality and compliance, AmeriCorps member development, and partnership building with community-based organizations supporting system-impacted young adults across Southern California.
A former California Justice Leaders alumna, Yesennia brings both professional and lived commitment to advancing prison reform, social justice, and opportunities for transition-age youth (TAY). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton and holds an Associate of Arts degree in Administration of Justice.
Before joining Impact Justice, Yesennia served in leadership roles with organizations including Covenant House and Job Corps, where she worked extensively with at-risk and system-impacted young adults. Her experience as a residential manager and senior manager has centered on trauma-informed care, youth development, housing stability, and empowering young people navigating complex systems.
Yesennia is deeply passionate about creating pathways to healing, leadership, and long-term success for historically marginalized communities, and she remains committed to building equitable systems rooted in dignity, accountability, and restorative justice.