Next Gen Leader '22-23 Intern Roster

Next Gen Leader Intern Roster

What is the Next Gen Leader Program?

The Next Gen Leader (NGL) training program is a comprehensive plan designed to recruit, train and deploy qualified Young Life staff throughout the Greater Houston Region. The vision is to develop welltrained staff of color who can serve as future volunteers, committee, and full-time staff.

NGL is a two year training program for part time staff from across the South Central Young Life Division. Our staff includes collage students as well as older men and women who love Jesus and love ministering to kids. There is no age limit to participate, but all applicants must be high school graduates.

During the two years, not only do staff receive training but they also serve in a specific area. The training involves teaching them the basics of Young life, training on spirituality and theology, fundraising, and a cultural component.

CLASS OF 2023

Keno Areh Year 2

Hello, my name is Keno Areh and I have been a volunteer leader at Sharpstown High School since September of 2020. I am very excited to come aboard the NGL team and further serve students in the Southwest Houston Community as part of the team at Sharpstown High School. I have a passion for helping people in any way that I can and I can’t wait to see how God uses me as part of the NGL Program.

ennifer Chapa Year 2

My name is Jennifer Chapa and this is my second year as an intern in the NGL program. I was born and raised in Houston Texas and became involved in Young Life while in high school. I found out what a relationship with Jesus was at summer camp as a student in 2014. Young Life has been a major part of my life and I am extremely excited and grateful to be part of the NGL program and work alongside the amazing Young Life staff!

Erica Lacy Year 2

HOUSTON CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

My name is Erica Lacy and this is my second year in the NGL program. I am currently a student at Houston Baptist University where I have been serving as a Young Life volunteer leader for the past year. I have a passion for serving others and I can’t wait to continue serving alongside all the other interns in NGL.

Josue Herrera Year 2

HOUSTON CENTRAL

My name is Josue Herrera and I am a second year NGL. I moved to the United States from El Salvador in 2006. I was involved in Young Life as a student back in 2014. I met Jesus at a Young Life summer camp and since then my heart has been touched over and over about serving the Lord. I graduated from the University of St.Thomas in 2019. Since then I have been working with a non-profit organization that

connects with youth who are part of the juvenile system. I am excited to start this next year and be able to share the Gospel which is what our youth need and what can really make a change in this life and eternity. Over the next two years I am praying that God shows me the direction that he wants me to take, and gives me the strength to be willing to take it. I really can’t wait to see how God is going to work in my life during these next two years.

Jane Ibeneme Year 2

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

My name is Jane Ibeneme and am currently a student at the University of Houston majoring in Biochemistry and Minoring in Health Promotion. I am a Year Two NGL serving on the UH Campus. Since I was young, I have always had a yearning to serve and pour into others even as I have been poured into. Having the opportunity to serve on one of the most diverse campuses in the nation has presented me with the ability to acquire diverse perspectives influenced by unique backgrounds, upbringings, and cultural standards. It, likewise, provides me with the opportunity to share my testimony and how growing up in a Nigerian household has shaped my walk with God.

Jordyn King Year 2

HOUSTON SOUTH CENTRAL

My name is Jordyn King and I am a second year NGL in the Houston South Central Area. I am a University of Houston alumna and a current student at Texas Southern University. I have been serving in the WyldLife Ministry reaching out to middle schoolers since 2017

and I am so excited to continue serving a as an intern in the NGL Program. I have a passion for science and medicine particularly in how the intricacies glorify the beauty of God’s creation. I hope to one day be utilized by God to help heal people’s spiritual and physical beings. It has been such a gift to serve and I am excited for the years to come serving alongside my ministry family.

CLASS OF 2024

Alonna Mot Year 1

HOUSTON SOUTH CENTRAL

My name is Alonna Moten and I am in Year 1 of NGL (Next Gen Leaders) in the Houston, TX. I serve as a leader for Yates High School with south central, under the great Area director, Sonia. I am also an undergrad at the University of Houston! I believe God called me to share the gospel at a young age.

From being a pastors kid, to going through my own walk as a young adult and God redefining my relationship and identity in Him. I have always known I was a leader, it just so happens that now it is in YoungLife. I am proud to be part of an organization that brings Christ to the furthest.

Biodun Olateru Year 1

HOUSTON ALIEF

My Full name is Oluwatosin Olateru Olagbegi but I go by Biodun Olateru and I am a Year One NGL in the Houston, TX region. I am a graduate from Houston Baptist University with a major in Finance There I met another young life representative whom I had a great conversation with that led me into volunteering for the past two years. I am excited to see if this life of ministry is what God intends for me Mentoring, guiding, helping, serving, and teaching young kids about life and Jesus seems like the most purposeful and meaningful thing I could be doing with my life.

Zyyare Brown Year 1

HOUSTON

My name is Zyyare Brown I am a year 1 NGL intern, I am a graduate of veterans memorial high school, I lead at Houston Christian University, and I am a junior with a cinematic arts major. I believe God called me to be here because he defied all odds and helped me in every aspect of walking on and becoming a track athlete here at HCU, and while I have been here he has helped me grow in faith and build community I am in my 2nd year of being a leader here at HCU and can’t wait to see what else He has in store for me!

erica Lopez r 1

KATY WEST HOUSTON

My name is America Eileen Lopez, I am a year one NGL in the south central region. I am a graduate from Morton Ranch High School I found my calling to serve in ministry about a year and a half ago when i started to really get involved in young life as a helper at Morton Ranch young life I am currently a leader at church of the king as well as a leader at Morton Ranch High School Young life in the katy area.

Genesis Franco Year 1

My name is Genesis Franco and I am a year one Next Gen Leader (NGL) program for the heights area in Houston. I graduated from Reagan High School which is now Heights High school. I have been a part of YL since 2012 and have loved it ever since. I was a teen mom and young lives impacted my life so much, I want to make sure I help other young moms as well. I currently serve as leader at Young Lives heights high school.

Keshawn Powell Year 1

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

My name is Keshawn Powell I am a year one N.G.L serving at Texas Southern University. I am from Orlando, Florida and I am a sound tech and a disciple under Eric Flowers and Anthony. I love having the opportunity to spread the gospel and give people the chance to meet Christ the same way I did through YoungLife all while being surrounded by loving people.

Emerance Sebikali Year 1

HOUSTON ALIEF

My name is Emerance Sebikali I am a first year Next Gen Leader intern in the Alief District. I graduated from Emory University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Economics I am currently working as a substitute teacher at a local high school. Before Jesus Christ saved me, I was lost, confused, and empty. I have seen God’s grace and unconditional love in

many ways. I am beyond excited to share my testimony with the youth and allow God to use me I believe God is the only source of joy and hope, and I aspire to be His vessel.

Aaron Hughes Year 1

HOUSTON SOUTH CENTRAL

My name is Aaron Hughes and I’m twenty six years old. I serve as the head leader at Cullen Middle School in South Central Houston I have been with Younglife a total of nine years and I continue to learn. I intend to remain faithful to the overall mission of Younglife which is to bring students to Christ through creativity and transparency I enjoy football, baseball, music, poetry and sweet tea. Let’s make life as sweet as cheesecake!

Andrea Carter Year 1

HOUSTON KATY TRI-COUNTY

My name is Andrea Leite Carter, I am a first year Next Gen Leader I have been serving at the Katy high school for 3 years and this year I’ll be part time staff there. I graduated from Katy in 2015. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to serve the kids at katy in a way that I was when I was there

Derrick Jones Year 1

HOUSTON ALIEF

What’s up everyone My name is Derrick Jones Jr I am 22 years old and from Houston, Texas! I have been a part of Young Life for about 4 years now. I have volunteered at multiple camps over the years. I am really excited to be able to work at Younglife and watch how I grow in my faith journey over the next two years! LET'S DO SOME AMAZING STUFF!

Ugochi Amadi Year 1

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

Hey, my name is Ugochi Amadi. I am in my first year in the Next Gen Leader program I grew up in Arlington, Texas and currently serve at the University of Houston’s Young Life College team. I love being able to share the gospel so close to home In my free time I play the guitar, play basketball, and hang out with my friends here in Houston.

Maleena Bennett Year 1

HOUSTON CENTRAL

Hi, my name is Maleena Bennett, and I am a Year 1 NGL in the Greater Houston Region. I currently attend Houston Christian University and am majoring in Psychology! God has been calling me to ministry, specifically with high schoolers, and I currently serve as a leader for Sharpstown High School Young Life. This is my second year as a leader, and I am excited to continue my journey there.

Alumni

2022 DEL Graduates

Tamia Addison

Victor Aragon

Jacey Breedlove

Duran

Kennedy Beavers

Jeremiah Randall

Robert Reynosa

Anthony "AJ" Richardson

Angel Bocanegra

Becca Shenoda

Rocio Sidonio

Elaina Roher

Emmanuel Knansah

Bri Canjura

Alumni

Roy Barbosa

Melissa Cisneros

Tre'Von Pitts

Arielle Mcintyre

Eric Belt

Madeleine Jimenez

Jessica Peralta

Chelsea Saenz

Angela Martinez

Cristian Melendez

Jessi Prieto Luis Romero

Jefferson Aquilar

Morales

Marcus Villareal

Andi Gonzales

Daniela Huerta Lira

Diana Ruiz

Sydney Sexton

Eric Flowers II Jonathan Parker

Gabe Rojas

EJ Hernandez Maristel Cedillo Ivan Chavarria