My Why: IYT’s bold vision to create transformative opportunities for young men of color is unmatched. I am honored to lead this work in Sacramento and look forward to strengthening our partnerships, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that every IYT brother has the support to thrive.
Partner Spotlight
Executive Director Ray Green, Marcelina Zamora, Vice Principal Foothill Ranch Middle School, Aijah Supuni, IYT Program Manager and Jordan Bell, IYT Program Director)
I want to recognize Marcelina Zamora, vice principal of Foothill Ranch Middle School. VP Zamora, only in her second year as VP, has consistently championed partnership with IYT, finding creative ways to include IYT not only as a program on campus but also as a part of the vision for the brothers’ success at her school site.
Recently, during a partnership meeting, we discussed the power of presence. Power of presence not just inside the classroom but outside and throughout the vision of the campus culture, including Foothill staff and administration. As we shared our values and vision for the upcoming school year, she began to shed tears of joy and expressed gratitude for “like-minded partnerships.” It is partnerships like this that understand belief in boys and young men of color goes beyond words; it must be felt, implemented, and embedded throughout the school infrastructure. VP Zamora understands this. We look forward to partnering with more schools that believe the same.
Workshops
Brothers at Mills Middle School participate in creating masterful artwork depicting their futures towards higher education and beyond.
To creatively cap off the semester, our final IYT workshop invited brothers at Mills Middle School to paint their collegiate dreams! Each student received a mini canvas and paints, diving into research to depict the full mascot—not just the logo—of their dream college, using its vibrant official colors. The aim was for the brothers to create a personal, artistic representation of their future aspirations, a mascot to inspire them on their journey towards higher education. The atmosphere was buzzing with creativity and school spirit, as brothers had a blast bringing their mascots to life and engaging in spirited, friendly debates about their chosen institutions. These mini masterpieces now serve as colorful reminders of their ambitions!
Special Occasions & Event Recaps
Brothers of Sankofa event taking place at the Guild Theatre.
In June 2025, our Brothers of Sankofa wellness program held their culminating end-of-year event and celebrated the 108 students served during the 2024-2025 school year. Brothers of Sankofa is an IYT program to provide intentional mental and emotional wellness for our Black-identifying/African-American students and families in a proactive way.
This year's celebration was held at The Guild theatre and allowed participants to explore their heartfelt journeys and accomplishments and share empowering words. Sessions during the day highlighted workshops on mental health, positive relationships, the power of brotherhood, and culturally based rooted healing practices like nature, arts, and spoken word, along with access to mental health providers as needed. IYT believes in the power of our journey, and when one brother is hurting, we all suffer. Brothers of Sankofa uplifts and equips our brothers to understand themselves, their history, and their healing as they strive to pursue higher education. Thanks to the Community Responsive Wellness Program managed by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation.
Brother of the Month
Varney Naeem Parker
12th Grade
This year, we celebrated over thirty-seven (37) Sacramento-based graduation ceremonies across middle and high school! This is the time we acknowledge, honor, and celebrate our IYT brothers who graduated in the class of 2025.
We call special attention to celebrate Varney Naeem Parker of Mira Loma High School. Naeem has always been one of our most dedicated scholars in IYT, and since the seventh grade, he has never received a grade lower than a B-. And now, he has been accepted to and will be attending San Diego State University in the fall to pursue a degree in computer science! We are so proud of Naeem.
Seniors who graduated from Mira Loma High School pose with IYT program staff (Left to right: David Archuleta, Mentor Jay Williams, Christopher Borders, Vincent Joaquin, Mentor Aniqua Anderson, Alijah Kilgore, Donald Lett Jr, Program Manager Pete Guerrero, Naeem Parker, Jacob Nguyen, and Alexa Cendejas. Simon Tokailagi and John Ramirez not pictured.
This is proof that with powerful partnership, consistent mentorship, and supportive services, our young men of color can achieve great things. This accomplishment is a pivotal step in the right direction as they continue to pursue their passions/interests and make their dreams a reality.
Grant Announcements
TLT Grant for Mentorship in Light of AmeriCorps Termination/Dodge Attacks
In June 2025, Sacramento County awarded IYT with the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Grant of $25,000 to support our signature College Academy (CA) program offered at two high schools, including Arden Middle School (AMS) and Encina Preparatory High School (EHS). This grant will enable IYT to expand the provision of in-depth academic support, intensive peer mentorship, and college & career advising to underserved and underperforming students.
It is difficult to be certain in times of uncertainty in light of what IYT has faced this year, but one thing is for sure: with partnerships like this and others, our brothers will continually be served and succeed. Thank you.
Upcoming Events
Sponsor IYT’s Sneaker Ball – Reserve Your Table Today!
Join us for one of the most fun and impactful nights of the year—IYT’s Sneaker Ball Fundraising Gala on November 8 in Sacramento! As a sponsor, you’ll receive premium recognition and a table for 8 at this unforgettable black-tie & sneakers gala featuring dinner, live entertainment, and powerful stories of impact.
Your sponsorship helps build brighter futures for thousands of young men of color in Sacramento striving toward their college dreams.
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