Reymundo Armendariz is the Senior Policy Associate for NCYL’s Santa Clara Youth Justice Initiative. Armendariz has been an activist and social services professional in Santa Clara County for over 24 years. He has overcome many challenges including gang violence, addiction, and discrimination to establish a successful career in the field of community organizing and youth advocacy. Armendariz is a graduate of San Jose State University and Evergreen Valley College. He has worked within the arena of juvenile justice as a youth intervention worker with the Restorative Justice Program in East San Jose through Catholic Charities Youth Empowerment Services. Armendariz has also worked with gang impacted youth in East San Jose through the Mexican American Community Service Agency Joven Nobles program. Using Rites of Passage oriented programming to deliver culturally competent service Armendariz has been able to experience success working with some of the most challenging youth at the Santa Clara County and Alameda County Juvenile Halls. Most recently he worked as the Coordinator of a Mentorship Program and mentored youth referred from the Juvenile Probation Department as well as local school districts. Armendariz still mentors young men in his community and volunteers with CARAS Project Evolve Program.