Noemi G. Soto was born in Jalisco, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 10, and was blessed with 11 siblings and two loving parents. For over 12 years Noemi has been doing social justice work in Los Angeles. Her focus has been developing and expanding opportunities for young people to exercise their leadership. Her work has included building cultural awareness and understanding amongst Black and Brown community members and helping organize a Gang Truce in the community of Watts. She supported the successful efforts to pass Bill AB540, granting undocumented youth the right to in-state tuition. Furthermore, she trained and helped place 15 young people on the Board of Directors of non-profit organizations. Noemi has organized international trips to Mexico, Russia and Brazil for young people to learn about international policy. She participated in a world wide youth conference held in Venezuela in 2005. Noemi has an Associates of Arts degree in Community Planning and Economic Development from LATTC and a Bachelor of Art degree in Urban and Environmental Policy from Occidental College. She is the co-founder and a board member of the Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), an economic development corporation creating supportive permanent affordable housing for young people coming out of the foster care system and homeless youth. She is currently working with LA CAUSA YouthBuild doing Job Placement.