Inspire Youth Storytelling Session with Lisa Bonilla
Equity For All’s Inspire Youth Storytelling Program held its second session at the Zimmerman Boys & Girls Club, bringing together 20 students ages 10–12 to connect with real-world role models. This youth development program empowers students by linking them with professionals who share their personal journeys, helping young people build confidence, explore potential career paths, and see what is possible for their futures.
Before Lisa Bonilla began sharing her story, students participated in a starter activity where they drew their own maps of Fresno. Many students focused on the area around the Boys & Girls Club and their homes. This exercise sparked curiosity and gave students a visual way to explore their world, reflecting their current perspective and understanding of their community.
Our guest storyteller was Lisa Bonilla, a Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service. Born and raised in Fresno, Lisa overcame challenges such as moving between families, limited resources, and the fear of trying new things. Today, she maps wildfires and thrives in a career she loves — an inspiring example of perseverance, dedication, and following one’s passion.
From doing homework on the bus to mapping wildfires, Lisa’s story showed students that obstacles can become stepping stones to success.
After Lisa shared her journey, students participated in a reflection activity, identifying the characteristics they saw in Lisa and connecting them to their own experiences. This activity encouraged students to recognize positive traits they already possess, helping guide them as they think about their future education and career paths.
Lisa’s Experience as Our Storyteller
“I was invited to share my story by EFA at the Boys and Girls Club of Zimmerman in Fresno, CA. I thought I would be speaking to high school students, but to my surprise, I spoke to younger students ages 10–12. Many were excited to hear that I made maps and that I too was once a kid just trying to get my homework done on the bus ride home to play outside. It was a new and positive experience as I shared relatable stories from my childhood and school days. Overall, it made me feel gratitude, impact, and appreciation for programs like this that provide students with resources.”
Programs like Inspire Youth Storytelling are essential for youth in California’s Central Valley. By connecting students with inspiring professionals, we help them gain confidence, discover opportunities, and envision the possibilities for their future careers and personal growth.
We are grateful to Lisa Bonilla for sharing her story and to the Zimmerman Boys & Girls Club for hosting us. Together, we are creating opportunities for career readiness, educational growth, and empowering futures in California’s Central Valley.
