Meet the Team

Sofia Otero-Diaz 

Co-founder and Team Lead

Sofia Otero-Diaz (she/her) is a high school sophomore at Rochambeau, The French International School. She launched "Breaking Barriers: Expanding Language Access in Juvenile Justice" to help Spanish-speaking youth navigate the criminal justice system in Arlington, Virginia. Fluent in French and Spanish, she is exploring how language shapes justice and examining the power of words and symbols to improve access and opportunity in a court-sanctioned diversion program. The project has earned grants from the Institute for Citizens and Scholars and the Arlington Youth Philanthropy Initiative (AYPI). Sofia also serves as a youth board member with the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA) and AYPI, and sits on Arlington's county-appointed Teen Network Board. This summer, she will be continuing her work at CYFA with a formal position as Youth Specialist.

Natalia Avila

Trilingual 10th grade student at French International School pursuing the International Baccalaureate (MYP/IB) with a passion for social justice, environmental advocacy, and community service, seeking internship opportunities to grow and contribute.

Co-Founder

Valeria Rumyantseva 

Co-Founder

I am a 10th grade student at Rochambeau French International School with a multilingual and international background. I speak Russian, English, French, and Spanish, and I enjoy helping others, volunteering, and being involved in my community. Outside of school, I participate in hip-hop dance, play guitar, and have many years of experience in ballet and rhythmic gymnastics.

Layla Troch 

Co-founder

My name is Layla Troch, I am a 15-year-old student at Rochambeau, The French International School, where I am part of a diverse and international community. I am trilingual and speak English, French, and Spanish, which allows me to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Outside of academics, I am passionate about dance and enjoy expressing creativity through movement. I also like playing tennis, which has helped me develop discipline, focus, and teamwork. I enjoy staying active and continuously challenging myself both physically and personally.

Zeina Khalifeh

I am a trilingual student who speaks French, English, and Spanish. I enjoy expressing myself through both sports and creativity. In my free time, I practice Taekwondo, which has helped me build discipline and confidence, and I also enjoy making art as a way to be creative and relax.

Co-Founder