“AIM leader extraordinaire, public school paraeducator and leader of the children’s ministry at her church, you will not meet a person with a bigger heart for children than Sergine Yango. Over several years of building relational power to improve the lives of children and their families at Burnt Mills, the Enclave, and White Oak, she has become a powerful voice in East County.”
—Tanushree Dutta Isaacman

Reflection from Sergine:

“I’ve been involved in AIM since 2014, when they brought the new after-school program to my son’s elementary school. When I saw what they were doing, I was really interested and I got really involved, going to meetings and giving testimony at hearings. My goal is to see things change, lives changing. I don’t like injustice. When I see something that I can change, I’m willing to work for it. 

Because of AIM, people in my community understand that they can have a voice. When families first move here to the US, they don’t know where to go or who to call for help. Now, because I’m working with AIM, people will ask me if I can help them, and I’m able to connect them to resources like enrolling their kids in afterschool programs.

AIM is not just a nonprofit organization; we are all a family. There’s no difference between those of us who speak Spanish, French, or English; if someone in AIM has a problem, I feel that problem myself. We don’t just advocate together; we are connected with strong relationships. 

In my work with AIM and the tenant association, I interact with a lot of organizations, but none can beat AIM.”