Amanda Bennett

Program Associate

Amanda brings a deep personal connection to the Bay Area and to the importance of mentorship. With strong roots in South San Francisco and Pinole, Amanda experienced housing insecurity growing up and often had to adapt to new towns, schools, and environments. During those transitions, her teachers became mentors and trusted sources of support, providing her with a sense of belonging and empowerment that continues to shape her work today.

A first-generation graduate of San José State University, Amanda studied sociology, developing a strong understanding of both individual experiences and the larger systems that impact communities. She is passionate about addressing inequities and using research and community work to advocate for people who have been underserved by those systems.

As a Program Associate at Friends for Youth, Amanda is excited to contribute to a mission centered on expanding resources and opportunities for underserved youth. Her own experiences with displacement and the lasting impact of supportive mentors make Friends for Youth’s commitment to mentorship especially meaningful to her.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys connecting with her community and bringing the lessons she has learned from her own experiences into the work she does with others.