Joshua Rudy Ochoa (March 2024)

Joshua is a 24 year old bisexual/queer Gen Zer, and multiracial renter. Joshua was born in Orange County, CA to a working class, single-mom household. His mom raised both Joshua and his older brother while working full-time as a public school educator and union leader. Joshua’s family struggled in the midst of teachers’ salary cuts and an affordable housing crisis during the Great Recession. Through these challenging times, Joshua began turning his frustration into civic engagement and political advocacy.

Joshua studied Political Science and Urban Studies & Planning at San Francisco State University. He became an activist fighting on behalf of students in student government by expanding the Gator Transit Pass, leading the volunteer effort during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, registering 1650+ students to vote in November 2020 election, divesting the SFSU Foundation from fossil fuels, and raising the campus minimum wage from $12.50/hr to $15/hr.

Joshua has been deeply involved in political organizing and leadership roles in the Harvey Milk LGBTQ+ Club, SF Young Democrats, SF Berniecrats, Pueblo Unido, and the California Young Democrats. Joshua’s efforts have been focused on getting young people engaged in politics, campaigning for progressive candidates and ballot measures, and fighting to address the issues affecting working people in San Francisco and across California.

Joshua currently serves as the Community Partnership Specialist for the San Francisco Youth Commission where he helps uplift young advocates to create positive change here in the City. Joshua currently lives in Duboce Triangle with his boyfriend Allan, and their pets Skittles and Becky.