A speech by Kevin Cauich Tejero & Mya Burrell delivered to a crowd of 208 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on April 16th. They shared their personal journey and how Enterprise has impacted their lives.

“It doesn’t matter how far your dreams might seem. If you’re surrounded by the right people, by the right mentors, and you work hard, everything becomes possible.”

— Kevin Cauich Tejero

My name is Kevin Cauich Tejero, and I'm a program associate at Enterprise for Youth. But my journey here didn't start in this role. It started as an intern in this very program.

As a child, I never imagined that immigrating to America would be possible. At the age of eight, I started picking fruit alongside my single mother to support our family. In 2013, at the age of 12 and chasing more opportunities, I came to this country from Mexico, with nothing but a deep eagerness to have a better future.

Just a few years later, in 2016, I joined Enterprise for Youth as an intern in the Climate Fairy Corps at Buena Vista Park. I also went through the job training. Here I learned many practical skills such as how to write a resume, how to ace an interview, and how to improve my English.

But what stayed with me was something much bigger than that. I learned that it doesn't matter how far your dreams might seem. If you're surrounded by the right people, by the right mentors, and you work hard, everything becomes possible. That's when I understood something I had only heard about before. I understood the true meaning of the American dream. And here I stand because of that.

Because of this first experience, I kept coming back summer after summer, doing different internships such as Career Spark with Salesforce or interning at UCSF. I became a program assistant, then a job coach, and in 2024 a program associate. I also graduated magna cum laude from San Francisco State University. I built a path I once couldn't even imagine. But the most meaningful part of my journey is not what I achieved. It's what I get to do now.

Today, I have the immense privilege of giving that same opportunity, that same dream, to the next generation of young people. And part of that work, along with Carlo, has been helping create the first Spanish-speaking cohort for newcomer immigrant students. Students who, just like me, arrived in this country with a lot of potential but needed guidance, access, and someone who believed in them. And some of those youth are here with us tonight, sharing that same background as me and that same dream as me. They're newcomers: Jeremy, Elie, Kimberly, Catherine, and Stephanie. I'm so proud of you. Thank you for continuing to carry and share the mission of Enterprise for Youth.

And to all of you here tonight, none of this would be possible without you. Your support is not just a donation. It is a chance, and it is a door. It is someone's first moment of believing, “maybe I can do this too,” regardless of where they come from. So tonight is a celebration of impact, of community, and what we can continue to build together. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for believing in them. And thank you for making the American dream real again. Thank you. -Kevin Cauich Tejero, Staff Speaker at Heroes at Work- April 16, 2026

“And I stand here today as a direct reflection of what’s possible when young people are supported, when they’re seen, and given access to opportunity.”

— Mya Burrell

My name is Mya Burrell, and I am a program manager here at Enterprise for Youth. Tonight is especially meaningful to me as it's my first Heroes at Work, and I get to spend it in a room filled with people who are so deeply committed to opening the doors for the next generation.

I joined Enterprise for Youth last summer, and as I approach my one-year anniversary, I find myself reflecting on just how much I have learned, not only about this work, but about purpose, opportunity, and what it truly means to show up for young people.

I immigrated to the United States from Jamaica when I was just 10 years old. And I stand here today as a direct reflection of what's possible when young people are supported, when they're seen, and given access to opportunity. Programs like Enterprise for Youth played a pivotal role in my journey. Because of the adults in my life, those who recognized my potential, nurtured it, and created space for me to grow, I was able to attend college, intern on Capitol Hill, and navigate spaces that once felt out of reach.

But my story is not unique in this room, and that's exactly the point. What we see here tonight is what happens when our community shows up and we allow investment to meet potential. We get to change lives. From a small girl on a small island to now having the privilege of being an agent of change in the lives of young people, it is an honor I carry with deep gratitude.

Every day with our team is about ensuring that every young person we serve can see themselves in futures they may not have imagined otherwise. Being able to work along such passionate and dedicated individuals and to directly support the growth and development of our youth is a privilege. While tonight offers just a glimpse into the impact of our work, I hope you leave feeling inspired by what's possible when we come together with intention and with purpose. Thank you for your continued belief in our mission and for standing with us as we invest in the limitless potential of young people. -Mya Burrell, Staff Speaker at Heroes at Work- April 16, 2026

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