Meet The Team

Marissa Cardwell (she/her) - mcardwell@globalcommunites.org

Technical Advisor, Positive Youth Development & Human Trafficking Prevention Programs

Marissa Cardwell began her professional experience as a Girls Only! Program facilitator, working with youth to prevent human trafficking in the community she also grew up in. Marissa found her passion in work that empower girls, after noticing that many of her childhood peers later became victimized by the sex industry and trafficking. Because of this, Marissa made it her mission to help create a “village” to mentor and support youth to take a healthier path. Marissa learned early on the importance of positive representation and engaged local community members to join the village by participating in events such as career day, clothing and school supply drives and safe school walking programs. Marissa continues to support girls and boys in her community and beyond, as the Technical Advisor for Positive Youth Development Programs at Global Communities, supporting youth-centered initiatives, globally. 

Chris Lekhrajmal (they/them) - clekhrajmal@globalcommunities.org

Program Associate, Project ROOTS

Chris Lekhrajmal is a community advocate with experience in early childhood disability support, food justice, and case management. They have experience working with a variety of age ranges, and advocating for the needs of those seeking support and services within their community. Their passion for community extends beyond their professional background as they participate in urban agricultural development programs, and assist in cultivating nurturing outdoor experiences for QTBIPOC folks in San Diego. Chris supports Project ROOTS as the Program Associate by directly implementing the ROOTS toolkit to youth in the community, encouraging creativity and youth voices, as well as creating more inclusive conversations in their groups.