I started my journey with capoeira and ACSF as a participant in the Ray Project Free Teen program almost eleven years ago. My life needed capoeira when I found it at age 15. The RAY program ensures that Bay Area youth, like myself at the time, have access to our amazing cultural arts programs. Through participation, youth expand their perception of the world, and simultaneously develop a sense of responsibility and contribution to the local community—all while enjoying an activity that is fun, challenging and improves their health and wellbeing. I was fortunate to have been a part of that program for four years.
Once graduating from the free teen program I began to work with ACSF in the front desk position, a job that helped me to get through college while continuing to grow in capoeira.
Now, after recently graduating from UC Berkeley and returning from a six-month study in Brazil, I have a heightened awareness of the needs of the world we live in today. Because of this, I feel immense benefit being part of the administrative team at ACSF. The positive impact that ACSF has on our community makes me feel blessed to be a contributing part of the organization’s leadership.
Read Zak’s Instructor’s Bio Here