Meet Our Leaders

As Student Staff with ASU College Young Life, my main priority is building genuine relationships with college students, helping them feel known and loved as they grow in their faith. The most rewarding part of this work is watching students encounter Jesus, ask hard questions, build authentic community, and take steps of faith. When I am not hanging out with Young Life, you can usually find me spending time with friends, watching movies, crafting, shopping, traveling, or exploring new food spots.

My passion for ministry stems from my youth leader, who showed me the power of authentic community. Having navigated tough times thanks to strong mentors, my focus has always been helping others feel whole, seen, and supported. As a leader, I am dedicated to lifting people up, walking beside them as they pursue their goals, and guiding them closer to Jesus. My proudest achievement is inspiring young women to embrace leadership and step outside their comfort zones to pursue their passions. ⚡ When I need to recharge or study, you'll usually find me downtown enjoying a coffee at Daydreamer, Songbird, or Matilda's.

Benjamin aka DJ Ben Jammin - DJ has worked in the A/V world for over 25 years. He has been a Younglife leader at the high school level and now at the college level. He truly believes that great audio video is a must!

Hey! I'm Boaz, and I've been a Young Life leader at ASU for the past two years. I love pretty much anything competitive—especially golf, pickleball, and whatever sport is happening that day. More than anything, I love getting to know people, doing life together, and pointing others toward Jesus. Not perfect, just redeemed.

We are Brett and Michelle! We have 58 years combined experience in Young Life (?!) Brett grew up as a club kid, was a leader for many years, and has served the ministry in various ways over the years. Michelle found Young Life in high school, moved to Arizona because of ASUYL, and has never dreamt up a future without Young Life! We have 3 amazing kids, and growing them up in this ministry is a dream come true! We are so excited to be doing ministry with you all…. for such a time as this!

Big ASU football fan, big fan of outdoor activities (especially with water), and big hater of vegetables. I work full time and love to spend free time with my wife and friends. Always down to watch movies and discuss why Christopher Nolan is electric. Excited for another year of ASU Young Life.

Aka Wassy! Played baseball in college, did grad school at ASU, and grew up in YoungLife. Now works in finance (nerd), loves golf and wants to pursue life with Jesus.

I'm a Chicago native: now a Tempe transplant. Married to Michelle for 31 years, Dad to Brooke (24) & Nate (21). Super stoked about Young Life College at ASU!!! Passionate about hiking, biking, laughing & listening…always happy when I have a racquet in my hand…ping pong, pickle ball, tennis, badminton :)

Hi I'm ellie! I'm a recent graduate from asu and now work as a pediatric emergency nurse! When I'm not at the hospital, you can find me reading, needlepointing, playing board games, or spending time with my friends! Jesus changed my life and I'm passionate about sharing that with others! I'm always down for a good coffee and can't wait to get to know you more!

Hi! I’m Faith, and I’m a sophomore nursing student at ASU. This is my second year serving with Young Life Downtown, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside college students as they grow in their faith. I’m always down to grab coffee, go on a hike, or explore new places! Feel free to reach out anytime—I can’t wait to meet you all! 💓

Hi! I'm Grace, and I'm a sophomore studying journalism at ASU. I first got involved with Young Life because I loved how it brought people together and created a place where everyone could feel welcome. As a leader, my biggest goal is to make sure every student feels seen, included, and has someone in their corner. I love staying active in the community, editing videos, hanging out with friends and exploring new things.

Being a part of the Young life family has called me up to being a better man, friend, brother and Christian. I played football in college, and I love being part of a team. I'm not a great Christian, but I'm striving to be decent. Whether you're following Jesus or not, I want to be a part of your journey and help you make the most of the college experience.

AZ living with a simple focus: Love God. Love Others. Follow Jesus. Live Simply. ✝️ Family man (Dad ×3) repping YLC ASU. In my free time, I'm mountain biking, snowboarding, BBQing, grubbing Mexican food, DJing, and listening to some good music (hip-hop, worship, reggae). GO Suns & Cards! Catch me on the trails, on campus, patio chillin' with fam & friends. 🌵🎛️ MUCH LOVE. J

Hiii I'm Jo! I'm a senior here at ASU, I study nursing at the downtown campus. I'm super passionate about traveling, coffee, little weekend trips, shopping, hiking, and bedazzling with Sedona :) I LOVE serving with asu younglife as well as younglife camps. I'd be so so happy to go grab a coffee and get to know you more!!!

Hi guys, I'm Jon a Masters student at ASU in Global Management and Law. I also graduated from ASU with an undergrad degree in supply chain management (shout out WPC). Originally from Columbus Ohio but now call Phoenix my home. Love playing Golf, watching football and hanging out with friends. My true passion is building community with those around me and to walk through life together.

I've had the blessing of being involved in Young Life for many years — as a leader, committee member, and Summer/Winter Camp staff. I've led small groups at ASU for several years, and this year I've loved jumping into weekly Club as well. I've been married to Robert, also a leader on this ASU team, for many years, and we have three kids who are now young adults. I love walking every day, hiking, and working out with my two daughters, playing cards with my family, and — of course — getting coffee with ASU YL girls. Ministry verse: John 10:10

I'm Katy—a Jesus follower, a mother, coffee enthusiast, thrift store treasure hunter, and someone who finds joy in bringing people together. My life's mission is simple: love God, love others, and serve both. I'm passionate about serving my local community, building meaningful relationships, and finding joy in the everyday moments. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me tackling a home project, reading a new book, or spending time with my husband and our dogs.

My name is Liz. I love Jesus, my husband Sam, my two little dudes and seeing people discover their identity. San Diego born and raised (take me to the beach any day) but AZ has been home for a while now (nothing beats a desert sunset). I love to cook, a good hot yoga class, dominating fantasy football leagues and watching the show Survivor. I'm daily learning how to live life to the full, and excited to walk alongside of you too.

Hey everyone! My name is Luke! I am a recent graduate from ASU with a criminal justice degree. You'll always be able to find me on the ultimate frisbee field, at the catan table, or on letterboxd rating movies. God has gotten me through some tough spots and I'd be happy to share those stories. I'm always down to hang and talk or do whatever! Can't wait to get to know you all 🤙

Hi, I'm Maranda! I'm a recent ASU graduate with a degree in Financial Planning. I've been involved with Young Life at ASU since my freshman year and have had the privilege of serving as a leader for almost 3 years now! I'm continually amazed by God's goodness and faithfulness, and I'm passionate about helping others experience His love. In my free time, you'll usually find me trying a new arts and crafts project, playing sports, reading a good book, or spending time with friends. I love meeting new people and building genuine relationships, and I'm so excited to get to know you!

There is a need for Christian mentorship for college students, lots of them move away from home and are trying to find their way in the world. Without mentorship it is very easy to stumble and even harder to get up. As a leader my focus is to help invite college aged adults to join a community that builds them up and also introduces them to having a personal relationship with Jesus. One of my favorite moments from last year was our first official club downtown, seeing how many people showed up and how much fun we had. Made me excited to continue building and diving into ministry. When I'm not working you can find me staying active whether it's in the gym or hiking or chillin downtown at a random coffee shop.

Hi! I'm Olivia, and I'm a senior at ASU studying Medical Studies with plans to become a physician assistant. I have the privilege of serving as a Young Life leader, and this summer I've also been leading high school girls at Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. Getting to walk with students as they grow in their faith has been one of the greatest joys and reminders of God's faithfulness.

Long-time Young Life leader (30 years) and awesome all-around guy. Loves Jesus and people. Loves sports esp football, golf and all around having a great time.

Robert has been a Young Life leader for many years and this is his second stint at ASU, after years leading Wyldlife and Young Life HS. He and his wife Julie have been married 28 years, have three adult kids, and have done ministry together for 30. They met in Young Life. So yeah, this thing works. His career spans 40 years in business — starting with the Phoenix Suns, through corporate leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. He's especially passionate about engaging ASU business students and bringing faith into those conversations honestly. Outside work and ministry: hiking (four trips up glaciers at Malibu Beyond), board games, and college hockey and lacrosse. His faith is simple: walk a path lit by Christ, stay out of the ditches, help others find the trail. He's here because he loves students, loves the mission, and believes the best conversations happen with humor and openness at the core.

Hi, my name is Ryan. I am a currently a sophomore majoring in Nursing. In my free-time you will see me at the sorority house, on a hike or hanging out with friends. I was introduced to Young Life last year and the connection I formed with the lord completely changed my life. I am always willing to have a chat so feel free to reach out!

Hi, I’m Sarah, a sophomore majoring in nursing at ASU! My passion for leadership grew from seeing how intentional mentors can change lives, which inspired me to become that same source of encouragement for others. As an ASU Young Life leader, my priority is building trust with students, sharing Jesus, and walking alongside them as we both grow in our faith. Watching students deepen their relationship with God is the absolute highlight of this work. Outside of Young Life, I love staying active, being outdoors, baking, shopping, trying new things, and hanging out with family and friends. I cannot wait for another amazing year!

Hi I'm Sedona! I'm a sophomore at ASU studying finance and working part time at a restaurant. When I'm not at school, work, or Younglife you can find me at the gym, baking and cooking, or on a side quest(normally involving a fun drink and sweet treat). Jesus has truly transformed my life to be better than I could have imagined and given me so much peace. I cannot wait to meet all of you and have a freaking fantastic time this school year!

ASU downtown is his homebase. Husband and father. Devoted to Jesus and the world. Loves fun, laughs a lot, plays hard and enjoys friendly competition.

Tessa has been married to her husband Garett for over 10 years & they have 3 kids, ages 3, 5, & 7. Tessa was born & raised in AZ & although she grew up in a Christian home, her faith truly became her own in her years at NAU especially in her time leading and attending Young Life. Tessa is really looking forward to connecting with girls in a small group setting to walk alongside them as they grow in their faith!