Braden Cancilla (Photo – coffeewithacause.org)
Coffee With A Cause, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering Transitional Age Youth (TAY) through workforce development and mentorship, has announced the appointment of Braden Cancilla to its Board of Directors. Cancilla, a bilingual, retired immigration attorney with over three decades of experience advocating for vulnerable communities, will lend his legal expertise and passion for social justice to help further the organization’s mission.
By News Desk
Coffee With A Cause offers paid internships and hands-on job training for youth ages 16–24 who have faced challenges such as foster care, homelessness, or involvement with the justice system. Through partnerships with local businesses across various industries—ranging from coffee to retail, landscaping, and technology—the nonprofit provides TAY participants with essential soft skills and real-world experience.
“I’m honored to use my work and life skills to help young people thrive all while enjoying a good cup of coffee that comes with a cause,” Cancilla said. “I look forward to sharing my legal and life experience to help youth overcome barriers and thrive.”
Cancilla’s appointment comes at a time when Coffee With A Cause is expanding its impact. Board Chair Andy Eaton expressed his enthusiasm about the addition, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Braden to the board. His deep expertise supporting youth and families navigating immigration and legal system challenges will be invaluable as we grow. His insight will help us strengthen our programs to better serve young people impacted by complex legal and social issues.”
Cancilla’s career has been rooted in supporting underserved populations. After retiring from his private law practice, where he represented abused, abandoned, and neglected youth seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Cancilla has continued his advocacy work. He previously worked as an immigration attorney at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and the National Immigration Law Center, providing free legal services and training nonprofit staff. Earlier in his career, Cancilla served as a paralegal at the Central American Refugee Center and taught Spanish and ESL in South Central Los Angeles.
The nonprofit also operates Rosebud Coffee in Pasadena and is preparing to open another café in Highland Park. As a social enterprise, these cafés reinvest 100% of their profits into funding the organization’s job training and mentorship programs. Powered by generous donations, grants, and community partnerships, Coffee With A Cause continues to provide essential services to youth in need.
“I’m excited for the future of the organization,” said Cancilla. “The work being done is crucial, and I look forward to contributing to its success.”
For more information on Coffee With A Cause or to support its mission, visit coffeewithacause.org.
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