Supporting Kai's Family with Memorial Costs

The TFA LA community recently lost a dear friend, team member, and leader, Kai Atticus Ybarzabal (LA '17). We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our hearts to Kai’s family and all those lucky enough to know and love him. During this time of grief, we hope you are able to prioritize compassion (towards yourself and others) and honor Kai's fiercely loving spirit.

 

Kai was a passionate advocate of equity for students and the trans community, an important member of Teach For America’s LGBTQIA2S+ community, an artist, a cat daddy, and a wonderful friend. Kai’s generosity of spirit and creativity were unmatched. He used his talents to create art, including a children’s book and had a special knack for making connections across people of all walks of life. Kai completed his undergraduate at Loyola University of New Orleans and received an MA in Urban Education at LMU School of Education. Kai taught special education for students with exceptionalities at KIPP Raíces Elementary Academy, Green Dot Ánimo Ralph Bunche High School, and DaVinci RISE High School. He helped train TFA corps members at LA Institute in 2018 and 2019 and re-joined our regional team in November, helping to further this work as our Manager of Pre-Corps Experience.

 

Just like Kai’s heart, his impact was immense. We are compiling stories, pictures, and memories of Kai from the many lives he touched and will be creating a physical memento to share with his family. If you’d like to contribute, please use this link .

 

If you’d also like to support Kai’s family please consider donating to help with the costs of the memorial his family will hold in Chalmette, Louisiana. All donations will go directly to Kai’s family. Thank you for your generosity and support.