Meet our new 2020-2021 Youth Advisory Board!
We are thrilled to announce the members of our 2020-2021 Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The board represents a diverse group of young people who will work with Making Caring Common to make schools and communities more just, caring, and respectful places.
As part of the YAB, students will work together to help address some of the most pressing ethical and moral issues facing young people today. Board members will provide feedback on MCC strategies and initiatives and share their perspectives on current events and issues in the media. They will also implement year-long projects to develop their leadership skills and cultivate a culture of kindness in their schools and communities.
The 24 members of the 2020-2021 Youth Advisory Board were selected from over 150 qualified candidates in grades 9-12. The YAB represents 13 states across the country as well as a diversity of backgrounds and identities. This year’s members are united by their strong commitment to empathy and promoting MCC’s mission of raising kids who care about others and the common good. We encourage you to meet our new members below!
For additional information about the Youth Advisory Board, please email yab@makingcaringcommon.org.
Name: Alex M
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Why YAB? I want to help better the world.
Something most people don’t know about me is… I love musical theater.
Name: Nina F
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Why YAB? To help make school environments more inclusive.
Something most people don’t know about me is… I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Name: Andrew S
Hometown: Fullerton, California
Why YAB? To promote a supportive atmosphere throughout the world.
Things that bring me joy include... going to museums and admiring artwork there. My favorite artists are Monet, Kandinsky, Magritte, Hockney, and Koons.
Name: Christie P
Hometown: Johns Creek, Georgia
Why YAB? To inspire lasting change on current and future generations.
Something that people don’t know about me is... My favorite animal is a duck, even though adding a "uin" to my last name spells penguin.
Name: Jonathan F
Hometown: San Pedro, CA
Why YAB? To help students learn how to be caring and kind.
My favorite songs are... "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and "Bandito" by Twenty One Pilots.
Name: Kaitlyn T
Hometown: Clayton, MO
Why YAB? Its mission to simply bring compassion and kindness to the world.
Something that reminds me of home is… the beach.
Name: Kristie M
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Why YAB? To inspire unity and kindness at such a necessary time.
Something most people don't know about me is… I'm a quadruplet!
Name: Roderick M
Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Why YAB? I aim to impact.
Something most people don't know about me is… I've been studying Chinese for four years.
Name: Zara S
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Why YAB? I hope to spread kindness and acceptance in my community.
Something most people don't know about me is… I was born in New York City and moved to San Diego when I was eight.
Name: Eric Y
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
Why YAB? To leave a positive and inclusive impact on our communities.
My favorite snack is... Crème Brûlée.
Name: Meera D
Hometown: New York, NY
Why YAB? I want to help make the world a better place.
Something most people don’t know about me is... I am the 2020 United States Youth Poet Laureate and a United Nations Global Goals Ambassador for Life on Land. I also have a passion for reading philosophy and teaching poetry to people around the globe (currently in the virtual space).
Name: Ila P
Hometown: Woodstock, GA
Why YAB? To instill compassion, kindness, and understanding among students nationwide.
Something most people don't know about me is… I play five musical instruments (the harp, piano, ukulele, drums, and violin).
Name: Sarah M
Hometown: El Cajon, CA
Why YAB? The potential to change is inspired by seeds of inspiration.
My favorite snack is… Hot Cheetos wrapped in string cheese.
Name: Ruth K
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Why YAB? To make change in my community with compassion.
Something most people don't know about me is… I was born in Mozambique.
Name: Ronald C
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Why YAB? I feel like I can help make a change.
Something that reminds me of home is… gold teeth, ramen noodles, and Kodak Black.
Name: Hasana P
Hometown: Smyrna, Delaware
Why YAB? If we cared- truly cared about each other , the world would be a better place.
My favorite songs are… All I do by Stevie Wonder, Juicy by Biggie, and Keep your head up by 2PAC.
Name: Tiago M
Hometown: Portland, OR
Why YAB? YAB enables positive change in the life of underprivileged students.
Something that reminds me of home is… Feeling safe. I associate the feeling with home, and I think home is where I feel most comfortable.
Name: Zikora A
Hometown: Elliot CIty, MD
Why YAB? To connect with like-minded young people from across the country!
Something most people don't know about me is… I'm a morning person! I don’t know what it is, but there is something so peaceful about the early morning that I would never want to miss because I’m asleep.
Name: Shiv G
Hometown: Warren, NJ
Why YAB? I joined the YAB to help make a difference!
Something that reminds me of home is... the smell of spices.
Name: Saara S
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Why YAB? "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Things that bring me joy include: Having tea and watching Gilmore Girls with my mom, singing with my show choir, autumn weather, good food, and seeing others be happy and having a good time!
Name: Nathan C
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Why YAB? In this divisive world, our young people need love.
Something that people don’t know about me is… I can wink with both eyes.
Name: Levi I
Hometown: Jackson, Florida
Why YAB? I want to change my city and show a different path and outlook for African-American youth in my neighborhood.
Something that people don’t know about me is… Learning to play Beethoven on the piano is on my bucket list.
Name: Siima M
Hometown: Leesburg, VA
Why YAB? I am passionate about making the world a better place for all people.
Something that reminds me of home is... The Japanese maple tree in front of my childhood home, my family, and east African food reminds me of home.
Name: Elizabeth P
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Why YAB? I want to help make the world a better place.
Something that reminds me of home is... For some reason, the fall season and the foliage always reminds me of home and all the great memories I have with my family.
