Meet our 2021-2022 Youth Advisory Board!
We are thrilled to announce the members of our 2021-2022 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 34 members of the 2021-2022 Youth Advisory Board were selected from over 190 qualified candidates in grades 9-12. The YAB represents 17 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!
Name: Aiden W
Goes to school in: Lakeville, Connecticut
Why YAB? To spread the word of kindness and share personal stories
Something most people don’t know about me is… I can stack 5 dice using an empty Pringles can.
Name: Alex Z
Goes to school in: Cupertino, California
Why YAB? To be the change in making more inclusive schools.
Something that brings me joy... Going on walks in my neighborhood, watching Netflix, and hanging out with my friends.
Name: Anaiya P
Goes to school in: Paradise Valley, Arizona
Why YAB? Prevent kids from going through what I experienced in school.
Something that people don’t know about me is... I have a very strong dislike for squash and beets. Not sure why!
Name: Anirudh B
Goes to school in: Missouri City, Texas
Why YAB? I hope to make students around the country more compassionate.
My favorite songs are… All of Me by John Legend, Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur, and God's Plan by Drake.
Name: Aribah A
Goes to school in: Tallahassee, Florida
Why YAB? I want to help the world become kinder for everyone.
Something that reminds me of home is… the sound of chirping birds.
Name: Avani G
Goes to school in: Austin, Texas
Why YAB? Because I want to make all schools a safe space.
Something most people don't know about me is… I’ve done Tae Kwon Do since I was five years old (with a bit of a gap).
Name: Chloe M
Goes to school in: Largo, Maryland
Why YAB? Caring deserves to be common amongst all youth.
Something most people don't know about me is… In 5th grade, I had an assignment to recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish. I still have the entire pledge memorized.
Name: Colin K
Goes to school in: Mustang, Oklahoma
Why YAB? I want to do my part in changing the world.
Something most people don't know about me is… I'm a pilot!
Name: Dalex Z
Goes to school in: San Antonio, Texas
Why YAB? To listen and share different perspectives on being kind.
My favorite snack is... Fruit with Chile and Lime.
Name: Daniel G
Goes to school in: Portland, Oregon
Why YAB? I want to collaborate with others to spread empathy.
My favorite songs are… Through the Night and Lilac by IU, Boo'd Up by Ella Mai.
Name: Denia S
Goes to school in: Skillman, New Jersey
Why YAB? To ensure that schools are equitable and inclusive for all.
Something most people don't know about me is... I love to roller skate in my free time!
Name: Dev P
Goes to school in: Edison, New Jersey
Why YAB? To amplify respect and kindness in the world.
My favorite snack is…chocolate chip muffins.
Name: Eliana L-V
Goes to school in: Los Angeles, California
Why YAB? I like collaborative work that makes a difference.
Something most people don't know about me is... I like online puzzles, reality TV, and crocheting in that order.
Name: Emily W
Goes to school in: Middletown, Delaware
Why YAB? To create space for compassion, understanding, and authenticity.
Something that reminds me of home is… sandalwood incense.
Name: Jadyn L-J
Goes to school in: Denver, Colorado
Why YAB? Because YAB is an opportunity to create positive change.
Something most people don’t know about me is… I love to write.
Name: Jett James P
Goes to school in: Orlando, Florida
Why YAB? To help my generation discover the collective power of compassion.
Something that reminds me of home is… The bright lights and cheerful sounds of the holiday season in New York City. I loved growing up in Manhattan. It will always be a part of me.
Name: Jocelyn G
Goes to school in: Mamaroneck, New York
Why YAB? To make schools more inclusive and compassionate.
Something that reminds me of home is… My mother's Japanese cooking.
Name: Karen D
Goes to school in: Frisco, Texas
Why YAB? To empower students in underprivileged and low-resourced classrooms.
Something most people don't know about me is… I started a vertical hydroponics growing system at a local food bank to help provide families with fresh, low-cost produce all year long.
Name: Kathleen M
Goes to school in: Carmel Valley, California
Why YAB? Making the world a better place through kindness and positivity.
Something that reminds me of home is... tiny, local coffee shops
Name: Kaylin I
Goes to school in: San Diego, California
Why YAB? YAB encapsulates the love for our beautifully diverse communities.
My favorite snack is… Mott’s Applesauce and Mott’s Fruit Snacks remind me of both my volleyball team and youth group. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like Mott’s Fruit Snacks.
Name: Khadeeja A
Goes to school in: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Why YAB? To encourage kindness/empathy for a more just and peaceful world.
Something that people don’t know about me is… My last name is Urdu for "Aristotle," and I happen to love philosophy.
Name: Meghana N
Goes to school in: Nixa, Missouri
Why YAB? Working with youth to make schools kinder and safer.
Some of my favorite songs are… anything that Taylor Swift releases.
Name: Mia P
Goes to school in: Andover, Massachusetts
Why YAB? To make a positive impact in my community!
Something that most people don’t know about me is… Although I can’t act or sing, I love musical theatre. Hamilton is my favorite Broadway show!
Name: Natalie G
Goes to school in: West Hartford, Connecticut
Why YAB? As a part of the YAB, I can use my voice and my experiences to help advocate for my peers.
Something that people don’t know about me is… I enjoy taking hikes and exploring new places.
Name: Nia A
Goes to school in: Jacksonville, Florida
Why YAB? Helping people become more empathetic.
Something that brings me joy… Listening to music while playing solitaire.
Name: Claire W
Goes to school in: Los Angeles, California
Why YAB? Help first-generation immigrant youth adjust to the US culture.
Something that brings me joy… I love taking photos and sharing them with people. It is a joy to see friends and family members enjoy my photos.
Name: Pravneet C
Goes to school in: Glendale, Arizona
Why YAB? It is spreading a good cause throughout the world.
Something most people don’t know about me is… I run a non for profit called Project Smile AZ.
Name: Preston L
Goes to school in: Falls Church City, Virginia
Why YAB? I want to empower and promote minority voices.
Something that reminds me of home is... The aroma of steaming hot rice coming from my kitchen.
Name: Rhea R
Goes to school in: Apple Valley, Minnesota
Why YAB? I want to promote diversity and inclusivity in all US schools.
Something that brings me joy… Spending time with my family.
Name: Sarah T
Goes to school in: Rosemont, Pennsylvania
Why YAB? Kindness, generosity, and compassion matter. YAB seeks to uplift these principles.
Something that reminds me of home is... the smell of brewing coffee.
Name: Sofia B
Goes to school in: Calabasas, California
Why YAB? The ability to prevent bullying by advocating for underrepresented individuals.
Something that most people don’t know about me is... I once read all of the Harry Potter books in a single week
Name: Solene D
Goes to school in: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Why YAB? To help spread equality and acceptance.
Something that most people don’t know about me is… I was born in Paris!
Name: Yoojin J
Goes to school in: Santa Ana, California
Why YAB? It's a powerful platform through which I can counteract stereotypes.
What brings me joy… archery, swimming, music, spending time with family and friends
Name: Yousra E
Hometown: Falls Church, Virginia
Why YAB? To help foster a community of kindness and equity in schools
Something that reminds me of home is… Afternoon sunlight, maple trees and Sudanese coffee