‘SEE THE VALUE IN HAVING A VOICE’
Activist is committed to encouraging young people to make themselves heard
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.
What does it mean to you to be an American?
To be an American is to be a fighter — through verbal and creative expression. Our history is filled with stories of amazing leaders who used their voice to continue the progress of society.
We have the freedom and right to voice our concerns and needs. I encourage youth to see the value in having a voice and feeling proud to be American.
What moment touched and motivated you to launch this effort?
I’ve always been a family-oriented person.
Growing up in D.C., there was more unity, more diversity, more of a community feeling. I didn’t get that sense here.
I soon realized that youth voices were not only being ignored but rarely at the table of discussions when it came to community decision making.
I attended a youth town hall and could easily have been the youngest person in the room.
I wanted to provide an outlet and most importantly empower youth to find their voice to impact change in their community.
What gives you hope or what concerns you?
Youth taking the initiative to stand up and voice their concerns about the world around them gives me hope for the future.
What do you hope to accomplish through your efforts?
There is a gap in diversity, and it starts with youth.
I hope to empower and inspire a future generation of leaders.
I hope to influence youth to take ownership of their communities and embrace the idea of youth and adult partnerships making a community better.