Introducing the 2018-19 Youth Advisory Board
We are thrilled to announce the new members of our 2018-2019 Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The board represents a diverse group of young people who will work with Making Caring Common this academic year to make schools and communities more just, caring, and respectful places.
As part of YAB, students will collaborate with one another to help address some of the most pressing ethical and moral issues facing young people today. Board members will provide feedback on Making Caring Common 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 25 members of the 2018-2019 board were selected from a pool of more than 220 applicants in grades 9-12 in the United States. The board represents 19 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. Our members include:
Anne K.
Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia
Something most people don’t know about me is… I beekeep!
Ariel M.
Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut
Why YAB? A unique opportunity to learn and contribute with innovative students.
Something most people don’t know about me is… I live on a farm in a small town in Connecticut. All our animals are rescue animals, and at one point we even had two peacocks named Apollo and Zeus!
Ayanna C.
Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin
Why YAB? Help bring change together as young leaders
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... Hanging out with family and friends, on the track working out, or at my church playing drums.
Bianca M.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Why YAB? To promote values of kindness, inclusion, and justice in communities.
Something that reminds me of home is... The warmth and love of my family and the squawking of my parrot named Kee Wee.
Brandon G.
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Why YAB? To create change giving future generations opportunities I never had.
Something that reminds me of home is… My mom’s cooking.
Ella C.
Hometown: Yarmouth, Maine
Why YAB? To inspire others to be inclusive, making change in communities.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me… Creating art, making music, playing soccer, spending time with my brothers and friends!
Emmalyn K.
Hometown: Stevenson Ranch, CA
Why YAB? In today’s climate, social action is more important than ever.
Something most people don't know about me is… I built a giant DIY slip ‘n’ slide in the middle of the Imperial Sand Dunes and then got caught in a sandstorm.
Esperanza L.
Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota
Why YAB? To spread hope and wellness among youth.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... Practicing violin or watching Jeopardy!
Jannessa Y.
Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island
Why YAB? Respect, kindness, empathy, and care is really important in society.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me… Reading a good book.
Jordan C.
Hometown: Trabuco Canyon, California
Why YAB? To create a positive social environment that enhances education.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me… Playing in the school marching band and orchestra, baking, and hanging out with friends and family.
Jose V.
Hometown: Taylorsville, Utah
Why YAB? I want to enrich, better, and impact my community.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me… Watching YouTube videos or watching the NBA.
Katie K.
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Why YAB? Because I'm done watching my friends throw themselves into an exhausting college admissions arms race.
Something most people don't know about me is... I can shove exactly 18 grapes in my mouth!
Lilia B.
Hometown: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Why YAB? Cultivate kindness amongst the youth to unite a diverse society.
Something most people don't know about me is… I love to read! I can sit a read a book in a day and love every minute.
Mahadevan S.
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Why YAB? Everyone deserves acceptance for who they are, not how they look.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... Listening to music or reading a fantasy, dystopian, or historical fiction novel.
Matthew R.
Hometown: Chittenango, New York
Why YAB? To strengthen communities through kindness, caring, and empowering others.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me… At the YMCA volunteering, writing legislation for Youth and Government, participating in Leader’s Club, playing chess, or on the tennis court.
Maya M.
Hometown: Princeton Junction, New Jersey
Why YAB? I want to teach students the importance of mental well-being.
Something that reminds me of home is... The huge pine tree in my backyard that I climb almost every day.
Melanie C.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Why YAB? To instill values such as passion and kindness in high school students.
Something most people don't know about me is… I love watching documentaries about cultures and societies.
Melina B.
Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts
Why YAB? Bring a smile to every kid! :) Create, inspire youth, and speak out!
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... Songwriting! I always am thinking up new lyrics or humming a new melody, and I believe that music is such a beautiful and powerful form of expression. My notes are filled to the brim with poetry, song ideas, and chords, and my music is such a big part of who I am.
Muhammad J.
Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas
Why YAB? To develop and execute adoptable kindness programs for today’s youth.
Something most people don't know about me is... I have lived in three different countries and experienced beauties of each culture.
Nicholas B.
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Why YAB? I feel I have a lot of ideas that would make the world a kind place.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... At work or doing community work.
Phanisree A.
Hometown: Plainsboro, New Jersey
Why YAB? To be able to passionately advocate for caring school communities.
Something that reminds me of home is... Seeing a laughing family because home is where my family laughs and spreads happiness the most.
Rene G.
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
Sam W.
Hometown: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Why YAB? Everyone deserves kindness, and I want to help that happen.
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... Rock-climbing or throwing pots.
Thuan T.
Hometown: Chamblee, Georgia
Why YAB? To propel issues of queer youth onto the national spotlight.
Something most people don't know about me is… I spent a summer backpacking through southeast Asia (6 countries!) for less than $1000.
Zaporah P.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Why YAB? It's all about making an impact in education!
When I'm not doing school work you can find me... Giving tours to prospective students of my high school.
