The next generation of leaders
We are so excited to introduce our newest class of Greenhouse Scholars. The Class of 2028 is comprised of 32 Scholars from California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina. These Scholars represent rural and urban communities, high levels of academic rigor, proven leadership, accountability, relentlessness, and a desire to create positive generational change through impact.
California
Mia Moore-Walker
Create an environment where all organisms can coexist and thrive.
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University of Southern California, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology/ Dramatic Arts
Flintridge Preparatory School (Glendale)
Mia will never back down from a challenge no matter how large. Her perseverance and determination pushed her to excel academically, despite the challenges that come with Dyscalculia. She sees the world as her lab, and she is the head scientist. Her curiosity and passion for conservation inspired her to start the Environmental Conservation Organization Club, where she secured grant funding to build a community garden that made healthy food accessible at school. Mia genuinely wants to change the world and has the right mindset to do it. After her tenure at the University of Southern California, she’s set her sights on earning a PhD to put her conservation knowledge into action. In her free time, Mia enjoys exploring the performing arts through acting, dancing, and directing live theater.
Leadership:
- LA City Zoo, Intern Mentor
- STEAM CODERS, Assistant Teacher
- Jelly Lab, Head Research Mentor
Natalia Lopez
Encouraging youth in STEM and pushing the boundaries of spacecraft.
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Harvard University, Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace-focused)
San Dimas High School (Eastvale)
The first in her family heading to a 4-year university, Natalia’s family didn’t have the privilege of accessible education in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The Co-Founder of STEMing Youth, Natalia has dedicated her talents to immersing underrepresented children in STEM. Recognized for her work on AI and space travel, her success is a source of inspiration in the Latinx community. Her story challenges the narrative that opportunities are bound by socioeconomic status, language barriers, or geographical location. Presenting her research at the MITES Summer Symposium, Natalia spoke to the power of leveraging community to drive change. She is a testament to the idea that when people come together, they can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Natalia envisions a future where marginalized communities can pursue science and technology careers without barriers.
Leadership:
- STEMing Youth, Co-Founder
- InspiritAI, Ambassador
- MITES, Summer Symposium Speaker
Pattarin Khajornchaikul
Improving social welfare through policy and mentorship.
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UC Davis, International Relations
Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (Tarzana)
Pattarin strives to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone she collaborates with. As Editor-in-Chief of the school paper, she implemented structural changes to the journalism program. Pattarin also encouraged writers to use their voice to uplift others and to speak on pressing issues such as racism and cyberbullying. She established mentorship opportunities for members while serving as Speech and Debate President, where older students teach middle schoolers about the art of rhetoric and public speaking. As an International Relations major at UC Davis, she is intent on dedicating her future to improving social welfare through policy.
Leadership:
- Speech and Debate, President
- School Newspaper, Editor-in-chief
- March for Our Lives, Distributive Organizing Director
Colorado
Brian Coyle
Creating better student help groups so that everyone has the opportunity to learn.
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Brigham Young University, Mathematics and Physics
Otis Junior Senior High School (Otis)
Growing up in a single-parent household with six siblings, Brian is no stranger to hardship. A previous recipient of food pantry donations, Brian is paying it forward as a volunteer organizer, packer, and distributor of food to families in need. He learned from a young age that education is often the biggest difference between people of different socioeconomic statuses. Inspired to make a difference to those around him, Brian offered free tutoring to students struggling with coursework. As Student Council Vice President, he created a reward system to encourage extracurricular involvement and academic achievement in the student body. Ultimately, he aims to combine his passion for learning and service by aiding in the betterment of student help programs.
Leadership:
- Student Council, Vice President
- Future Business Leaders of America, Treasurer
- Band, Student Leader
Cecelia Houseweart
Provide affordable, quality veterinary care to small towns.
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Colorado State University, Animal Science Pre-Vet
North Fork High School (Hotchkiss)
A fifth generation cattle rancher, accountability and relentlessness have been ingrained into Cece. The love for her rural community combined with her love for working, healing, and caring for animals has shaped Cece’s passion and purpose. A nation-wide shortage of large animal veterinarians is exacerbated in small towns, fueling Cece’s motivation to return home with a veterinary medicine degree and save the lives of her community’s animals. In school, Cece is Student Council President and a three sport athlete in cross country, swimming, and track. She is the founder of Seniors and Technology club, providing space for senior citizens to learn about their technical devices from teens.
Leadership:
- Seniors and Technology, Founder
- Student Council, President
- 4-H Club, President
Jelane Elamo
Making medication accessible and affordable in developing countries.
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University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Biological Sciences
Overland High School (Aurora)
Originally from Hasasa, Ethiopia, Jelane overcame significant language barriers after relocating to the United States. A beacon of resilience, she has actively championed inclusivity, becoming a role model for Muslim Black girls. As a dedicated member of Girls Inc., she has embraced both learning and community engagement. Excelling in advanced academic pursuits like AP Literature and AP Language and Composition, she achieved this despite English being her third language. Her academic dedication led to her role as the Vice President of Outreach on the Student Council. She is an active participant in the National Honor Society and Captain of the tennis team. Jelane’s passion for healthcare inspires her to leverage her future medical degree to improve health systems in developing countries. Her journey from Ethiopia to the U.S. underscores her relentless drive and vision for a better future not only for herself, but especially for others.
Leadership:
- Activities Council, President and Founder
- Student Council, Vice President Of Outreach
- Varsity Tennis, Captain
Joshua Sanchez
Create happiness and health through compassionate medicine.
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University of Notre Dame, Biology
Pueblo Central High School (Pueblo)
Since witnessing the effects of suicide in his community, Josh strives to lead and make a positive impact on those around him. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout school, Josh also serves as a hospital volunteer, Student Council President, and two-time Captain of the basketball team. He is a recipient of the Jim Ranson Award, given to basketball players who represent strong values on and off of the court. As the founder of a summer supply drive benefiting the homeless, Josh finds great joy when he’s in service to others.In his career as a doctor, he wants to leave a lasting, positive impression on patients that improves their quality of life.
Leadership:
- Varsity Basketball, Captain
- Student Council, President
- Summer Supply Drive, Founder and Organizer
Kaycelynn Perry
Provide professional mental health services for children, to create happy, healthy, and stable adults.
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Colorado State University, Psychology
Otis High School (Otis)
Kaycelynn embraces fear and tackles challenges head-on. A first-generation college student, she has persevered through financial hardship, mental health challenges, and her parent’s substance abuse. A recipient of the Presidential Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Kaycelynn’s ability to collaborate, innovate, and inspire others to be successful and rise above the standard sets her apart as a natural leader. As FFA District President, she created a more inclusive chapter that rose in popularity under her leadership. In her career as a Pediatric Mental Health Professional, she wants to equip future generations with healthy coping mechanisms that will prevent suicide.
Leadership:
- FFA, District President
- FFA, Chapter President
- National Honors Society, President
Kiya Ettefa
Generate lasting diversity and equal access in healthcare.
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Northwestern University, Biomedical Sciences
DSST: Montview High School (Denver)
With his earliest years spent in Ethiopia, Kiya’s language barrier made it difficult to fit in after arriving in the United States as a child. His positivity, kindness, and determination made it possible to emerge as a community role model in high school. As leader of the Montview Cubesat Team, Kiya explored the potentials of STEM and aerospace, demonstrating the impact of curiosity. The team successfully launched a satellite into the stratosphere, a testament to their unity and resilience under Kiya’s leadership. Through the Colorado Youth Congress, Kiya proposed state-level changes to improve curriculum for underserved youth and as MC^2 Ambassador he introduced black students to opportunities that exist in the medical field. Kiya is attending Northwestern University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Science in hopes to promote diversity and equal access in healthcare.
Leadership:
- Medical Career Collaborative (MC^2), Ambassador
- Montview Cubesat, Head of Soldering/Mentor
- Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) Scholar
Mujeeb Rahimi
Increase accessibility to basic necessities and services for immigrant communities.
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University of Denver, Business
Hinkley High School (Aurora)
A first-generation immigrant, Mujeeb arrived in the United States in 2022. Forced to flee Afghanistan at the age of 15 with his father and brother, he swiftly adapted to a completely different lifestyle in the US. Since then, Mujeeb has become a pillar in his community, balancing a strong academic record with 30-hour work weeks to support his family. In his free time, he enjoys assisting fellow Afghan immigrants and his community by providing translation services in Pashto and Farsi, and helping increase their accessibility to essential services such as job applications and housing. After college, Mujeeb aspires to own his own consulting business and continue advocating for Afghan immigrants as they navigate life in a new country.
Leadership:
- Leading in workplace as a trainer and example to others
- Helping my family find housing when we first arrived to America
- Translating in my community for fellow immigrants
Rayan Elahnan
Diversifying healthcare professions in America and providing adequate medical resources to those in struggling countries.
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Stanford University, Human Biology
DSST: Montview High School (Denver)
After experiencing the extreme lack of diversity in medicine as a hospital intern, Rayan was inspired to become part of the solution. She became determined to bring change to her community through planning and launching her student initiative, the Healing Hands Collective. Through this organization, she has influenced low income, first generation students through exposing them to opportunities in healthcare like the CU Medical Campus Pre-Health fair and a Cadaver Lab experience, events that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Rayan hopes to continue this leadership and one day expand the organization’s impact beyond the Denver Metro Area in order to help more minority students.
Leadership:
- Healing Hands Collective, Founder and President
- Medical Career Collaborative (Mc2), Student Ambassador
- Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) Scholar
Tamkin Gawhari
Creating a safe space through support and guidance.
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University of Colorado Boulder, Political Science
Green Mountain High School (Aurora)
Tamkin immigrated to the United States alone in 2021, leaving her parents behind in search of safety and opportunity. For two months, she navigated refugee camps from Qatar to Germany eventually settling in Virginia then Colorado. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for the human spirit’s resilience and its capacity to evolve in the face of difficulty. Tamkin has held leadership roles and was involved in programs such as Yale Young Global Scholars, Windy Peak Outdoor Lab and the Asian Pacific Development Center. She hopes to use her education to drive meaningful change and advocate for young Afghan immigrants and women across the globe.
Leadership:
- Yale Young Global Scholars
- Windy Peak Outdoor Lab
- Asian Pacific Development Center
Valerie Antunez
Providing equality and safer communities through a fair justice system.
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Georgetown University, International Relations
Arrupe Jesuit High School (Denver)
The daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college student, Valerie is ranked #1 in her senior class at Arrupe Jesuit. As Student Body Treasurer, Philanthropy Ambassador, Admissions Host, Varsity Basketball Captain, and Congressional Intern she has experience leading her community in several capacities. Known for her work ethic, compassion, and commitment, Valerie holds above all else giving back to others. This fall, Valerie is attending her dream school, Georgetown University, to pursue her passion for providing equality through a fairer justice system, with the ultimate goal of working for the FBI.
Leadership:
- Varsity Basketball, Captain
- Kairos Retreat, Leader
- Philanthropy Ambassador
Wynton Zhang
Fostering a curious community that develops equitable access to high-level technologies.
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Duke University, Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Eaglecrest High School (Aurora)
Wynton is a robotics-centered first-generation student, aspiring to develop responsible technology for all to use. He is fueled by innovation and human connection and says it best himself: “In my service to humanity, I will be the ripple that reignites humanity’s curiosity. In my words, in my actions, I will illustrate the significance of being curious. For through the actions of the few, the motivations of the many can be moved.” Wynton’s interests are in the development of robotics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. He has created two robots, Dingo and S.P.A.R.K, a 4-wheeled rover and a quadcopter. Dingo now serves as his grandmother’s assistant and S.P.A.R.K has flown over dozens of acres over the Colorado mountains to identify meadow plagues with invasive thistle. Wynton will remain curious at Duke University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. He aims to create communities where people can be free to express their opinions, disagreements, and ideas.
Leadership:
- National Honor Society, President
- Science Honor Society, President
- La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Vice-President
Georgia
Alisa Lee
Increasing access to educational and service opportunities for first-generation, low-income students.
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Harvard University, Neuroscience and Government
LaGrange High School (LaGrange)
Born to immigrant parents in Flushing, New York, and raised in LaGrange, Georgia, Alisa Lee has never been one to slow down. She is the Chairperson of the LaGrange Youth Council, the Founder of the Muses Club, the principal violist in the LaGrange Youth Symphony Orchestra, and President of the Service Club at LaGrange High School, where she is also the Varsity Tennis Captain. She attended the Governor’s Honors Program as a chemistry major and has participated in research with GSU’s Neuroscience School. At Harvard University, she plans to study neuroscience on a pre-med track, with a minor in Government. Alisa’s ultimate goal is to expand access to opportunities for first-generation, low income students and have a meaningful impact on healthcare reform.
Leadership:
- City of LaGrange Youth Council, Chairperson
- Muses Club, Founder and President
- LaGrange High School Service Club, President
Anthony Metayer
Providing accessible education to developing communities.
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Duke University, Psychology
Kennesaw Mountain High School (Kennesaw)
Born in Georgia and primarily raised in Haiti, Anthony is no stranger to changing circumstances. In Haiti, Anthony served as Student Class President, Co-Founded the Haitian Youth Action Network, and interned at IGotNextHaiti. Through the Youth Network, Anthony utilized his passion for knowledge and community to begin a discussion forum aimed at shedding light on diverse issues. Topics included, the Haitian Constitutional Referendum of 2021, allyship for the Haitian queer community, financial independence, and the Haitian immigration crisis, to name a few. Anthony moved back to Georgia to finish out his junior & senior years, excelling in an unfamiliar curriculum structure. At Duke University Anthony will pursue a major in public policy and statistics, ultimately aiming to help guide the changes needed to improve quality of life for those living in underdeveloped nations.
Leadership:
- Haitian Youth Action Network, Co-Founder and Communications Director
- Student Class President
- National Honor Society, Community Service Chair
Arish Malik
Advocating for environmental preservation and stewardship in diverse communities.
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University of Georgia, Mechanical Engineering
Brookwood High School (Lawrenceville)
Witnessing firsthand the devastation of Hurricane Irma in the Atlanta community, Arish was keen to help those affected and learn more about the effects of climate change in our world. As treasurer for the environmental club and leader of the ecological initiatives in his Ismaili Muslim religious community, Arish has organized multiple river and park cleanup events and frequent recycling drives. After an apprenticeship at the Delta Community Credit Union, he was inspired to host financial planning workshops for middle schoolers. Arish will be studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Georgia with a minor in Environmental Economics and Management- melding his passions. Beyond college, he hopes to become an Environmental Engineer working in the renewable energy sector to help with the advancement of clean energy in his community. He wants to start his own non-profit dedicated to caring for the environment, advocating for preservation, and exposing the youth to engineering and technology.
Leadership:
- Delta Community Credit Union, High School Apprentice
- Technology Students Association, Vice President
- Symphonic Winds Band and Jazz Band, Section Leader
Cameryn Polk
Reforming the justice system to grant the underprivileged a second chance at life.
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Denison University, Communications with a pre-law concentration
Elite Scholars Academy (College Park)
Born and raised in Clayton County, Georgia, Cameryn is passionate about advocacy. She serves on the Clayton County Youth Commission, is a Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador, and is Student Body President. She loves to run, as a member of Elite Scholars Academy’s track and cross country teams, she earned a USATF medal and qualified for the all-state meet. In her limited down time, Cameryn enjoys crocheting, reading, thrifting, and trying new things with friends. At Denison University, Cameryn plans to major in communications with a concentration in pre-law. Her dream is to start a law firm that grants underprivileged citizens a chance at a second life.
Leadership:
- Student Council, President
- Clayton County Youth Commissioner, Parliamentarian
- Black Student Union, Ambassador
Hannah Willis
Reduce health and food inequities in underserved communities.
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College of Wooster, International and Global Studies
Forest Park High School (Stockbridge)
Hannah is dedicated to serving her community in Forest Park, Georgia. Determined to reduce hunger and increase food accessibility, she partnered with Helping Hands Ending Hunger and Earth Tomorrow to serve over 150 families in local food drives. On the Clayton County Youth Commission, she curated service projects and programs catered to her peers. With aspirations of eliminating hunger, promoting mental health, and deconstructing mass incarceration, Hannah wants to be remembered as “a nonconforming change agent, who was a woman of the people”. At the College of Wooster, Hannah is pursuing a degree in politics and international studies, with the ultimate goal of informing health policy in the United States.
Leadership:
- Clayton County Youth Commissioner
- The National Beta Club, Vice President
- Helping Hands Ending Hunger, Volunteer
Illinois
Aishat Balogun
Combating pollution with solar energy.
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University of Illinois Chicago, Electrical Engineering
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Des Plaines)
Aishat was born in Nigeria, where she experienced firsthand the challenges of living without access to clean or stable electricity. These challenges inspired her to pursue a career in engineering with a focus on improving infrastructure and bringing renewable energy solutions to low-income communities. As a first-generation college student, Aishat is dedicated to making a significant impact through her work. In high school, Aishat joined Club Terra, where she took on leadership roles in organizing thrift markets, tree planting events, and educational assemblies. Recognizing the importance of education, Aishat became a Freedom Scholar and founded “Terrific Tutoring,” an online tutoring service for K-8 students, to provide educational support and resources to young learners. Her journey continues at the University of Illinois Chicago, where her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic will undoubtedly drive her to achieve the change she envisions.
Leadership:
- Exodus Tutoring, President
- Black Student Union, Asante Director
- Club Terra, Events Coordinator
Christopher Cervantes
Educating low-income communities on financial literacy to combat the wealth gap and unemployment.
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Trinity College, Economics and Public Policy & Law
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep (Waukegan)
Christopher is a Mexican-American, first-generation student who credits his community of Waukegan for instilling in him a relentless work ethic and determination. An active and dedicated member of his community, Chris volunteers at local food banks, healthcare clinics, and student-led retreats, demonstrating his commitment to helping others. As a natural-born leader, Chris is determined to bring prosperity to the people of Waukegan. His long-term goal is to create a non-profit organization that supports low-income communities by providing professional and educational opportunities. To further his mission, Chris will study economics and public policy at Trinity College, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills to help communities combat socioeconomic barriers and achieve lasting change.
Leadership:
- Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep Freshman Retreat, Leader
- Northern Illinois Food Bank, House of Peace Most Blessed Trinity Parish, and Feed My Starving Children, Volunteer Leader
- Student Government, Treasurer
Christopher Jones
Empowering youth to work with purpose and prioritize mental health.
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Bates College, Sociology and English
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Christopher is deeply committed to mental health advocacy and community leadership. Raised by a mother and grandmother grappling with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, he prioritizes shedding light on the perception of mental illness. This personal connection to mental health challenges inspired Chris to launch Thinking Out Loud, a non-medicalized safe space for youth to de-stress and make meaningful, long-lasting human connections. Through his initiative, Chris has hosted workshops, spoken in citywide mental health videos, and advocated for better support alongside nonprofits aligned with his vision. His work emphasizes the importance of providing support and understanding to those affected by mental illness, particularly young people. With his grit, grace, and generosity, Chris aspires to create a global mental health headquarters to provide support to children from dysfunctional households. His dedication to mental health advocacy and community leadership continues to drive him toward making a significant impact on a global scale.
Leadership:
- Thinking Out Loud, Founder and President
- Active Minds, Chapter President
- Hypnotik Dance Team, Captain
Guadalupe Miranda
Providing affordable healthcare services to Latinos.
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Stanford University, Human Biology
DeVry Advantage Academy (Chicago)
The first in her family to attend college, Lupe is challenging the barriers of Latinas in higher education. The oldest of 5 girls, Lupe seamlessly manages a 30-hour work week while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. As a dual enrolled student, she will earn an associates degree in Networking Administration alongside her high school diploma. An advocate for herself and others, Lupe is the Founder and CEO of two nonprofit organizations; Eyes on Chicago, teaching interactive science activities to kids ages 3-11 and Resilient Hands for Latine, helping migrants in Chicago by providing food and clothing. In her free time, Lupe volunteers at a hospital assisting patients-especially those needing Spanish translation. Lupe will continue her contributions to healthcare by studying human biology at Stanford University.
Leadership:
- The Resilient Hands Foundation for Latine, Founder
- Eyes On Chicago, Co-Founder
- University of Illinois Hospital, Volunteer
Jensen Coonradt
Activating students as environmental change-makers and innovating solutions to combat the climate crisis.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Oswego East High School (Aurora)
Jensen is a roboticist, environmental activist, badminton player, part-time rocket scientist, debater, political campaigner, cat-lover, and teacher. From creating a device preventing frozen pipes, to an electronic recycling bin that rewards students, when Jensen finds problems, they leverage a love of coding and engineering to create solutions. This passion led Jensen to start a STEM club, where students created a concept backpack utilizing ultrasonics and neuroplasticity to assist in visually impaired navigation. As an educator, Jensen created a virtual curriculum leading global robotics classes, empowering hundreds of students from dozens of countries to pursue STEM. Majoring in electrical engineering and computer science at MIT, Jensen will further develop the technological skills they need to continue changing the world one invention at a time.
Leadership:
- STEM Club, Founder
- Seeds of Hope, Founder
- Robotics Team, Programming Captain
Trinity Bazile
Fostering positive relations between nations through cross-cultural understanding.
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University of Southern California, International Relations
Lindblom Math and Science Academy (Chicago)
As a Haitian/African-American from Chicago’s South Side, Trinity is an optimistic, motivated, and caring individual with a profound love for learning and tutoring. She believes that the most effective way to solve global issues is by understanding them from multiple perspectives. This belief led her to join the nonprofit World Chicago, where she engages in cross-cultural conversations with government officials, scholars, scientists, and diplomats from around the world. Trinity’s admiration for cross-cultural communication is evident in her interest in learning Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish. She also serves as the President of her school’s Chinese Club, further showcasing her dedication to cultural exchange and language learning. As the daughter of a kidney transplant recipient, Trinity is acutely aware of the inequalities in the healthcare system. This personal experience drives her to research healthcare disparities, working with Northwestern University’s Baxter Center for Science Education and the Mexican Association for the Aid of Children with Cancer. Through her passion for cross-cultural education and her commitment to addressing healthcare inequalities, Trinity demonstrates her dedication to finding solutions to critical global issues.
Leadership:
- Chinese Club, President
- World Chicago Youth Diplomats, Youth Leadership Council
- Mexican Association for the Aid of Children with Cancer, Volunteer
New York
Damel Stewart
Providing developing countries with sustainable and cost-effective medical devices.
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Binghamton University, Engineering
University Heights High School (Bronx)
Growing up in Jamaica, Damel witnessed the devastating impact of inadequate access to contemporary, high quality medical instruments. Today, this is her source of inspiration to become a medical engineer. She aspires to bridge the gap by leading the way on worldwide adoption of affordable, environmentally friendly medical equipment and devices, with an emphasis on reducing healthcare inequities in developing countries. Damel has actively sought out opportunities to build the skills to understand the health and wellness of her community. She was a student equity scholar and intern at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, worked as a pharmacist’s assistant, and has volunteered in several capacities to contribute to social causes such as food insecurity, cancer research, and civic engagement. She actively works to build confidence in her peers through her leadership on the debate team, badminton team, and student ambassador group.
Leadership:
- Debate Team, Leader
- South Bronx Badminton, Co-Captain
- Story-Exchange Facilitator, Narrative
Roselyn Guaman Ramirez
Creating space for children to interact with the earth and for teens to become educators.
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Dartmouth College, Physics and Astronomy
Special Music School (Queens)
Roselyn, a first-generation college student, is determined to break the cycle of poverty in her family through higher education. With a vision to bring environmental education programming to the youth in her neighborhood, Roselyn will study Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth this coming year. Through her partnership with Teens for Food Justice, she has seen the transformative power of watching produce grow from seed to food, a vital connection many children are missing. As an intern at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Roselyn has dedicated over 300 hours to guiding lessons, leading activities, and teaching kids about plants and animals. She also founded a recipe card project to make hydroponic farms more accessible. Her proactive approach to education and community engagement underscores her commitment to making a lasting impact.
Leadership:
- Everything Starts Small, Project Manager
- Teens For Food Justice, Student Ambassador
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Intern
Steven Xol-Quevedo
Enforce equity, inclusivity, and diversity in all settings.
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New York University, Public Health and Biology
New Visions Charter High School for the Humanities IV (Far Rockaway)
Steven is passionate about equity and inclusion in healthcare. Diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder at seven years old, he lives by the mantra: strive through even in adversity. The additional challenge of living in a community with one under-funded hospital and very few clinics spread unevenly across town, inspired him to raise awareness of the health inequities in Rockaway. As he mastered the hurdles of managing a chronic medical condition with limited medical resources and language barriers, he is determined to become the understanding and inclusive doctor he wished he had. Putting his values of diversity and equality into action, Steven is the Co-Founder of HUM IV, a team focused on fostering diversity, inclusivity, and equity at school. When he noticed a decline in academic performance of his peers during remote learning, he took the initiative to lead virtual tutoring sessions, a move that earned him the Teen Impact Award for Volunteerism. At New York University Steven will study Global Public Health and Biology, continuing his journey to create an equitable healthcare system and a supportive community for all.
Leadership:
- HUM IV Equity Team, Co-Founder
- Student Government, Inaugural Inclusion Ambassador
- RISE, Intern
North Carolina
Johnathon Mclean
Increasing social equity through education and advocacy.
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Duke University, Public Policy and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
Crossroads Arts and Science Early College (Mooresville)
A child of Appalachia, Johnathon is determined to better serve his community and generate effective social change. Engrossed in the world of small-town politics and local government, he is interested in exploring the intersections of identity and assessing how marginalized identities are compounded through the lenses of queerness, class, and race. A staunch advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights, Johnathon has worked as a mentor and organizer for those of disparate backgrounds and identities. A first generation college student, Johnathan’s drive for a comprehensive education is taking him to Duke University, where he will further his knowledge of public policy and gender studies. Activating equity and social change, Johnathan intends to utilize his collegiate pursuits and a future career in the public sector to make education more accessible for Appalachian communities and celebrate Appalachian identity and culture.
Leadership:
- FBLA, Chapter President
- Queer Youth Mentor
- Appalachian Community Advocate
Asyat Sow
Create a positive and lasting impact on society through innovation.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Computer Science and Economics
James B. Hunt High School (Stantonsburg)
Inspired by her parents’ unwavering determination to provide for their family of nine, Asyat has devoted her life to driving innovative social change. From volunteering as a tutor and leading her school’s robotics team, to taking collegiate-level courses to build her computer science acumen, Asyat is meticulously building a varied skill set to ensure she makes a lasting impact to honor the sacrifices of her parents. Seeking to uplift the members of her underserved community, Asyat created Programs 4 ALL NYC, a website providing over 100 wide-ranging extracurricular, mentorship, and internship resources and support to New York students. Programs 4 ALL NYC reached more than 900 people and effectively highlighted opportunities that could better the lives of those in her neighborhood. Asyat’s dedication to innovation has sparked a keen interest in entrepreneurship. She hopes her experiences as a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill double majoring in computer science and economics will strengthen her resolve as someone who wants to follow their own path to success.
Leadership:
- Programs4ALLL NYC, CEO and Founder
- Wilson County, Teen Court Attorney
- Learn to Be Tutor
Daisy Pace
Passion to provide low-income communities with equal opportunities to books and education.
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North Carolina State University, Chemistry and English
Home-Schooled (Greensboro)
Daisy “starts ripples” by implementing creative expression, self-discovery, and advocacy in her personal life and the lives of others. She is a founder of Little Free Library bringing the magic of books to all regardless of their financial situations. As an avid entrepreneur, Daisy has built two successful small businesses: a babysitting business and a catering business called Crafted Charcuterie. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, she plans to make a difference in underserved low-income communities by providing equal opportunities to books and education. She will channel her love for books and science by studying English and Chemistry at North Carolina State University.
Leadership:
- Little Free Library, Founder and Director
- History BUFFs Club, Founder and President
- Guilford Technical Community College, Student Ambassador
Kyonna Kelly
To provide opportunities that allow low income students the ability to dream and grow.
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Livingstone College, Criminal Justice
Kinston High School (Kinston)
Refusing to be defined by the high crime rates that surround her, Kyonna is determined to uplift her family and community. As a female student-athlete, she is passionate about encouraging young girls to realize their full potential in sports and academics, just as their male peers do. Serving as the Girls Varsity Basketball Captain, Kyonna has organized free basketball camps exclusively for girls, providing a range of activities in a community with a high rate of teen pregnancies. Kyonna’s leadership and dedication will continue to shine as she attends Livingstone College. She hopes to make a positive impact and inspire young minds from communities like hers to realize that they are capable and deserving of excellence. Her relentless determination and commitment to service exemplify her drive to create a brighter future for those around her.
Leadership:
- Varsity Basketball, Captain
- Care Corps Resiliency, Tutor
- Automotive, Department Ambassador