Centering youth voice is central to our work. As such, our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is an important force in our organization-wide decision-making.

Youth Advisory Council

Wiotee Kargbo (she/her)

Charlotte, North Carolina

  • In School

    • Volunteers as an undergraduate research student in a biomedical engineering research lab during the day

    • Explores different clubs to find the right fit for her

    • Majors in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering

    Outside of School

    • Serves on the board of a nonprofit organization

    • Works out at the gym

    • Currently completing training to become a Crisis Text Line volunteer

Mariana Mosquera-Joaqui (she/her)

Queens, New York

  • In School

    • QuestBridge Match Scholar at Princeton University with a prospective major in the School of Public and International Affairs

    • New member of Más Flow, a student-led Hispanic dance company! Also a new member of Effective Altruism, a club focused on doing the most “good” possible

    • Enjoys going to the library to study

    Outside of School

    • Big fan of trying new food places, desserts, & drinks

    • Enjoys going to concerts & listening to music

    • Loves photography!

Milo Tamashiro VanderKloot (he/him)

Chicago, Illinois and Northfield, Minnesota

  • In School

    • First-year college student exploring new language, science, and social studies classes

    • Participates in clubs and other student groups on campus

    • Works toward a potential major in biology with concentrations in Asian Studies/Gender and Sexuality Studies

    Outside of School

    • Explores Chicago and his college home of Northfield

    • Stretches his creative muscles by making zines, printmaking, pottery, and fiber arts

    • Spends time with his family and cat, Stormy

Alexandria Whittington (she/her)

Hesperia, California

  • In School

    • Brings a positive attitude to every class

    • Stays focused on schoolwork

    • Takes college courses through dual enrollment

    Outside of School

    • Bakes and cooks

    • Reads

    • Spends time in nature

Haziqa Zeeshan (she/her)

Queens, New York

Former Youth Advisory Council Members

2025-2026

Yaffa Gallon

Lansing, Illinois

Brianna Sousa

Queens, New York

Janiala Young

Detroit, Michigan

2024-2025

Alexis Corazon-Rodriguez

Washington, D.C.

Cory Newman

Lansing, Illinois

Jalene Lugo

Queens, New York

Taylor Poole

Lansing, Illinois

Kayla Ruano-Lumpris

New Haven, Connecticut

Jaylen Wright

Charlotte, North Carolina

2023-2024

Makenzie Dobbin

Brown Summit, North Carolina

Jakhi Poole

Greensboro, North Carolina

2022-2023

Alitzel Barocio

Woodburn, Oregon

Kody Evers

Woodburn, Oregon

Cayla Roach

Memphis, Tennessee

2021-2022

Angel Amankwaah

Denver, Colorado