OH-11 Youth Advisory Council Present Capstone Presentations on Policy, are Honored at Reception

Cleveland, OH – Members of the OH-11 Youth Advisory Council presented their capstone projects on public policy topics and were honored at a reception hosted by Congresswoman Shontel Brown Saturday, May 18, at the Cleveland Public Library – Louis Stokes Wing. The event also included a welcome from Felton Thomas Jr., Cleveland Public Library CEO and Executive Director.

The Youth Advisory Council includes 18 students from local high schools, seven from CMSD schools. Students presented on topics they researched during the program, including food insecurity, obesity, youth mental health, and inequity in health care access. Student presentations also included proposed solutions to address these problems.

“Congratulations to the 2023-24 Youth Advisory Council!” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “During our program they have learned about public service, legislation and policy, and sharpened their skills in public speaking, research, and collaboration. Their capstone presentations are a culmination of their work and it was a privilege to hear them. They aren’t just identifying problems – they’re thinking comprehensively about how to solve them. The OH-11 Youth Advisory Council is about giving young people a platform for growth and making sure that my office can hear directly from students in our community. I am so proud of this class of students, have truly enjoyed their presence, and cannot wait to see what they do next.”

The Youth Advisory Council met regularly with Congresswoman Brown, her staff, and local leaders to learn more about government, public service, and community needs and organizations. Earlier sessions were on conflict resolution, speechwriting, and issue advocacy. In March, the students held a mock congressional hearing on gun violence.

A similar program was first initiated in the district by Congresswoman Brown’s predecessor, former HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.

OH-11 Youth Advisory Council Capstone Presentations

“Unveiling the Challenge: Food Insecurity in Low Income and Urban Communities”

Chardon Black, Sydney Gilmore, Ari Carrasquillo, Lukas Wallace, Jayda Dent

“Modern Day Epidemic: Obesity”

Leyah Jackson, Radha Pareek, Maya Stephens, Emily Stringer

“Youth Mental Health Initiative”
Alexia Zelada, Luke Peterson, Nishan Shrestha, Zain Anwar

“Inequity in Healthcare Access”

Shannon Katzenberger, Maddy Kuta, Taia Menefree, Ryan Wang

The 2023-24 OH-11 Youth Advisory Council

Zain Anwar - University School
Chardon Black - Cleveland School of Science and Medicine
Ariana Carrasquillo   -  Rhodes College and Career Academy
Jayda Dent - Cleveland School of Science and Medicine
Sydney Gilmore - Cleveland School of the Arts
Leyah Jackson - Hathaway Brown High School
Shannon Katzenberger - Lakewood High School
Madeline Kuta - Shaker Heights High School
Taia Menefee - Beachwood High School
Radha Pareek - Beachwood High School
Luke Peterson - Gilmour Academy
Antwon Reynolds - Rhodes College and Career Academy
Nishan Shrestha - Beachwood High School
Maya Stephens  - Hathaway Brown High School
Emily Stringer - Hathaway Brown High School
Lukas Wallace  - Rhodes College and Career Academy
Ryan Wang - University School
Alexia Zelada - Cleveland School of Science and Medicine

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