OH-11 Youth Advisory Council Present Capstone Projects, Recognized for Completion of Leadership Program

Cleveland, OH – Today, members of Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s 2025-2026 OH-11 Youth Advisory Council presented their capstone projects to community members and were recognized for the completion of the program at a ceremony at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The OH-11 Youth Advisory Council is an education and leadership initiative for local high school juniors and seniors. 

The OH-11 Youth Advisory Council offered students opportunities to develop professional skills, learn more about how Congress works, and study policy issues impacting Northeast Ohio. At the event, students delivered presentations on artificial intelligence, education, healthcare access, and nutrition assistance.

“Congratulations to our 2025-2026 OH-11 Youth Advisory Council! These fantastic students are future leaders, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow this year. My office appreciated their curiosity, dedication, and insights throughout the program, including from their capstone presentations. Engaging and supporting students is one of my top priorities in office. I want to make sure more young people in Northeast Ohio are heard, have an opportunity to learn about public service and policy, and feel empowered to do big things,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.  

Since 2023, the OH-11 Youth Advisory Council has nurtured the high school students’ passion for civic leadership. Throughout the program, students volunteered and toured the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, met with local leaders, held a mock congressional hearing at Cleveland City Hall on gun violence, and learned about speechwriting, legislation, committee work, and more from Congresswoman Brown and her office. Local students apply in the fall and the program runs throughout the school year.   

The 2025-2026 OH-11 Youth Advisory Council:

Lizandra Burgos-Ramos, Gilmour Academy

Shaniya Campbell, John Hay Cleveland Early College High School

Alexander Chisholm, Warrensville Heights High School

Ezra Epstein, Shaker Heights High School

Jada Johnson, John Hay Cleveland Early College High School

Max Klisovic, Orange High School

Ardae Perry, John Hay Cleveland Early College High School

Demetrus Plumer, Warrensville Heights High School

Stevie Williams, Lakewood High School

Lyndia Zheng, Beachwood High School