2025 Teen Advocates

Hello, I am Arya, an Indian-American and rising high school senior. I really enjoy participating in advocacy work and grassroots efforts.

I also love learning, so I actually enjoy school, except for math, which is especially challenging for me. Outside of school, I participate in Mock Trial, fencing, and some internships. In my future, I hope to become a public defender.

My name is Charlotte Burlingame, and I am currently a rising senior in high school. I live in Southern California, where I love to go to the beach in my free time as well as read and write.

I am passionate about ensuring that everyone has the right to read, especially in schools around the world.

My name is Emalee. I love reading and playing lacrosse. I am a rising high school junior, and when I grow up, I want to become a lawyer!

Eva is a 16-year-old rising Junior from California. She spends her time working on her debut novel, playing guitar and singing in a band, and participating in theatrical productions and short films.

As an aspiring creative, she is passionate about free expression- believing that art should be unique and truthful to be impactful.

Fiona is a student of Business Management and Psychology. Working as a freelance digital artist for 5 years, she runs an art store while serving as social media manager of the environment club in college. In her free time, she loves exploring for new thrift stores and cafes to read or write in.

My name is Grace and I’m from New York. I’m 16 years old and a rising senior. I enjoy writing poetry, reading books, and cooking delicious meals. I’m thrilled to be a part of this program, as I believe censorship is a pressing issue that we can all work together to address.

I’m a rising high school senior in Maryland, with a strong interest in forensic science, civil law, and reading. I’m especially drawn to how these fields connect to justice and can have a positive impact on a person’s life.

In my free time, I enjoy reading books/mangas, playing the drums, and learning more about topics that inspire me to advocate and volunteer for my community.

Hi my name is Jarelhen and I am a rising junior in High School. I love the fields of literature, humanities and politics.

I enjoy watching movies and listening to music!

What’s up? It’s Jenny! Between being nose deep in novels and roaming in nature, freedom of literature is high on my list of priorities.

Kaden is a Southeast Asian youth advocate, tech policy organizer, and student studying Information Technology and Cybersecurity. With experience lobbying in Washington, D.C. and working with organizations such as the ACLU and Net Impact, Kaden is passionate about protecting digital rights, combating censorship, and uplifting underrepresented communities.

He leverages his background in technology and storytelling to amplify youth voices and promote equitable access to information.

Katharine is a rising senior studying Politics and English. Katharine enjoys leading her mock trial team through competitive trial simulations, volunteering for small claims legal aid services, and researching constitutional issues.

Having grown up witnessing book ban attempts in her home state of Idaho, Katharine is passionate about academic freedom and advancing strong civil liberties.

Hey there! My name is Katherine, a 17-year-old rising senior from California! I share a deep passion for advocacy work and empowering those around me.

My education and profound appreciation for literature always enlighten me to push forward for my community and to persist in the defence of our most sacred works. As always, el pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

Kayla is a student leader and youth activist committed to civic engagement and equality for all. She believes that free speech is not only a constitutional right but the foundation of a healthy democracy, one that encourages communities to speak up for their beliefs and defend the liberties of all people.

Through her work in youth organizing and public speaking, Kayla aims to promote honest conversations within her community and raise awareness on underrepresented issues.

Leslie Monter-Casio is a sophomore majoring in Public Policy with minors in Latino Studies and Inequality Studies. A dedicated activist shaped by her indigenous Otomí heritage, she organizes with ACLU and MEChA chapters while also serving as social media manager for the Democratic Club in her rural hometown.

Leslie is passionate about uplifting marginalized communities and bridging the gap between local and national advocacy.

Lynsey Richards is an incoming college freshman. She plans to study Theatre, Business, and Dance.

She participates in volunteer and advocacy work in her free time.

Marlin is a Chinese American activist and artist whose work focuses on youth empowerment and creative expression. He is a freshman in college, intending to major in Government and minor in Environmental Studies.

His extensive background in storytelling includes writing for nonprofits such as Youth Communication, It Gets Better, and BRIC Arts Media.

Maudicel is a high school student and the founder of her school’s Human Rights Club, which is affiliated with Amnesty International USA. She leads student-led campaigns on social justice, Indigenous rights, and immigrant advocacy, creating opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful action.

Through organizing events and mobilizing her peers, Maudicel is committed to building an inclusive and informed community grounded in human rights.

Nina is from Virginia and is currently studying government on a pre-law track. She’s passionate about civil rights, free expression, and youth advocacy — especially as someone who loves journalism and found her voice by leading and writing for multiple magazines and platforms.

Outside of advocacy, she’s a big fan of Diet Coke, the María’s, and spending time with friends.

Ori (she/they) lives in Maine and is a rising junior. She is part of the track, cross country, math, and debate teams.

They dream of overcoming America’s brutal past, and use their skills in poetry, speaking, and art to fulfill that dream.

A rising sophomore, Sofia is trilingual and serves as both a class representative and a member of the student council. She is involved with her county’s Teen Network Board and serves as a youth board member of both the Philanthropy Initiative and the Center for Youth Advocacy (CYFA) nonprofits.

This summer, she will continue her service in CYFA’s Youth Peer Court, a criminal-justice diversion program for minors, and expand her advocacy by participating in the Carnegie Youth Leaders for Civic Preparedness.

Hi, I’m an incoming college freshman from Ukraine! As a teacher and writer, I know first-hand the importance of defending freedom of expression — it’s more than a moral responsibility but a necessary condition for informed citizenship.

I value epistemic justice in everything I do — from researching why languages fade into existence to writing about AI-driven misinformation and uplifting gender-expansive artists.

Justice, literature, and the arts are a commitment I hold strongly. Having lived in different countries and having a wide array of experiences, I hope to make the best of it.

I am Sufyan, a 16-year-old, finding my way in life.

I am a rising senior in New York. Since I was young, I’ve had a strong passion for reading and writing and discovered my talent for creative writing when entering high school. Now, I hope to develop this lifelong passion of mine by learning more about advocacy and how I can make a direct impact in preserving our rights to free expression.

Victoria is a senior based in Michigan. She is currently pursuing a double major in English Literature and African American Studies. A Detroit native, Victoria proudly combats book censorship and continually works to help raise literacy rates in urban communities.

In their free time, they enjoy reading, writing (sometimes), and maintaining their ever-growing doll collection.

I’m Xeniator (pronounced zeen-e-aytor), I’m a rising senior, Afro-Latino, and trans. I live in Texas, and I’m passionate about human rights and equality, serving as president of my school’s African-American and Human Rights clubs, as well as leadership for my school’s diversity board.

Anything from poetry to crochet to baking, I am keen to learn and love being a part of.