Our National Youth Advisory Board Members

Angelo

Florida

“I have stepped up to help students be aware of how crucial kindness is and how far it can really go. I also want people to be aware of what saying something can do, it can save lives and make a safer and better community for all. Also, ensuring that all students feel safe and heard, which is key to building a better tomorrow.”

Angelo has been serving actively for the past two years as a part of his school’s SAVE Promise Club, and currently serves as Co-President of his Club. This is his first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and he couldn’t be more empowered. From Club Rush to Start With Hello and Say Something Week, Angelo continues to educate and raise awareness on the importance of being kind and speaking up when a warning sign is there, and making sure that everyone feels safe and heard. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within his school and community, he ensures all grade levels are involved in planning and implementing Club activities. Angelo seeks to simply be kind and ensure people feel better after they have been exposed to the knowledge and importance a SAVE Promise Club has to offer.

Dr. West, Angelo’s advisor shares “During his freshman year, Angelo was one of the most engaged SAVE Promise Club members. He attended meetings, volunteered during lunch activities, and supported peers in the classroom and beyond. He especially took interest with the Start With Hello Week activities. He shared that Start With Hello was his reason for why he became a member. He felt welcomed and found a space where he belonged.”

Angelo is also a part of a community service club, E.P.O.C.C. (Empowering People of Color Culture), and Police Explorers through the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department.

Arianna

Massachusetts

“I have learned so much about myself in the past two years. I have been able to explore new passions and find myself through this incredible organization. I have new hope for the future because I know it’s possible to make a genuine difference, I know because I’ve seen it here in my school.”

Arianna has been serving actively for the past four years as a part of her school’s SAVE Promise Club, and currently serves as President of her Club. This is her third year on the National Youth Advisory Board and her passion hasn’t stopped. Arianna’s focus on mental health awareness creates a safe, judgment-free community where students can have a sense of belonging and appreciation. From welcome parties and lemonade stands during Start With Hello Week to displaying violence prevention posters during Say Something Week, Arianna seeks to form meaningful connections with her peers and uses her voice to spread the message of preventing youth violence. Despite being too young to vote, she continues to be involved with government relations by pushing for legislation she knows will help our youth.

Ms. Redman, Arianna’s advisor shares “Arianna has qualities that make a great leader. When she puts her mind to it, she can make a difference in whatever community she belongs to. With the many events her club has brought to the school, she’s approached them with compassion and thoughtfulness. Even in the club setting, she lets each member have a moment to lead the group in an activity to practice their leadership skills.” Arianna is also a part of the Massachusetts Senate Youth Council (SYC) and a member of the Peer Leadership Training with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Evelyn

Wisconsin

“I believe that every voice matters and deserves to be heard. There are some issues within the school system, along with the world, that need to be addressed. I feel that someone’s age, race, religion, or political party should not be an excuse for their voice being suppressed. A healthy school culture means that more people feel welcome and included, which should be what every student feels walking through the school doors.”

Evelyn has been serving actively for the past two years as a part of her school’s SAVE Promise Club. This is her first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and her advocacy is only beginning. Evelyn’s passion for preventing youth violence sparked an ambitious drive within her to make a difference in her community. Through Say Something trainings for both teachers and students, she’s able to cultivate an environment showcasing the importance of recognizing and reporting the warning signs of someone at-risk of hurting themselves or others. Evelyn’s positive attitude and devotion to diversity and equity makes her SAVE Promise Club a place where everyone and anyone is welcome — making all voices feel valued and heard.

Ms. Toshner, Evelyn’s advisor shares “Evelyn is a hardworking student who is showing signs of being passionate of youth having a voice to prevent violence.”

Evelyn is also a member of her school’s Student Government, Muk Way Committee, tennis team, jazz band, and Blue2 Program.

Frederick

Texas

“My goal is to create a significant positive influence within schools, ensuring that everyone feels happy and welcomed, fostering a sense of belonging for all.”

Frederick has been serving actively for the past year as a part of his school’s SAVE Promise Club. This is his first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and he couldn’t be more driven. Frederick’s determination to create positive change stems from his desire to bring a sense of safety and security to all students. During Start With Hello Week, Frederick prioritized a lunch event where everyone sat with someone new — building a socially inclusive environment where everyone can connect with one another. With an alarming rate of gun violence in his area, Frederick plans to contribute ideas and solutions to put an end to this violence and be a voice that speaks up and supports his school and community.

Mr. Barksdale, Frederick’s advisor shares “Frederick comes from a diverse background and has a heart for his community. He can provide a unique perspective as his actions lift our community up, making us better leaders of tomorrow.”

Frederick is also an active member of the Future Leaders Program, a neighboring school’s football team, and the lacrosse club team.

Jack

Pennsylvania

“I’m committed to being a resource for my fellow students, providing a listening ear, and a safe space for discussion. Ensuring that every student feels heard and supported is at the core of my mission.”

Jack has been serving actively for the past year as a part of his school’s SAVE Promise Club. This is his first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and he’s prepared to make a difference. Tragically, Jack lost a friend to suicide. Having felt helpless, Jack turned his anger into passion. He knew he needed to make the change to start a change. Every year, Jack’s school begins with Start With Hello, challenging students to try and say “hello” to a different person every day. With a passion for mental health awareness, Jack is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment in schools and beyond, striving to make a positive impact on the well-being of our youth.

Ms. Borys, Jack’s advisor shares “It is obvious that Jack cares deeply about the well-being of others and goes out of his way for those in need. He has made a place for himself among the positive leaders in the school and Club. His mature, yet easy-going personality, helps others feel welcome and comfortable.”

Jack is also a member of the National Honor Society, actively volunteering as a basketball team coach.

Jade

California

“We want to do this because we’ve had our fair share of school shooting threats. And we are still the only Club on campus, among hundreds, that specifically focus on preventing violence in schools. We’ve started to have conversations that our school has never had before that we need to address more often.”

Jade has been serving actively for the past three years as a part of her school’s SAVE Promise Club, and currently serves as President of her Club. This is her third year on the National Youth Advisory Board, and she couldn’t be more empowered. From activities showcasing what a simple “hello” can do for someone to 3,000 students Making the Promise to protect children from gun violence during Start With Hello Week, Jade serves as the catalyst for making a positive difference in her school and community. Her passion and creativity inspire her goal to be connected with all students, allowing her to create an inclusive environment free of negativity and judgement. Before she closes her final chapter in high school, Jade hopes to spread the SAVE Promise Club message to a local middle school.

Ms. Goldenberg, Jade’s advisor shares “Jade is a dedicated student leader with a strong passion for the SAVE Promise message. She works together with other students to lead our current SAVE Promise Club through the year and into the next school year. She’s known as a strong campus leader with a contagious positive attitude.”

Jade is also a part of her school’s leadership program and Homecoming Committee.

Jhakia

Georgia

“I am a person who wants to give out love and care because we need more in the world.”

Jhakia has been serving actively for the past year as a part of her school’s SAVE Promise Club. This is her first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and her advocacy is only beginning. Through Start With Hello and Say Something activities, Jhakia has transformed into a passionate leader, learning to understand and address the needs of others to foster a safer, more inclusive community. Her most rewarding experience was visiting a neighboring high school, where she inspired students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on creating a positive and fun environment, proving that even small actions can lead to significant change in the youth community.  

Ms. Johnson, Jhakia’s advisor shares “Jhakia is a leader and has volunteered to participate in any activity to elevate herself and her peers. I believe she will be a great addition to the National Youth Advisory Board due to her curiosity, willingness to participate and incorporate new ideals to her school and community.”

Jhakia is also a part of her school’s Student Government Association (SGA) and a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Mylan

Louisiana

“I hope to bring a smile on people’s faces and bring a change in my community.”

Mylan has been serving actively for the past three years as a part of his school’s SAVE Promise Club. This is his first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and he’s highly motivated. As a passionate advocate for change, Mylan is dedicated to making his school a safer and more inclusive place. From giving kind messages to teachers during Start With Hello Week to wearing green to promote Say Something Week, he’s shown how small actions can prevent violence and build a supportive community. With diversity and equality at the forefront of his mind, Mylan hopes to inspire and lead other youth in combating all forms of violence.

Ms. Hagler-Duffaut, Mylan’s advisor shares “Mylan is a very committed, passionate, and involved member. He always has a positive attitude and wants to be involved. He feels passionately about the National Youth Advisory Board and wants to do as much as he can for the program.”

Mylan is also a part of his school’s band, community service club, and serves as a member of the Student Council and Ambassador Program.

Sarah

Connecticut

“I love being able to see the positive impact that all the activities and lessons we put on have on our community. I also believe that students should be able to just be students, who worry about their academics and not whether they are going to make it home or not. That is why promoting positive mental health practices and violence prevention is incredibly important to me.”

Sarah has been serving actively for the past two years as a part of her school’s SAVE Promise Club. This is her first year on the National Youth Advisory Board and she’s prepared to make a difference. Motivated by her own personal experiences, including supporting friends through mental health crises, Sarah seeks to prevent violence by improving the mental well-being of youth. She’s spearheaded initiatives like “Say Hello with Some Cocoa” during Start With Hello Week, which fostered new connections among students within her school. These experiences have fueled Sarah’s commitment to leadership and community engagement—driving her to advocate for a safer, more supportive school environment.

Ms. Healy, Sarah’s advisor shares “Sarah clearly has a passion for the message behind SAVE Promise Clubs, and that has been shown through her work in the club. She has consistently gone above and beyond when it comes to involvement. This year, she has led the club in volunteering and fundraising efforts and works to encourage others to get involved in both. She is at every meeting, even with the new constraints put on clubs by our school and always contributes new and exciting ideas to implement.”

Sarah also participates in competitive swimming, track and field, and is a volunteer at a local hospital.