Meet Our Youth Co-Creators

Akshara Santoshkumar is a 17-year-old, first-generation Indian-American living in Fairfax, Virginia. After growing up in the Middle East, Akshara has developed a keen interest in politics and journalism. Akshara is the Outreach Director of Good for Youth, a multimedia collective that advocates for marginalized youth. Furthermore, Akshara is the editor for her school’s edition of InLight, a student-led platform for dialogue that explores cultures, lifts voices, and sheds light on injustices. Outside of the classroom, Akshara sings with the Children's Chorus of Washington.

I am a young multi-cultural neurodiverse lesbian with a heart for justice and peaches.

Ameen is a junior in high school with a deep-seated passion for guiding young individuals toward a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. He's driven by the transformative potential of mentorship, especially within communities that are often overlooked. Ameen is passionate about creating nurturing spaces for his peers, fostering resilience, and reflecting the inherent power within every young person. His advocacy extends into crucial areas such as mental health and food allergies, where he shines a light on the challenges faced by teens throughout their lives. As a Headstream Youth 2 Innovator Leader, Ameen co-authored an article for YR Media about how HX provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on teens in a digital world. Ameen is currently developing an app to provide teens with a digital space for inspiration and mentorship.

Ameen is a 10th grade student who is passionate about making a difference in teen wellbeing in online spaces. As a Headstream Youth 2 Innovator Leader, Ameen has been featured in the All Tech is Human HX report on how aligning technologies around our human needs improves digital wellbeing. He also co-authored an article for YR Media about how HX can provide the opportunity to make a positive impact on teens in a digital world. Ameen is currently developing an app to provide teens with a digital space for inspiration and mentorship

Amen is a forward-thinking 20-year-old college freshman with a burning passion for data and technology. Juggling various roles, Amen proudly serves as a project management intern, marketing intern, and technical assistant at school, all while honing skills as a database administrator. This ability to navigate diverse roles has earned Amen recognition as an Analyst of the esteemed Pitzer Investment Group. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Amen founded the School Savings Club—a platform dedicated to promoting financial literacy among peers. Winning the UNHCR MUN Challenge in 2022 was a testament to Amen's leadership and innovation. The journey doesn't end there. Amen has been honored as an SEO Tech Developer First Year Academy Scholar and has embraced new challenges through Expedition EY. As a ServiceNow NextGen Scholar, Amen is constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in technology. What sets Amen apart is an innate creativity and self-starter mentality. Whether diving into complex data projects or spearheading innovative initiatives, Amen thrives on thinking outside the box and bringing ideas to fruition. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a relentless drive for innovation, Amen is determined to make a lasting impact in the worlds of technology, data, and beyond.

Andy is a senior at Hawken Upper School whose interests range from Chinese idioms and Chilean slang to computational linguistics and magical realism. They co-founded the school Science Olympiad team, tutor EFL students free of charge, and work in a biomedical research lab at Case Western Reserve University in the summer. From learning Chopin’s piano études to competing in and earning recognition in various Olympiads, Andy loves competition — not against others but against themself. This fall, Andy plans to pursue an A.B. in Computer Science at Princeton with a minor in Linguistics or Latin American Studies. They are especially interested in the well-being of transgender and a-spec individuals, Asian Americans, and indigenous peoples. Regarding the latter, Andy hopes to find their niche in indigenous language preservation and revitalization work.

Anisa Mokhaiar, is an 18-year-old senior at UAI Math and Science. Anisa is committed to utilizing my voice as a youth to advocate for things she is most passionate about. Anisa is fueled by a strong belief in the power of youth empowerment and believes that together we can create impactful endeavors that uplift and inspire.

I'm enthusiastic about volunteering and community service because of the new people I can meet and the experiences I get to live. I believe in practicing self-care and maintaining mental health, so I make time for activities I find enjoyable, such as reading, painting, watching shows, writing, and traveling.

Ariana Walcott is a high school senior from Brooklyn, New York, passionate about the intersection of coding and the expansion of computer science education equity. A strong advocate of Climate Justice, she is passionate about using design and technology to improve the environment and community. She held a community initiative at a local school teaching elementary students about Scratch as Chapter Lead of Little League Coding's New York Chapter. Besides technology, Ariana has a creative side and expresses it through poetry. She has had her poetry published in an upcoming magazine - K. Magazine. She also was a panel speaker at the Dream Deferred College Board Conference, speaking on her experience as past AP Seminar student. In Fall 2024, Ariana will be studying Computer Science at City Tech.

Ashmita Annamalai is a mental health and suicide prevention advocate, channeling her efforts into various initiatives as a leader, speaker, writer, and journalist. She is intrigued by the intersection between humanities and medicine, and she hopes to integrate the depth of these fields as she studies neuroscience at university this fall. Her love of artistic expression fuels her passion for dance and her appreciation of all other art forms. She is a true visionary but balances her unlimited imagination with true passion and dedication as she gives 110% into everything she does.

I'm very passionate about the Earth, the environment, and the well-being of others. I'm interested in being able to stand up and represent communities of people who need help, and also be able to give them the assistance and resources they need to live happy and healthy lives.

Christopher Lee is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is studying economics and has a keen interest in pursuing a career in financial services post-graduation. At Penn, Chris is actively involved in various student organizations, including the Wharton Undergraduate Venture Group (WUVG), Wharton Undergraduate Energy Group (WUEG), Wharton Investment and Trading Group (WITG), Penn Taiwanese Society (PTS), and the Penn Ski & Snowboard Team. In addition to his campus activities, Chris serves as a junior analyst for Global Equity Management, an intercollegiate student-run investment fund. During his high school years at Delbarton School, Chris co-founded and served as President of the Asian Culture Club, led the French Club as President, and coordinated the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. His academic excellence was recognized in 2023 when he was honored as a National Merit Scholar. Chris also participated in sports, playing hockey and tennis at Delbarton. Beyond his high school responsibilities, Chris took on the role of Director of Business Management & Operations at the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), where he oversaw approximately 30 interns and coordinated business strategies with executive leadership. Additionally, he served as a Youth Advisor as part of the 2022 Headstream Advisory Board Cohort, collaborating with Breakthru, a startup focused on connecting students with educational and career opportunities through their innovative platform. An avid skier, Chris enjoys spending his free time on the slopes, playing tennis, watching ice hockey, and traveling with friends. His diverse experiences and leadership roles reflect his commitment to excellence and his passion for making a positive impact in both his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

I am a rising senior in high school interested in studying a business-related degree in college, most likely economics or finance. I enjoy exploring investments and the stock market, and I am also passionate about spreading diversity. I believe that for a business to succeed, it is necessary to have a global, international, and diverse understanding of the world, as business and culture so often intersect. I am extremely excited to begin working with these innovators!

Cynthia Arenas is a senior at St. Mary's Academy in Portland, Oregon, with a strong passion for coding. She enjoys creating fun games like chess, pong, and Pokémon simulations using Java and C++. Cynthia is set to attend Harvey Mudd College this fall to pursue a BA in computer science. She is also a tennis and boba enthusiast, always on the lookout for scenic tennis courts and tasty boba shops. As a Region 10 Representative for FEMA's Youth Preparedness Council, Cynthia founded a Red Cross Club and a Youth Medical Corps at her high school, promoting emergency preparedness. She has led and coordinated CPR, AED, and First Aid certification trainings and conducted earthquake drills at various Head Start locations in her community. Additionally, she has been a long-term certified Assistant Tennis Coach at Kids N' Tennis, a nonprofit organization providing free tennis lessons to underserved youth. Cynthia also works with Next Up Action Fund, running voter registration drives, and supports her dad in coding his startup company website. She is also a Design and Development Intern with The Stem Stitch. Cynthia has attended coding camps and fellowships at Stanford University on full scholarships from the Lindsey Vonn Foundation and She++, where she explored game programming and Python courses. She is a recipient of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, which will fund her college education and provide an internship at Amazon the summer after her freshman year. In her free time, Cynthia participates in essay competitions, earning an Immerse Education Essay Scholarship Award to attend a coding course at Oxford University. As a first-generation Latina and daughter of a single-parent immigrant, Cynthia has developed the resilience and grit of a leader who relentlessly pursues her dreams. Her big heart and drive motivate her to help others, with aspirations of starting charitable organizations and scholarships for diverse youth pursuing STEM careers. Cynthia aims to continue her journey in higher education, ultimately achieving a PhD in Machine Learning or Computer Science.

Denver is an advocate, athlete, artist, and musician. She is the co-founder of a non-profit organization, Fourddo, which plays a significant role in her goals. Her passions lie in advocating for marginalized communities, making people feel seen, and creating works that start important conversations. Through her creative endeavors, Denver aims to produce authentic films, music, and art that challenge norms and perspectives. She aspires to contribute to the creation of a more humanistic and equitable society.

Devin Moore is the Founder of Race To Speak Up, an anti-bullying organization, where he educates youth about bullying prevention and empowers them to be upstanders. Devin is the author of Devin Speaks Up! children’s anti-bullying book. Devin Speaks Up! is about bullying prevention, kindness matters, and encourages kids to be upstanders. Devin is 20 years old and Psychology major and Nonprofit Leadership minor at the University of Maryland. Their hobbies include writing poetry and personal strengths are being creative and is a natural born leader.

Elina is a 14-year-old Indian-American living in Dallas, Texas, who carries a strong passion for computer science. Her interests particularly lie at the intersection of computer science, environmental advocacy, and business. Elina is deeply committed to using technology to address environmental challenges and drive sustainable business practices. She is constantly exploring innovative ways to leverage her technical skills to make a positive impact on the world around her. Through her dedication and forward-thinking mindset, Elina aims to bridge the gap between technology and environmental stewardship, aspiring to be a leader in creating a more sustainable future.

Emily Munoz is an incoming student and Posse Scholar at Vanderbilt University, where she plans to major in Political Science. Her passion for conversations, pop culture, and social justice has led her to develop a deep interest in politics and civic engagement. Emily's experiences include being a Young Scholar with the African American Policy Forum, a NYPL Teen Reading Ambassador, a Chalkbeat Student Voices Fellow, an award-winning published poet, and a youth leader at the NYC Mayor's Office. She is also an incoming Bank of America Student Leader and a Princeton Prize in Race Relations Honoree.

Eva-Angeline is a determined and enthusiastic individual dedicated to utilizing the power of education to create a long-lasting influence on society as a whole. Throughout her academic journey, she has come to understand the significance of persistence and the remarkable capacity of knowledge to effect change. In her perspective, social reform embodies the potential to bring about positive transformations in both individual lives and society at large.

Faiza is a junior in Maryland, where she is enrolled in her school’s interactive media production program. She loves everything multimedia and journalism-related. Involved with an array of affinity and activism organizations at her school, she is dedicated to amplifying student voices. As a co-host for PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ On Our Minds podcast, she has discovered a newfound passion in public media through reporting and teen mental health

I’m an bubbly immigrant girl with trans experience who strives to make the world a better, more informed place little by little. Furthermore, being an innovator will allow me to share a little bit of my science and philosophy knowledge which is an honor. My friends describe me as a sweet kind hearted person or as the therapist of the group: Some of my hobbies include editing, gaming, dancing and makeup.

My name is Irfane Soumanou and I am a Beninese-American, muslim girl living in the Bronx, NY. I enjoy experiencing and learning about various cultural practices and foods. I enjoy listening to various music genres as well as dancing. I speak French, and am working towards mastering Spanish, Arabic, and Yoruba.

My name is Ishva (she/her); I am a student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. I like to build and help others build. I am passionate about equity, education, and leveraging tech to strengthen communities. My personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals through my work and experiences.

Jadah Egbo is a high school junior attending the High School for Law and Justice. From a young age, Jadah has been drawn to careers within the legal field. However, experiences in foster care solidified the decision to become a lawyer. Everyone on this planet has a story, and Jadah's story, with its unique experiences, has inspired her to become an attorney and advocate for others who may not have had a voice. Experiencing the broken foster care system firsthand taught Jadah what it's like to be voiceless and sparked a passion for becoming a children’s rights attorney. Alongside her academics, Jadah works as a social media manager for Sunrise Houston, a youth-led climate change organization. In her free time, Jadah enjoys spending time with her father, who is her biggest supporter and motivator. This year, she is also enjoying learning new skills such as sewing, crocheting, and embroidery. Looking ahead, Jadah is excited to expand her horizons and continue growing both personally and academically.

A generous, hardworking and easy-going incoming education major at Tufts University. I dedicate my free time helping the education of others through tutoring. I love to find ways to incorporate technology into my teaching.

Joseph Arujo (he/him) is a 20-year old Latinx mental-health activist and content creator based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a sophomorr student at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, combining his interests in Business Administration and Media Studies to create a purpose-driven career that makes a difference in his community. As a Community Leader in the TikTok Diversity Collective, Joseph uses his energy to advise companies such as TikTok on diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading to developments such as “Pronouns on profiles,” crediting creator tools, and more. He has steadily grown his online fan base to over 840,000 followers, creating a community centered around spreading positivity and kindness.

As The Jed Foundation's 2023 undergraduate Student Voice of Mental Health Award winner, José has dedicated himself to giving everyone in his community a chance to talk openly about their journeys with mental health. He is the founder of the Miami Herald’s award-winning mental health nonprofit, In Touch, created to give students a place to connect and share their mental health stories. Inspired by his passion for storytelling, José has shared his story and lived experience at various conferences and media outlets, including USA Today, ABC News, Yr Media, Inseparable, Mental Health America, Nasdaq, Hopelab, Radio España, The Jed Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This year, he was invited to be a keynote speaker at Mental Health America's Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., and was one of the thirty recipients of Behavioral Health Tech’s inaugural Young Innovators in Behavioral Health Award. Currently, Jose is utilizing his lived experiences and leadership to integrate youth perspectives and programming at Mental Health America, where he serves as a member of the Board of Programming Committee. As a student at Columbia University, José is pursuing a degree in cognitive science and hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. José's passion for multicultural intersectionality and enriching mental health journeys for first-generation students gives him a unique point of view and a powerful voice leading the way for a new generation of advocates.

Karsha Thelasco is a current high school senior at Oliver Ames High School, where she is known for her dedication to community service and her passion for advocating for social justice, particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion. As a student advisory leader on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board, Karsha actively works to promote a more inclusive and equitable environment within her school community. Her commitment to service extends beyond this role, as she regularly engages in various community service projects that benefit her school and local area. Karsha's drive to make a difference is not limited to social advocacy; she is also deeply committed to pursuing a career in healthcare. With aspirations of becoming a nurse, she is focused on achieving goals that align with her passion for health and well-being. This fall, Karsha will be attending Louisiana State University (LSU) as a pre-nursing major, and she is incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter of her life. She looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, eager to continue her journey of personal and professional growth while making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Kheira Bekkadja has a life-long goal of working to build bridges literally by studying civil & infrastructure engineering and figuratively through de-stigmatizing mental health and youth empowerment. She strongly believes that openly talking about her mental health journey can possibly become someone else's survival guide and inspiration for them to become their wholehearted and unapologetic selves.

Laney is an Innovative and goal-oriented teen mental health advocate, actively leading and participating in community volunteer programs and resources for teens. She is a dedicated competitive swimmer and team player skilled at leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. Also, a mother of her two cats- Wheedle and Grayman.

Lee is a 17-year-old visual artist, vegetarian, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community from upstate SC. He spends most of his time listening to music, cooking, exercising, spending time with his 2 dogs, and playing video games.

Logan is a 13-year-old filmmaker with a deep passion for storytelling that began when he was just 7 years old. From a young age, Logan demonstrated remarkable creativity in his films, finding joy in the process of making them. His enthusiasm for filmmaking continues to grow as he hones his skills and explores new ideas. Currently in the 7th grade, Logan is known for his imaginative thinking and his ability to brainstorm and contribute innovative ideas. He aspires to further develop his filmmaking talents and take on more ambitious projects in the future. Logan's dedication to his craft and his creative spirit set him apart as a budding filmmaker with a bright future ahead.

Makyla Boney is a 19-year-old student currently attending Old Dominion University as a freshman and soon-to-be sophomore. She is pursuing a major in Creative Writing with a minor in Theater. Makyla aspires to build a career in the performing arts, aiming to become an accomplished actress or perhaps even the next Tyler Perry. In her free time, Makyla enjoys watching gamers on YouTube, with favorites including CoryXKenshin, Berleezy, and DashieGames. Her hobbies also include singing, dancing, writing poetry, and journaling. Through her studies and creative pursuits, Makyla is dedicated to honing her craft and making a significant impact in the world of performing arts.

Mariam Khedr is an immigrant from Egypt, and she currently lives in Brooklyn. Although she wasn't born in Brooklyn, she feels she is native born since she came here as a baby. She grew up attempting to take in two varying cultures and languages and attempting to find balance. Through her journey, she was able to connect with more members in her community including her local volunteer ambulance organization, where she was able to become the president of the youth squad. Her position allowed her to cultivate a new medical program for the other members and increased overall community engagement. Mariam has also been an active member in her SEO community where she is able to gain more insight into academia and network effectively. In the fall of 2024, she will be studying at NYU Stern with a major of Business and Political Economy.

I would describe myself as someone who is very opinionated. I am strong-willed and I accomplish the things I put my mind to. I would also say that I'm a good leader, I try to make sure everyone's opinions are heard and I enjoy talking to new people

Maryam Zoweil is an 18 year-old Egyptian-American senior in High School in Austin, Texas. She is most passionate about utilizing social entrepreneurship, data analytics, and education to empower youth and promote social change in our society. Outside of school, Maryam has contributed to several equity-centered design and intercultural understanding initiatives, including her roles as a Council Member in Austin's Youth Climate Equity Council, Youth Advisor in Headstream's '22 Co-Creator club, and Director of Education Data Analytics at Institute for Youth in Policy. When she can't find spaces to exercise her passions and crave for experiential learning opportunities, she creates them. At her high school, she founded a business club focused on providing students with hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and empowering them to address a need in their community. Outside of work and school, Maryam enjoys traveling, drawing, and playing water polo.

I live in Austin, Texas and enjoy learning math and new languages, drawing, playing sports, and challenging myself through exploring new places and activities. My identity as a Muslim Egyptian-American and having the amazing privilege of being able to frequently travel has played a dramatic role in growing my love for learning about other cultures and allowed me to analyze the differences between a variety of nations and teen life in these distinct environments. I hope to one day create an innovation that takes advantage of technology’s growing impact on society in order to make the world more inclusive and empower passionate individuals around the globe to leave a positive impact.

Maya Dummett, a First-Year at Harvard College, is an award-winning coder, organizer, advocate, and force for change from Morristown, New Jersey. Maya is passionate about using the intersection of computer science and government as a vehicle for social good and social justice. Maya advocates for various causes such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, politics, everyday life, and beyond.

Kemi is a Research Intern with a passion for creative marketing and experience in biotechnology. This spring, she will be earning her Associate's Degree and later in the fall, she will be entering college as a freshman. Kemi has been recognized with her Biotechnician Assistant Credential, which demonstrates her competence in the biotech industry. Outside of her academic and career pursuits, Kemi is an intern at Character Lab, and serves as the Secretary of her local Delta Sigma Theta GEMS Chapter.

Payton is a current high school sophomore in Chicago at Lane Tech College Prep and an aspiring lawyer/businesswoman! She loves to dive into discussions about identity and ontology, subjects she plans to bring into her future endeavors as a business and law student. As for her interests, Payton is a Varsity critical policy Debater, committing to weekend-long tournaments and extensive research. She is also a Varsity rower for the Chicago Rowing Foundation, soon beginning her third year on the team. She also has completed her term as a part of the Georgetown Law Outreach Program over the school year, learning from lawyers and students from all walks of the practice. Another one of her passions come into play in investment for Chicago’s youth. As a Chicago Teen Tutor and a Lane Tech Mentor, she works firsthand with students to help them optimize their education. Within the Chicago Park District, she has completed the Teen Leadership course and was a junior counselor for two years, beginning as a Rec Leader this year. Payton believes it’s incredibly important to aid the development of today’s youth, whether on the field or in the classroom, despite being young herself. As an aspiring businesswoman, she has won the People’s Choice competition and came in second for an entrepreneurial pitch competition with Future Founders and was recently inducted into the Junior Economic Club of Chicago where she hopes to learn from successful people involved in finance and entrepreneurship and take part in community initiatives to increase social financial literacy. Payton is a Neolth Mental Health ambassador, currently participating in their mental health innovation challenge to further the company’s initiatives and has completed a research project on the intersection of youth sports and mental health. She is also the founder of Decimos, a community non-profit which has brought diverse ambassadors together to answer teen questions about mental health, school, and identity from a similar perspective! Payton is a passionate advocate and goal-oriented person with great care for her community! She is a determined and ambitious person who takes each action in an attempt to embody her vision for the future and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

I am a multidisciplinary artist and a student studying communications and media studies. I am passionate about cultivating community and finding creative ways to express and embrace all parts of my identity. I love storytelling and sharing how I engage with the world.

My name is Se’Kani Frett. I am from St.Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands, however I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently a Junior with a 3.97 GPA. I love to play soccer. My future aspirations include becoming an entrepreneur.

Shagun is a technology enthusiast, social activist, and community leader. Her passion lies in the intersection between computer science, business, and public policy. She loves dancing, traveling, reading, baking, and laughing over corny jokes with her friends and family. In the future, Shagun hopes to combine her interests to make education more accessible to underdeveloped communities.

I'm a high school senior from Sammamish, WA. In my free time, I love playing badminton and tennis, analyzing movies, and listening to music. I'm also super interested in anatomy and psychology, which is why I was drawn to Headstream. Being on the youth board was the perfect opportunity to share my perspective while learning more about health and wellness, and I'm excited to work with other advisors and contribute to such amazing innovations!

Tatiwyat Buck (she/her) is a young Indigenous woman from the Wanapum Tribe and Yakama Nation in Washington State. She grew up in her home village along the Columbia River and is a rising sophomore at The Northwest School in Seattle. Tatiwyat is creative and loves to dream and design ways to improve people’s lives. In particular, she is passionate about supporting the health and well-being of diverse Indigenous communities and fostering the mental health of athletes. Tatiwyat is also a dedicated soccer player and aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine

I love to make music. It's a true escape for me and honestly represents a huge part of my being. I play basketball a lot. Helps me clear my head and gets me motivated for no reason at all. And I like working out, keeps me motivated to do better in life and to keep me going.