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Previous Youth Council Cohorts
2024-25 Youth Council
Calvin Z.
Calvin Zhou is a #DegreesNYC Data Fellow. He is a junior at Brooklyn Technical High School. In his free time, he loves reading books, listening to music, and playing video games. He is also passionate about advocating for injustices in his community, such as immigration policies and education opportunities. Calvin has experience in youth advocacy campaigns and has advocated for the equitable distribution of resources and access to support for all NYC students
Chike S.
Chike Samuels is a returning #DegreesNYC Advocacy Fellow. He is a senior at Bedford Academy High School (Class of 2025). He has a passion for horticulture and spends much of his time working at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. He is deeply committed to addressing the inequities he sees in his community and beyond. Chike joined the Youth Council because he has a strong desire to combat pressing social justice issues alongside other young advocates and he recognizes the vital importance of diverse and fresh perspectives in creating a more equitable world.
Habibah A.
Habibah Aldakak is a #DegreesNYC Data fellow and a junior transfer student at Hunter College, majoring in Biology and minoring in Public Health on the pre-medical track. Previously, she attended St. John’s University and her experience transferring helped her gain a perspective on the difference between public and private schooling with its pros and cons. Habibah is excited to be a part of #DegreesNYC’s Youth Council this year, where the Youth Council members work to address educational inequities and advocate for youth well-being across New York City. She is deeply passionate about empowering young people to create meaningful change, particularly by ensuring access to equitable and impactful education.
Janelle Q.
Janelle Quiles is a returning #DegreesNYC Advocacy Fellow. She is Political Science major in her junior year at the City College of New York. She became a Youth Council member because she believes education is one of the most important things we can achieve in life. As a Youth Advocate, she wants to help make the pursuit of higher education more equitable, raise awareness of issues that effect students, and advocate for changes that will make the education system better.
Jheyleinnies G.
Jheyleinnies Guerrero is a #DegreesNYC Data Fellow. She is better known as Jhey Jhey. She is an honors Senior at John Jay College and a McNair Associate studying Criminology and Psychology. She also works as a Lead Peer Success Coach for the Student Academic Success Program at John Jay (SASPS) and as an Honors Peer Mentor for the Honors Program. Being in these positions has helped her to see both the students' perspective and faculty's perspective, allowing her to not only assess the gaps in higher education but also advocate for resources for student readiness. She joined #DegreesNYC to make a more meaningful impact towards educational opportunities through research as well as to become a resource for students at John Jay.
Nafi A.
Nafi Abubakar is a #DegreesNYC Advocacy Fellow. She is a sophomore at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) majoring in Aerospace Engineering. She has a strong passion for advancing educational opportunities. Over the summer, Nafi worked with the Youth Advocacy Corps' Youth Advocacy Summer Institute (YASI) program researching the mental health challenges of black teenagers in New York City and the obstacles many face in accessing the resources they need to succeed. This experience motivated her to join the Youth Council, where she is excited to advocate and help bridge the support and opportunity gaps for youth in our community.
Nermen E.
Nermen Elkallini attends City College as a part of the Sophie Davis biomedical program. She has been a part of the Data Fellowship since its inception and is returning for a third year. She joined #DegreesNYC because of how impactful our work is for future students who will be able to have a better and more effective educational experience by learning from the feedback given by students who have gone through the system. In addition, she is intrigued by students' experiences from across NYC and being able to listen and get exposed to a variety of those experiences.
2023-24 Youth Council
Victoria L.
Youth Council Co-Coordinator
Victoria Lu was the 2023-24 Youth Council Co-Coordinator of #DegreesNYC. She is a first year student at Macaulay Honors at City College. At #DegreesNYC, Victoria has focused on course access and mental health for NYC students, writing letters advocating for change, and spearheading a Call to Action. Lu is also involved in environmental justice, specifically pertaining to mobilizing the youth in Queens. In the future, Victoria aspires to become a public interest attorney.
Dale M.
Youth Council Co-Coordinator
Dale Mcenany was the 2023-24 Youth Council Co-Coordinator of #DegreesNYC. They are a junior at Columbia University are majoring in Sociology and Educational Studies. They are originally from Mesa, Arizona, then moved to San Diego, California, and are now in New York City! At #DegreesNYC have background in youth advocacy, community organizing, and civic engagement.
Ariba S.
Advocacy Fellow
Grade/Year/School:
LaGuardia Community College '24
Fun fact:
In my free time enjoy cooking and my favorite meal is briyani.
What makes you a youth leader?
I am passionate about creating an accessible environment for students to grow by getting mental and academic supports.
Why do you do this work?
Through this position, I'll be able to create a safe space for youth to connect and how other youths will be able to advocate for themselves.
Janelle Q.
Advocacy Fellow
Grade/Year/School:
The City College of New York '25
Fun fact:
I love jellyfish.
What makes you a youth leader?
I love collaborating with others, and I want to improve the well-being of others in my community.
Why do you do this work?
I want to become a student advocate because I think education is one of the most important things in life, and I think there are things we could do to make the education system better, and more fun for kids.
Chike S.
Advocacy Fellow
Grade/Year/School:
Bedford Academy High School '25
Fun fact:
I enjoy writing, gardening, and biking around NYC.
What makes you a change-maker?
I'm incredibly passionate about forming change and the importance of doing so with young perspectives. I feel that I'm collaborative and considerate of varying and significant ideas of those I work with.
Why do you do this work?
I'd like to contribute to the fight against educational inequalities, racial injustices, and environmental problems, as well as many other pressing social justice issues of our time.
Tiana L.
Advocacy Fellow
Grade/Year/School:
Baruch College '27
Fun fact:
I like to write song lyrics and poetry.
What makes you a change-maker?
I'm passionate advocating for the youth because I believe we all have important ideas which deserve to be heard despite our young age.
Why do you do this work?
I want to be a model to the Asian American and POC community to speak up for ourselves in the face of discrimination and/or lack of resources. I want people to become in touch with their inner leader and have the opportunity to better understand people's needs.
Tina Z.
Advocacy Fellow
Grade/Year/School:
Millennium Brooklyn High School '24
Fun fact:
My favorite flowers are hydrangeas in purple because it symbolizes the desire to understand deeply as she yearns to understand her fellow humans and the world.
What makes you a change-maker?
I recognize the importance of different types of leadership to serve diverse needs. My leadership in my efforts to be thoughtful, responsive, and encouraging towards others as she engages in folk' different values and visions.
Why do you do this work?
As a first generation, low-income student, I am passionate about education justice as I believe it's the main mode of upward mobility and empowerment.
Hafsah A.
Data Fellow
Grade/Year/School:
Hunter College '22
Fun fact:
I love to travel.
What makes you a change-maker?
What makes me a change maker is my ability to inspire others and being adaptable in any given situation and making the best of it.
Why do you do this work?
I am passionate about [advancing education opportunities] and [seeking] to uplift youth voices.
Nermen E.
Data Fellow
My name is Nermen Elkallini, and I attend City College as part of the Sophie Davis biomedical program. I am in my first year of college and have experienced what it is like to attend a public high school.
My four years at a medical-based high school helped define for me what the term “Student-Ready Schools” meant. Whether it be the positives of high school or the negatives, both contributed and helped me create the idea of what a Student-Ready School is according to my experiences and what I learned from others.
The reason I joined #DegreesNYC is because of how impactful our work is for future students who will be able to have a better and more effective educational experience by learning from the feedback given by students who have gone through the system. In addition, I am very intruiged by students’ experiences from across NYC and being able to listen and get exposed to a variety of those experiences is extremely important to me.
Stephanie R.
Data Fellow
Hi, I am Stephanie Raza from Queens, New York. I see a Student-Ready School as one which provides an inclusive landscape that reinforces student-oriented visions to prepare them for real-world success, [developing] their critical thinking. By taking what we know about education based on existing data on learning models and applying it to achieve what we want, we can make students the top priority by increasing collaboration and shared ownership of decisions among principals, teachers, and educational leaders.
Tamima R.
Data Fellow
My name is Tamima Rohman and I believe that every student should have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. I’m passionate about students’ perspectives on education and how to best meet their needs. #DegreesNYC is an amazing opportunity to start that journey.
2022-23 Youth Council
James R.
Media Lead
Grade/Year/School:
St. John's University '23
Fun fact:
I like to play video games and write on my spare time.
What makes you a change-maker?
I The inequalities are recklessly costly for students. I want to change these systems by holding them to a higher standard of financial and economic support.
Why do you do this work?
I want to raise awareness on mental and emotional well-being as important pillars.
Julia P.
Policy & Research Lead
Grade/Year/School:
The East NY Arts & Civic HS '24
Fun fact:
I like to play softball and write raps and poetry on my free time.
What makes you a change-maker?
I want to create major change in the education system and its curriculum because I believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and success should be based on individual merits, and not unfair advantages.
Why do you do this work?
I imagine an equitable school system for all to give everyone a change to be something regardless of where they're from or if they need extra help. true education is not a competition of which school can get the highest state test score.
Lex T.
Outreach Lead
Grade/Year/School:
Park East High School '23
Fun fact:
I'm a big fan of mathematics and literature! I also use my free time to visit museums and art galleries.
What makes you a change-maker?
I'm a leader that is open-minded to and empathetic to my team's opinion, and make compromises to fulfill the team's wishes and ensure they feel supported.
Why do you do this work?
I want to make change in the DOE system and give courage to other peers to follow their dreams.
Destiny G.
Policy Lead
Grade/Year/School:
Brooklyn High School of the Arts '23
Fun fact:
I love interacting with others and gaining new perspectives on important topics.
What makes you a change-maker?
As a young person, it's easy to reach out to other youth. Seeing someone like you fight for a change will inspire others to do the same.
Why do you do this work?
I seek to create an environment where all feel safe and welcomed.
2021-22 Youth Council
Victoria L.
Policy & Research Lead
Grade/Year/School:
Senior at Forest Hills High School
Fun fact:
I've traveled to ten countries!
What makes you a change-maker?
The passion I have for my community and my belief toward shaping a more equitable world.
Why do you do this work?
I believe in advocating with the youth for the youth.
Dale M.
Outreach Lead
Grade/Year/School:
Columbia University '24
Fun fact:
I like reading, calligraphy, and taking care of my plants.
Why do you do this work?
Solutions to educational policy must also address economic equality and equal education outcomes so that the most vulnerable students will have the same opportunities for success.
Arianna P.
Outreach & Field Lead
Grade/Year/School:
St. John's University '22
Fun fact:
I love doing hair and exploring NYC with friends!
What makes you a change-maker?
No matter how big or small my role may be, I want to use my skills and passions to help make a positive impact on communities that I am a part of and to make a difference in this world.
Why do you do this work?
I have a growing interest in youth advocacy, and I hope to become a youth social worker and develop new diverse programs in high-risk communities.
Hafsah A.
Outreach & Field Lead
Grade/Year/School:
Hunter College '22
Fun fact:
I love to travel.
What makes you a change-maker?
What makes me a change maker is my ability to inspire others and being adaptable in any given situation and making the best of it.
Why do you do this work?
I am passionate about [advancing educational opportunities] and [seeking] to uplift youth voices.
2020-21 Youth Council
Rosalía M.
Coalition Lead
Grade/Year/School:
Columbia University '24
Fun fact:
I migrated from the Dominican Rep. to the US when I was around 13, and though I love NYC’s skyscrapers, nothing can replace DR’s amazing beaches.
What makes you a change-maker?
I strive to find solutions to issues that need attention. I am conscious of the challenges BIPOC/FGLI/Low-income students face in the NYC school system, especially during this COVID-19 epidemic. Due to this, I try to find creative ways to, not only make students feel represented but also heard and understood, even if it is on a small scale.
Why do you do this work?
#DegreesNYC not only allows me to collaborate in projects so NYC students feel represented, but it also enables me to reflect on how and why education is so important to me in the first place. It represents a space where I can learn from and with other students about their own experiences in education and work together towards the betterment of the system.
Louie J.
Data Lead
Grade/Year/School:
City College of New York '21
Fun fact:
I play the keyboard.
What makes you a change-maker?
What makes me a change-agent is my belief that human behaviors are influenced by private and public institutions. If we want more students to obtain college degrees then these institutions must play their role in making that easier for them to do. Education policy that is data-informed can more effectively guide institutions on how best to influence and support their students — so I am called to help with the research.
Why do you do this work?
I do this work because I am a low-income, first-generation minority student who faced my own set of challenges both in applying to and attending college.
Tseten L.
Media Lead
Grade/Year/School:
On a gap year!
Fun fact:
I love photography, I really enjoy being behind the camera capturing moments in time.
What makes you a change-maker?
No matter how big or small my role may be, I want to use my skills and passions to help make a positive impact on communities that I am a part of and to make a difference in this world.
Why do you do this work?
To uplift and amplify marginalized voices by helping bring youth voices to the table.
Aljermain B.
Outreach Lead
Grade/Year/School:
John Bowne High School '21
Fun fact:
I love to travel.
What makes you a change-maker?
What makes me a change maker is my ability to inspire others and being adaptable in any given situation and making the best of it.
Why do you do this work?
I do this job because I take pride in devoting my time for the benefit of others, to know that i can wake up and say to myself that a life has been changed for the better because of me, is a very humbling feeling.
Marlahna M.
Policy Lead
Grade/Year/School:
City College of New York '23
Fun fact:
I enjoy include embroidery, reading webcomics and manga, and playing videogames with my friends.
What makes you a change-maker?
I think what makes me a change maker is my passion for [opportunity] for all, and the drive to do more than just doing enough or idly cheering on the sidelines but to actively participate in social and political change and help bring ideas to the table.
Why do you do this work?
There should be no reason that in the 21st century some students still have to beat ridiculous odds stacked against them just to do well in school or to be able to go to college and thrive. Instead of teaching them to beat the odds let's break the barriers together!
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