youth advisory board

Tendekai is a sophomore at Princeton University, pursuing an A.B. in Public Policy with minors in African Studies and Music Performance. As a member of the Unbreakable Organization’s Youth Advisory Board, he is dedicated to addressing gun violence through policy research, focusing on prevention strategies in Washington, D.C., and Georgia. His leadership spans roles with the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, Princeton College Democrats, and the Princeton Political Review. A former Youth in Government leader, he champions youth-led policy initiatives and civic engagement. An accomplished musician, he performed at Carnegie Hall with NYO-USA and believes in the power of art and policy to foster equity and healing. His interests also include global governance, African economic development, and diplomacy.

Hannah is a proud graduate of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where she survived the tragic 2018 massacre. Following a series of tragedies at Princeton, Hannah leveraged both her role as Student Body Vice President and the resilience gained from the Parkland Community, to overhaul University mental health resources, culminating in a landmark report endorsed by the administration. Now pursuing a career in AI Governance, Hannah prioritizes human well-being, community, and belonging, integrating her life’s lessons into creating a more empathetic and inclusive technological future.

Jai is a​ graduating senior at Harvard University, majoring in Psychology and Educational Studies. As a survivor of the tragic school shooting at Santa Fe ​TX High School in ​May 2018, her passion for advocating gun violence prevention, particularly within the mental health community, was ignited. Jai is dedicated to exploring proactive measures and post-incident responses related to school shootings and advocating for mental health support, with a focus on gun violence survivors and those facing mental health challenges. Her studies also extend to understanding the impact of adversity on Black adolescents and youth, at the intersection of mental health and social justice.

Sofia is a graduate of Siena College with a bachelor's degree in English and Education, accompanied by a minor in Spanish. She is currently teaching ninth and tenth-grade English at her alma mater, Pittsfield High School. Sofia is also pursuing a master's degree in English Education and hopes to continue her education work and obtain a PhD in education. For as long as she can remember, gun violence has been present in her day-to-day life through endless lockdown drills, threats to the schools she attended and now works at, and is an unfortunate reality that many face as both students and teachers. As a student and teacher, Sofia hopes to spread awareness about the dangers of gun violence as well as help support those who have been impacted, both inside and outside the classroom. She strives to create a safe space for her students, classmates, and community and will continue to do so each and every day.

Lauren is a junior at the University of Florida. As a freshman at Stoneman Douglas, she experienced a tragic shooting on her campus, igniting an unwavering passion to assist those affected by gun violence and prevent others from experiencing such horrors. Lauren is pursuing a degree in Political Science and is deeply committed to political reform and gun control. Her aspirations include attending law school in the near future.

Chrishay is a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University, studying Business Finance with a minor in Real Estate. They are passionate about using their education and skills to drive positive change, particularly in marginalized communities. With a vision of fostering economic development and creating opportunities for growth and empowerment in their hometown, Chrishay is dedicated to making a lasting impact. Alongside their studies, they are deeply committed to mental health advocacy and believe in the power of strong, supportive communities to promote well-being. They also strongly support efforts to prevent gun violence and stand with survivors as they navigate their journeys toward healing and justice.

Delaena is a college sophomore and graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2021, where she survived the school shooting on February 14, 2018, and tragically lost some of her best friends. Today, she is a YouTuber with a passion for reading and a commitment to advocating for safety. Within the Unbreakable Organization, she aims to serve as a resource for survivors, helping them heal and find support.

Penelope is a poet, human rights activist, journalist, policy leader, and nonprofit founder from Sacramento, currently in her first year at UC Berkeley. Her work focuses on justice across gender, climate, economic equity, gun safety, immigration, and youth empowerment. Through her nonprofit, All Access Arts, she supports unhoused youth, gun violence survivors, and refugees with trauma-informed programming. She also advocates for global education access, including supporting an online high school for Afghan girls and working with Girl Up Kenya. Within the United Nations, she pushes for meaningful youth engagement in global diplomacy. She serves on over 20 youth advisory councils and collaborates with 35+ organizations on policy and advocacy efforts. As a journalist, she amplifies underrepresented voices and has interviewed leaders such as First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

Joseph is a 21-year-old senior at Michigan State University, majoring in neuroscience and public health. As the president of MSU's March for Our Lives branch, Joseph is committed to advocating for gun violence prevention laws and policies in Michigan. His dedication to this cause was further fueled by being personally affected by the MSU school shooting in February of 2023. Joseph believes that ending gun violence begins at the local level and remains steadfast in his efforts to make a difference.

Kana is a Junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Elementary Education (3-6) with an endorsement in ESL. Her deep passion for mental health and advocating for change led her to serve as her sorority’s philanthropy chair, supporting organizations that address the mental health needs of those affected by violence. Kana’s dedication to ending gun violence in schools became even more personal after she was directly impacted by the MSU shooting in February 2023. This experience strengthened her resolve to create a safer, more supportive environment for students and to work toward ending gun violence in schools, striving for a positive impact on her community and the world.

Aisha Hashmi is a freshman at Florida International University. As someone with BPD, they deeply understand and appreciate the need for youth mental health awareness and are committed to expanding access to resources. Aisha was fortunate to have support following the 2018 shooting in Parkland, where both of their siblings were present. They recognize the difficulty of navigating the aftermath of such trauma and are dedicated to ensuring that no one has to face it alone.

Megan is a 20-year-old graphic design and psychology student at High Point University in North Carolina and is a passionate individual committed to advocating for human rights. Her passion lies in advocating for a safer world through gun control and offering support to those affected by gun violence, with a strong desire to create a safe and compassionate environment for survivors. Megan is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and finds value in fostering an awareness and safe space for mental health. She has found and embraced purpose from pain and feels encouraged to share her light with the world.

Narissa is a 2024 graduate of the University of Scranton, where they obtained a bachelor's degree in early and primary education. They are currently teaching 4th grade at a nature- and project-based private school in New Hampshire. Through their teaching experiences, Narissa has witnessed many students struggle without proper resources. They are passionate about providing schools with the mental health resources necessary to ensure that all students feel comfortable and safe. The safety of their fellow educators and students worldwide is a cause deeply important to them. Through their work with Unbreakable, Narissa aspires to continue advocating for legislation that will keep school communities safe.

Olivia graduated from Michigan State University in April 2024 with a degree in Human Development & Family Studies. After being impacted by the MSU shooting in February 2023, she became involved in The Unbreakable Organization, where her passion and commitment to gun violence prevention deepened. Now, as a young healthcare professional in pediatrics, Olivia continues her healing journey through therapy and connection and strives to support and encourage fellow survivors.