Breaking Barriers and Sparking Solutions:
Youth Delegates Turn Vision into Action

After a summer of collaboration, innovation, and mentorship, CRG announced eight youth delegates from the inaugural Rising Generations Summit who each received $5,000 in seed funding to bring their groundbreaking community projects to life. See what these changemakers are up to and learn more here.

Ana Fernandez Acuna (AZ)

Ana’s project, Youth Futures Day, brings together 30+ youth councils across Pima County, AZ to break down silos and strengthen youth voices in city decision making.

“I was inspired by the thirst for change I see in young people across Pima County. Youth Futures Day channels that energy into opportunities to lead, collaborate, and shape our community’s future, with young leaders at the center of the pathways that define it.”

Ankita Kumar (MN)

Ankita’s School Board Spotlight, trains students to interview candidates, educate their communities, and push for student representation on school boards.

“Learning that only 20% of eligible voters turned out for my district’s 2023 school board election made one thing clear: I had to act. School boards shape the future of thousands of students, and they must reflect the voices and values of their communities.”

Carter Bennett (ME)

Carter’s project, GameChangers, creates peer-to-peer education about online gambling risks and builds support networks for young people struggling with betting addiction.

“I was inspired to start GameChangers while I was sitting in math class, hearing the destructive effects of gambling on my peer’s lives.”

Emily Brubaker (AK)

Emily’s BioGlitter Initiative develops sustainable alternatives to traditional glitter and educates communities about microplastic pollution.

“The BioGlitter Initiative was created to introduce alternatives to plastic glitter in schools, and to spread awareness about the negative impacts of microplastics!”

Emmie Wolf-Dubin (TN)

Emmie’s “State of the Students” builds grassroots organizing toolkits specifically designed for student changemakers.

“Student organizing should be accessible to all — I started State of the Students to make sure all students have the resources and knowledge to fight for the world they want to live in.”

Katherine Nguyen (MO)

Katherine’s AANHPI Health Advocacy Organization creates community-led health education and advocacy specifically for AANHPI communities.

“I have realized that the AANHPI community can deal with higher rates of depression, cancer, diabetes, and more. I hope that this project builds the connection between Asian Americans and the American healthcare system and improves the lives of many.”

Lucia Xiao (NY)

Lucia’s “BridGEN” creates intergenerational programs that help bridge the digital and social divide between generations.

“Where youth and wisdom meet, a bridge of compassion is built, creating a more connected, compassionate, and sustainable world.”

Russell Zhang (NY)

Russell’s “(AI)trophy for the Younger Generation” teaches 12-18 year-olds how to use AI as a tool while thinking critically about its impact.

“Change always happens, it comes down to who is willing to create that change and build things that benefit society.”