Alaxandria “R.E.” Foreman (She/Her)

Alaxandria works at the intersection of Community Development; Technology; and Venture Capital. She is an ecosystem builder working to build and shape communities through technology-based economic development. Her work is an embodiment of how to leverage technology and culture for the economic advancement of underserved communities.

David-Michael Collins (He/Him/They)

David Michael Collins is a New Orleans native currently residing in Chicago. He graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Communications and has accumulated over seven years of experience in marketing and communications. His career has spanned various sectors, including non-profits, higher education institutions, and public health organizations. David Michael joined the YI team to deepen his involvement and contribute to the broader mission of advocacy within higher education. Currently, he serves as the Social Media Coordinator at Malcolm X College. In addition to his professional work, David Michael is a skilled dancer and choreographer, and he also teaches dance as a side endeavor.

Evelyn Aguayo (She/Her/Ella)

Evelyn Aguayo is a 24-year-old lifelong resident of Chicago’s southwest side. She attended De La Salle Institute before earning her degree in Political Science and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Augustana College in 2024. As a first-generation college graduate, she is deeply committed to advocacy and community empowerment.

Evelyn currently serves as a Community Organizer and Legal Aid Administrator at Increase The Peace Chicago, where she focuses on community violence intervention and addressing the unique needs of southwest side residents. She joined YI to gain hands-on experience in political advocacy and to remain civically engaged, especially in today’s rapidly changing political climate.

Outside of her work, Evelyn enjoys painting, baking, and doing nails—creative outlets that bring her both joy and balance.

Finnian Andersen (He/Him/His)

Finn Andersen is a 22-year-old resident of Chicago, where he initially grew up before moving to Des Moines, Iowa. After attending Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines and taking a gap year to work as the youngest full-time intern on the Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign, he graduated from DePaul University in June 2024 with a degree in Political Science, double minoring in Spanish and Latin American and Latino Studies. He is now working as a tutor at Academic Approach, and plans to attend law school in the fall. In his spare time, Finn enjoys playing tennis and spending time with his cats.

Subria Whitaker (She/Her)

Subria Whitaker is a 30-year creative strategist born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. After attending Morgan Park High School, she graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2016 with Distinction in Communication. She went on to attend Northwestern University to pursue her master’s in Sports Administration, while interning for the Atlanta Hawks, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. After graduation, she attended the University of Chicago Law School and is now preparing to take the New York Bar Exam. Subria joined YI to learn how to successfully reach and mobilize the 2nd wave of Gen Z to participate in civic engagement. In her spare time, Subria enjoys watching women’s basketball and playing with her pet bunnies, King and Clove.

Hassan Hillard (He/Him)

Hassan Hillard is an 18-year-old freshman at Illinois State University, born and raised in Chicago. After attending Crete-Monee High School, he earned a full-ride scholarship to ISU, where he is pursuing a major in Legal Studies and Public Policy with a minor in Business. Hassan has years of experience as a community activist and mentor, receiving awards and speaking at various events on behalf of his and neighboring communities. Passionate about advocacy, he joined YI to gain hands-on experience in policy and activism. On campus, he stays involved in leadership roles while maintaining a 3.3 GPA or higher. In his free time, Hassan enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and making a positive impact wherever he can.’

Robert Emmons Jr. (He/Him)

Robert Emmons Jr. is the founder of Emmons LLC, a non-profit consulting firm dedicated to social change. He has worked with initiatives such as the Obama Foundation’s Local Lunchbox, Protect Illinois’ Communities campaign to ban assault weapons, and the One Aim Illinois movement to combat gun violence. Previously, Robert served as Chief Partnership Officer for Dion’s Chicago Dream and Director of Employer Engagement for AccelerateU. He ran for U.S. Congress in 2020 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for OneGoal.