Karlie Sanchez she/her/hers/ella

Karlie Sanchez is originally from California but has been living in Chicago for the past 4 years. She attended the University of Illinois – Chicago, and graduated in May with her Bachelor’s in communication and a minor in public policy. She is now in the first year of her Masters Program studying Public Policy, and has a passion for public service and civic engagement. She has been involved in research within minority groups, been a part of fellowships within civic engagement, and is currently doing marketing and research for the Institute of Policy and Civic Engagement at UIC. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her boyfriend, going to jazz shows, and trying new cooking recipes with people.

Leeanti Coleman him

Leeanti Coleman is a 25 year old resident of Chicago, where he was born and raised. After attending Prosser Career Academy highschool, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Architectural Studies. He is now working as an architectural designer for a residential architecture firm in Mount Prospect, IL. Leeanti joined YI to gain social skills within the political space and learn the basics of political engagement. In his spare time, Leeanti enjoys rock climbing and working on his arts and crafts projects.

Leland Pan she/her

Leland Pan is a college sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is on the honors track to study Political Science and Communications. Leland was born and raised on the west side of Chicago and received her schooling in the western suburbs. She started her advocacy journey in high school as a student ambassador for a child rights non-profit. She has since retired from her ambassadorship to work in policy arenas, including gender-based violence, healthcare, and disability inclusion. Leland joined YI to gain intentional experiences in sharing her story and empowering others to join her in bringing the best out of each other and the community. In her free time, Leland enjoys hiking, kickboxing, and painting.

Tiffany Hill she/her/hers

Tiffany is a 26-year-old professional hailing from the vibrant South Side of Chicago. In 2019, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She currently serves as the Press, Public Affairs, and Projects Officer at the British Consulate General in Chicago, where she leads on communications and external affairs. Her career has woven through various facets of public service, including political campaign work, social-justice legal aid, university development, and teaching. Although her journey has transitioned into civic-oriented roles, her experience as a former teacher fuels her commitment to higher education and civic engagement as catalysts for community growth and development, particularly in marginalized communities. Tiffany is deeply passionate about leveraging policy and education to empower communities, and looks forward to continuing this mission in her educational and professional endeavors.

Kenyetta Watt she/her

Kenyetta Watt is a Chicago native. After graduating from Thornton Fractional South High School in 2017, Kenyetta Graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in May of 2021 with a degree in Social work and a minor in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Kenyetta is a first generation college student. Kenyetta is currently working as a Child Welfare Specialist.

 

 

Will Pettway they/them

Will Pettway is a Joy-centered theatre artist from the south side of Chicago whose work focuses on the intersections between art and public health. They approach their organizing from a reproductive justice lens centering self-advocacy and education as priorities in advancing global progress.

 

 

Vaquisha Black  she/her

Vaquisha Black is a 25 year-old resident of Chicago. She was born in Chicago, but raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology from IUPUI in Indianapolis. She is now receiving her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University . Her professional experience has consisted of roles across various settings such as emergency departments, residential facilities, and community organizations. Vaquisha joined YI to develop skills and knowledge in advocacy work. She wants to be equipped to advocate for issues in her own community and the communities of her future clients. In her spare time, Vaquisha enjoys traveling, fashion, and playing the piano.

Jasmine Weeks she/her

Jasmine Weeks is a 21-year-old resident of Arlington Heights for 2 years now. Although she was originally born and raised in Alaska, Cook County is where she plans on planting roots for her family. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in May 2022 with a degree in Psychology. She currently attends Marquette University, where she is pursuing her Masters of Nursing and is expected to graduate in December 2023. Jasmine joined YI to become more involved in her community and learn about what she can do to get more youth involved politically. In her freetime, she enjoys playing musical instruments, talking with people, puzzles, and most outdoor activities.

Sebastian Ness Madera-Guerra he/they

Ness is 27 and lives in Naperville. He studied Music and Political Science with a Minor in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies in school. He attended Illinois State University and was the first in his immediate family to graduate college with a Bachelor’s Degree. He enjoys nature, music, video games and outdoor activities. He is currently working as Assistant Director at a music school and is a volunteer with the Fur-free Chicago Campaign through the Humane Society.

Darryl Eghan he/him

Darryl Eghan is a 21-year-old born and raised in Chicago. He attended Roger C. Sullivan High School from 2016 to 2020. He currently attends Loyola University Chicago and is majoring in statistics. He joined YI to get real world experience and to build his skills in civics and political advocacy. In his free time, he reads or likes to get a good workout in the gym. He is excited to be a part of the Fall 2023 Young Advocates Program.

 

 

Reeha Choudry she/her

Reeha Choudhry is a 18-year-old college student who grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago, but is now residing in Urbana. After attending Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, she is now majoring in Clinical Psychology and is attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a First Generation student and is passionate about the mental health field, where she hopes to one day become a Child Psychologist. Reeha joined YI to gain further insight and help make real change when it comes to mental health issues specifically with the minority and low-income population. In her spare time, she likes hanging out with her friends and working out!