Trevon(Tre) Bosley (He/Him)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

My name is Trevon Bosley I’m 25 years old and I’m from Chicago IL, I’ve been involved in the violence prevention movement since I was 11 with an organization I helped lead called the B.R.A.V.E. Youth Leaders which I’m now in a more alumni role. I’m board chair for a National Violence Prevention Organization called March For Our Lives and I’m a former Courage fellow of Giffords. Outside of my violence prevention work I graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Math. I joined YI to better understand the mental landscape and resources of Illinois and America. I want to use the knowledge and resources here to better help my community in the Violence Prevention space. In my spare time I enjoy basketball, working out, shoes, and anime.

Zeina Ammar (she/her)
Champaign

Zeina was born on the South Side of Chicago to Lebanese immigrants where she navigated the hardships of attending underfunded and under-resourced schools. Today, Zeina is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, double majoring in Communication and Political Science with a concentration in Citizen Politics where she will be the first in her family to graduate college. Zeina has been actively involved in her communities, co-running a children’s advocacy group on campus, participating in social justice and leadership work at the University YMCA, and serving as an Assistant Teacher at a childcare center in Pilsen. Zeina joined YI to be part of the solution that rewrites the future for people growing up in underserved communities. In her spare time, Zeina loves watching sitcoms, journaling, and getting boba with her friends in Chinatown.

Samantha Sancen (she/her/hers)
St. Ambrose University

My name is Samantha Sancen and I am 21 from the Quad Cities (Silvis, IL). I am a first generation graduate from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa where I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Theology in May 2023. I am now working at World Relief Quad Cities a refugee resettlement agency, as a Volunteer Coordinator, where I oversee volunteer recruitment and community engagement. I have a lot of interests including climate action, international affairs, education, youth development, etc. I enjoy going to concerts and local restaurants in my free time. I also enjoy spending time with Simba, my dog.

Joanna Adjei (She/her)
Loyola University Chicago

Joanna is currently a senior at Loyola University Chicago studying Human Services and Philosophy. Born and raised in Chicago,Illinois she watched how education can determine the types of resources a person has access to. This sparked a passion for social justice that she hopes to turn into a career. She joined YI to show the world just how powerful the voice of the youth is. In her spare time she loves to travel and try new Chicago restaurants.

Roberto Villasenor (He/Him)
Illinois Tech

Roberto Villasenor is a 23 year old resident of Chicago from the neighborhood of Little Village. He is a first generation student studying Social and Economic Development Policy at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He currently works with The Alliance 98 a non profit in Little Village. Roberto applied to the young advocates program to continue learning and grow more into community organizing. In his off time he enjoys playing strategy games, and and the chaos of his cat, Gansito.

Ahja Howard (She/Her/Hers)
University of Illinois Springfield

Ahja Howard, a 25-year-old trailblazer hailing from Chicago, Illinois, embodies resilience and determination as a first-generation college graduate and proud African American. Currently on the cusp of completing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield, Ahja is poised to make a lasting impact in the realm of Student Affairs in Higher Education. Motivated by her own journey and the challenges she’s overcome, Ahja’s decision to join YI stems from her deep-rooted desire to effect positive change and empower students facing similar obstacles. Alongside her academic pursuits, Ahja remains an active member of Delta Sigma Theta, leveraging her leadership skills to uplift her community. When she’s not immersed in her studies or community engagement, Ahja finds joy in exploring new destinations, attending concerts to indulge her love for music, and cherishing her role as an aunt to two beloved nephews. With her unwavering passion, Ahja Howard is poised to inspire, educate, and advocate for a brighter future in higher education.

Sema Patel (She/Her)
University of Illinois at Chicago

Sema Patel is a 22 year old upcoming graduate student at UIC. She graduated from UIC with bachelors in Neuroscience and a minor in Public Health. She was the first person in her family to graduate college. Sema joint YI to learn to become a stronger advocate and take action in areas that impact her community and family and the quality of life of those around her. She is now working as a research associate at UIC. She loves to plays with her dog Woody and take walks outside.

Juan Martinez (He/Him)
Harold Washington

Juan Martinez is a Latinx, DACA recipient that identifies queer in the Southside of Chicago. He has worked in the public health field for over 5 years. Talking and educating his community about the importances on sexual health. He is a linkage coordinator at CALOR where he provides linkage to HIV Care and PrEP to his black and Latinx communities that have faces many barriers. Juan is from Puebla, Mexico but has been raised in Chicago. Juan joined YI to advocate for their community rights and have a voice for other that aren’t able to speak up.