Natanael Garcia
Austin, TX

Natanael Garcia is a Masters Graduate Student in Public Health and Informatics. Garcia is a Gates Millennium Scholar, in addition, he too prides himself in being fellowed by multiple other fellowship selections. Natanael is passionate about policy advocacy and systemic reform. Outside of this, Garcia enjoys travel and learning about new cultures.

 

Morgan McCaul
Austin, TX

Hey, I’m Morgan McCaul!

I was born and raised in Minnesota, and attended St. Olaf (Um Yah Yah!) for my undergraduate B.A. in Psychology with dual minors in Education and Neuroscience. At St. Olaf, I spent three years working with the campus Wellness Center providing health education and outreach about sexual, financial, and substance wellbeing. I moved to Austin, TX after graduation to work with a local non-profit as an advisor to students who are the first in their families to pursue education post high-school graduation. In my free time I’m an avid yogi, love an outdoor hiking or camping adventure, can be found catching a concert, and am learning to crochet.

I’ve always been ignited by big questions about how we as humans operate within larger systems- and how these larger systems can be re-structured to create a more equitable, healthy, and prosperous future for all. I hope to always work in spaces that take a holistic view of a phenomenon, and work to connect research and testimony to impact.

 

Mardiyak Semere
Austin, TX

My name is Mardiyak Semere and I’m a third year HDO student at UT Austin. I’ve lived in Dallas for a while but now I’ve grown a sense of home in Austin. I love learning, writing, spending time outdoors, and being with friends. I’m very interested in advocating for meaningful change that serves the most vulnerable in America.

 

Kaitlyn Koba
Austin, TX

Kaitlyn Koba, a native of Beaumont, Texas, is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing degrees in Marketing and African Diaspora Studies. She channels her creativity and passion for advocacy through leadership roles in the United Black Collegiate Association, the Big XII Council on Black Student Government, and UT Austin Student Government, where she develops impactful outreach initiatives, manages communications, and preserves cultural narratives through digital media. These multimedia projects amplify the voices of marginalized communities while fostering an empowering and inclusive environment. Kaitlyn is excited to join Young Invincibles to further her advocacy work, gain new skills, and make a broader impact on policies affecting young people. Outside of her academic and organizational commitments, she enjoys expressing her creativity through music, drawing, photography, and spending time in nature.

Kam McQueen
Austin, TX

Hi, I’m Kam McQueen (they/them) and I am a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Psychology and African and African Diaspora Studies. I am involved in research on the psychological effects of anti-black discrimination. I am especially interested in addressing the mental health problems faced by black people of multiple marginalized identities (namely queerness and disability) with the goal of promoting adaptive mental health outcomes.

 

Mack Woodard
Austin, TX

Hi there! My name is Mack Woodard and I am a senior Radio, Television, and Film student at The University of Texas at Austin. A little about me: I have two cats and love to do nail art in my free time. I am a writer and also a big fan of k-pop and animation! I am so excited to work with the Young Advocates Program and work with likeminded individuals who are excited about building community and helping create more inclusive spaces for people wanting to learn more about political and social advocacy.

 

Dezaree Walker
Austin, TX

Dezaree Walker
majors in African and African Diaspora Studies (ADDS) and minors in Mexican American/Latino Studies (MALS) at the University of Texas at Austin.

I hope to encourage and aid others as they transition to living the way of the mind. Through AADS and MALS I have been able to heal holistically, honor my ancestors, and gain consciousness. Education allows one to emancipate the mind and engage with community in an intentional manner, and together I hope to encourage the masses.

 

Imaal Ali
Austin, Tx

My name is Imaal Ali and I’m a sophomore at UT Austin studying political communications and international relations with a minor in Arabic. I’m super passionate about refugee work and would love to work in politics in the future.

 

Pluto Sebba
Austin, TX

Hello! My name is Pluto I am current a Senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Psychology. My current plan is one day opening my own clinic dedicated to the mental health needs of minority groups. In my free time I enjoy creating art, crocheting, and building community.

Qudus Ganiyu Abayomi
Austin, TX

An aspirational young man with a solid background in political science and education who is passionate about excellence. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management at Huston-Tillotson University, an individual who brings a bold and rich tapestry of cultural diversity, community development expertise, and sociopolitical engagement to every academic and professional pursuit. Beyond academics, I actively engage in promoting equitable solutions, combining diligence, creativity, and a global perspective to make meaningful contributions.

 

Quinn Healy
Houston, TX

I’m Quinn, a Rice University senior studying Political Science and Latin American Studies, originally from Baltimore, Maryland! After a long journey moving between high schools and transferring universities, my experiences working in policy research and with organizations like Rice PRIDE have led me to a place of confidence in my future as an advocate for queer youth. Through the Young Advocates Program, I hope to one day arrive at a place where I can ensure that every LGBTQ+ child in America has access to the social, intellectual, and health-related support they need to thrive.

 

Daisy Sudderth
Houston, TX

Daisy Sudderth is a 21-year-old senior at the University of Houston, studying Political Science and National Security Defense Studies, with aspirations to join the FBI after graduation. As a military child, Daisy experienced the 2016 attempted coup in Turkey firsthand, an event that ignited her passion for diplomacy and international relations. Living without her mother for eight months during that time deepened her commitment to fostering understanding between Western and Arab leaders.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Daisy was crowned Miss Houston 2023 Texas and Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2021. As a survivor of a child predator and murderer, she is a passionate advocate for children’s safety online, particularly on social media platforms. She is the Founder of the 501c3 nonprofit organization ‘Expose The Predators,’ which works to educate and protect families. Daisy also serves as the President of Women of Gold, the largest women’s organization at the University of Houston, where she empowers young women to connect and lead.

 

Georgia Rodriguez
Houston, TX

Georgia is a dedicated advocate for social justice, driven by a deep commitment to immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and community well-being. Based in Texas, Georgia has poured her heart into organizing, storytelling, and consulting with organizations like Woori Juntos, We Testify, and Avow Texas. Most recently, she co-led the creation and launch of a groundbreaking pilot program to distribute free Repro Care Kits across the Houston area—ensuring that people in need have access to essential healthcare resources.

Georgia’s work is fueled by a clear understanding of how deeply connected abortion rights, immigrant justice, and systemic inequities are. She is passionate about breaking down barriers, advocating for transformative investments in healthcare access, climate resilience, and infrastructure that uplifts her community. Georgia is driven and committed to help empower marginalized voices and create meaningful, lasting change in the fight for equity and justice.

Misha Bhakta
Houston, TX

Misha Bhakta is a B.S. Public Health graduate with a minor in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently an M.Sc. in Biomedical Informatics and an MPH Candidate at UT Health Houston. Misha’s personal experiences with health inequities and navigating the U.S. healthcare system have inspired her passion for addressing public health challenges through data-driven solutions and her career focus on public health informatics. Before joining the Young Advocates program, she was heavily involved in health equity grassroots advocacy initiatives in Austin, working with Partners in Health Engage, conducting research with Project SEED and the Guatemalan Ministry of Health through Asociación Nuestros Ahijados (ANA), and advocating for youth mental health through HOPE Clinic’s AAAA Youth Resiliency Program. As a first-generation woman of color in higher education, she joined the program to improve education access for minority students who unfortunately have and will be negatively impacted by many policy changes in the state of Texas. She seeks to deepen her understanding of policy advocacy, community engagement, and health equity through this program. She is passionate about how public health, policy, and advocacy intersect and how public health data can drive systemic change. Outside of her professional work, Misha enjoys photography, origami and trying new desserts.

 

Aproteem Choudhury
Houston, TX

Aproteem Choudhury is dedicated to sharing mind-body medicine to enhance health outcomes for those facing illness, chronic diseases, behavioral health challenges, and communities experiencing collective trauma. As Director of the Greater Houston Healing Collaborative (GHHC) at the Institute for Spirituality and Health, Aproteem utilizes his clinical expertise to support innovative public health initiatives targeting health ministries, veterans, caregivers, and the bereaved.

With a decade of experience in biomedical and clinical research, Aproteem emphasizes evidence-based mind-body skills to unlock our innate healing potential. Notably, he pioneered the first Mind-Body Interventionist role at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, providing holistic care to patients, families, and clinicians. He remains actively involved in interdisciplinary projects promoting clinician wellness and combating burnout across the Texas Medical Center and Greater Houston community.

Aproteem’s dedication extends to training and mentoring emerging practitioners of mind-body medicine, particularly those from traumatized communities such as Ukraine and Uvalde, TX. He played a key role in developing a two-year program supporting frontline healthcare providers and community leaders following the Robb Elementary School Shooting tragedy.

Aproteem also finds deep fulfillment by nurturing his regenerative micro farm, biking along Houston’s Bayous, and cherishing time with his family and dogs. He holds a BS in Neuroscience from the University of Texas, Dallas, and is completing his Master’s of Social Work at the University of Houston.

 

Nadia Jenkins
Houston, TX

I am a senior at Rice University majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, aiming to go to law school. I’m very interested in advocacy, especially anything related to Black people, the effects of income and wealth inequality, and reproductive rights. In my free time, I love to read, dance, watch too much YouTube, and play games with my friends.

 

Olivia Gerling-Perez
Houston, TX

Olivia Gerling-Perez is a student currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science through the Honors College at the University of Houston, with a pre-law focus. She has actively engaged with the University in various roles, including serving as a Student Senator in the Student Government Association and a Hall Council Representative for Cougar Place in the Residential Hall Association. In these roles, she has been instrumental in advocating for student needs, hosting community-building events, and proposing ideas to enhance residential life. Olivia’s dedication to public service and social justice is evident through her involvement with organizations like Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, where she was awarded a scholarship to attend a convention focused on reproductive rights and advocacy. She has also volunteered as a camp counselor at the Nehemiah Neighborhood Center, working with low-income and minority students, and at the Houston Humane Society, showing her commitment to supporting her community. Olivia is passionate about addressing barriers in education and creating opportunities for others. She is currently working on innovative solutions to address food insecurity in Houston’s Third Ward as part of a group project. Olivia’s interests in policy, law, and social equity continue to guide her as she seeks to make a meaningful impact through her academic and professional pursuits.

 

Eva Olivia Catanzariti
Houston, TX

Eva Olivia Catanzariti is a recent graduate of University of Houston’s Theater MFA program. In undergrad, she studied political science with a concentration on sexual violence. She co-founded and facilitated a support group for queer and trans youth in her hometown in Massachusetts, where she also volunteered at the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center. In school, Eva worked alongside Title IX to create programming around sexual assault and intimate partner violence prevention. After graduating, she was a grant manager through the New Bedford Women’s Center to improve the criminal justice response to domestic violence and sexual assault. Eva teaches at an after-school program for children in Houston.

 

Isadora Paul
Dallas, TX

Isadora Paul is a passionate and driven student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropy at The University of Texas at Arlington, with minors in Spanish Linguistics and ASL and Deaf Studies. She has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement, youth advocacy, and community development through various leadership roles and professional experiences.
Isadora aspires to become a well-rounded public servant, aiming to contribute meaningfully in fields such as law, public administration, or the private sector. Her dedication to service and impact has earned her numerous hon in ors, including recognition as a National Ambassador for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the UTA Community Impact Award.
Fluent in Spanish and ASL, with strong skills in research, advocacy, and program coordination, Isadora actively seeks opportunities to empower others, foster equity, and promote youth-focused policies.

 

Annette Addo-Yobo
Dallas, TX

Annette Addo-Yobo was born in Accra, Ghana, and lived in Ontario, Canada before settling in Dallas, Texas. She currently serves as Miss Texas 2024 in the Miss America Organization, advocating for autism awareness, safety, and education on behalf of younger brother, Andrew, who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. She received her B.S. in Psychology and Child Learning & Development at The University of Texas at Dallas, her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University, and her MBA at Lamar University. She will also be an incoming law student in Fall 2025. Her advocacy work includes testifying for citywide legislation in city hall meetings, legislative advocacy at the Texas Capitol, and partnering with Autism Speaks to pass the only federal law solely dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with Autism.

 

Alondra Valerio
Student Advisory Council (SAC) Fellow
Dallas, TX

Alondra Valerio is finishing her associates at Tarrant County College before majoring in political science at the University of Texas at Arlington. As a Venezuelan immigrant, Alondra and her family understand firsthand the trials and tribulations individuals can experience trying to find their footing in the United States. An unwavering passion and commitment to ensuring accessible education in Texas allows her to step into this role on the Student Advisory Council and assist local communities in building prosperous futures. Alondra’s commitment to higher education has led her to begin her advocacy journey with the Young Invincibles Young Advocacy Program (YAP) and work side by side with a multitude of organizations such as Black and Brown Dialogue and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas -(SEAT). Academics have always loved Alondra, graduating high school with honors and maintaining a steady position on the Deans’ list; this adoration for education helps Alondra passionately assist in building the dreams of others through accessibility, and she is beyond thrilled to join this coalition. When Alondra is not advocating, she enjoys traveling, baking- specifically sweets- reading, and spending time with family.

 

Jessaly Chavez
Houston, Texas
Young Advocates Program (YAP) Fellow

My name is Jessaly Chavez, and I am a rising Junior at Rice University majoring in Political Science and Latin American Studies on the pre-law track. My passion for social justice and legal equity came from experiencing and observing the systemic injustices my community faces. Being raised in a low-income, minority based community revealed to me the nuance of injustice – although our people are being disadvantaged, oftentimes they do not have the resources to properly advocate for themselves. Through my studies and work, I have found the power that stems from passion and have vouched to become a voice for those, who feel they have been silenced. As the YAP Program Coordinator, I am excited to collaborate with our incoming cohort on informative and interactive events that can educate our communities on how they can overcome systemic barriers.

 

Mariah Adeeko
Austin, Texas
Texas Policy Fellow

Mariah Adeeko is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Rhetoric and Writing with a minor in Health Communication. Passionate about advocacy and social justice, Mariah is dedicated to advancing the voices of underrepresented communities through legislative mobilization. As a Policy Fellow at Young Invincibles, Mariah is excited to explore the intricacies of policy-making and grassroots advocacy, eager to contribute to impactful change that empowers young adults and promotes equity in higher education, healthcare, civic engagement, and beyond.