Kayla Pilgrim
Kayla Pilgrim is an 18-year-old resident of Berwyn and a first-generation college student. After earning her associate degree from Morton College, she is now completing her bachelor’s in Political Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, set to graduate in December 2024. Kayla serves as the Director of Communications for the UIC Student Advocacy Coalition, the only student-led advocacy organization within the University of Illinois system, and has completed internships with the Illinois State Board of Education and UIC’s Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services. She joined YI to expand her experience in political advocacy, focusing on uplifting minority voices and increasing civic engagement. In her spare time, she enjoys working on graphic design projects, spending time with family, and exploring the city’s culture.
Anthony Bryant
Anthony David Bryant is a 30-year-old Southside Chicago native, where he was born and raised. After attending De La Salle for high school, he graduated from Monmouth College at Monmouth, Illinois in May 2018 with a BA degree in Sociology & Anthropology with minors in Psychology, Political Science, and Philosophy & Religious Studies. He was the first person in his family to go away to attend college. He is now working as a Government Affairs Associate with Metropolitan Family Services and pursuing his MA degree in Public Administration at Adler University. Anthony joined YI to continue developing as a community leader, policy expert, and public servant on issues that he deeply cares about and to find ways to get his communities civically involved. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys playing with his cats (Shadow & Sunny), watching football, and opening up a community cafe.
Jazmine Valadez
Jazmine is a 30-year-old Chicago native, a mother to a 14-year-old son, a proponent and practitioner of restorative justice, a community organizer and youth advocate. With an undergrad in social work and a masters in public policy concentrated in sustainable communities she has dedicated her education and career to advancing trauma-informed policies focusing on historically disinvested and indigenous groups. Currently Jazmine is working as part of a collaborative of philanthropy, the business sector and community based organizations innovating and launching an unprecedented initiative to scale Community Violence Intervention services in order to reduce homicides to under 400 in 5 years as the field of CVI provides holistic support to those considered the highest risk and most likely to be drivers or victims of violence in their community. In her spare time Jazmine enjoys spending intentional time with family, reading and attending local performing arts or cultural events.
Jonathan Eghan
Jonathan Eghan s a 20-year-old resident of Chicago, where he was born and raised. He currently studying cybersecurity at the institution of Illinois State. He is now working at Young Invincible’s as a YAP member.
Kia Clair
Kia Clair is a 30 year old resident of Chicago. She was raised in Bloomington Normal and moved to Chicago at age 15. Kia is currently enrolled as a Political Science major with an emphasis in politics and governance at Northern Illinois University. She is apart of the Student Advisory Committee for the Political Science Department as well. Kia joined Young Invincible’s of Illinois to contribute to research around advocacy following the pillars of higher education, civic engagement and health care. In her spare time, Kia enjoys spending time with family, watching movies from the 90’s and trying new recipes.
Kristen Young
Greetings, My name is Kristen Young. I am a native of the Southside of Chicago, where I currently reside! I am a proud graduate of Chicago Public Schools, where I have now returned to serve. I studied Liberal Arts with emphasis in Family, Community and Social Support at The University of Iowa. I have experience working in healthcare and community based social service organizations. I currently work to support diverse learning students with intellectual disabilities at Hyde Park Academy. I am passionate about creating and expanding opportunity, fostering meaningful relationships, and strengthening community. I am an educator and lifetime learner. I enjoy singing in my spare time.