Youth Advocacy Council

Hello, my name is Avery Allen and I currently live in Pitt County, though I am originally from Dare County. I currently attend Innovation Early College High School in Greenville, NC. I am proud to be a serving member of the YAC because it proves to many that your voice deserves to be heard and that you need to stand up for what you think is right! I am also proud to be serving in the term where we explore and engage within the youth mental health topic, as someone who has struggled before and knows many who do, I am glad to know I am putting myself out there to serve our community as it progresses towards improvement!

Nyzirah is a passionate and resilient individual who spent over 7 years in foster care. She has a strong aversion to chocolate and peanut butter, preferring instead to indulge in her favorite cuisines, soul food and Asian food. An avid anime fan, Nyzirah’s favorite is “Black Clover.” She has a fondness for the color pink, which reflects her vibrant personality. Additionally, Nyzirah is an athletic person who runs track, showcasing her dedication and determination. Nyzirah joined YAC to represent not just youth, but also foster youth for her county. She also joined YAC to be inclusive with her knowledge based on her community, and not just on foster youth. Nyzirah wants to educate her community on foster youth, and she wants to help foster youth develop basic life skills by supporting themselves when they age out of care and while they are in care. Nyzirah also wants to normalize mental health awareness.

My name is Jonathan Campos and I’m a dedicated high school graduate from Mitchell County, passionate about restoring integrity, inclusion, and fairness in the lives of teenagers throughout North Carolina. As a proud council member, I strive to empower youth from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed.

Hi everyone! My name is Gabriella Carrasquillo and I am from Goldsboro, NC. I currently attend an early college and plan to graduate high school with my two year associates degree. Some hobbies of mine are dance, wake surfing, and watching Duke basketball. I decided to join the YAC because I believe that it is vital for the youth of today to speak up for themselves, and I knew the YAC would be a great opportunity to do so. I look forward to working with many community leaders, as well as the YAC, to attack the mental health issues that surround the youth in North Carolina today.

I’m Ayse Ermis, a rising 12th grade student from Charlotte, North Carolina. I attend Ardrey Kell High School in Mecklenburg County where I am involved in multiple other organizations for political involvement and advocacy. Working with this organization has shown me that NC Child prioritizes the youth’s perspective in policy issues that pertain to them, which is essential. I believe that we, as the Youth Advocacy Council, can pave a new road forward for youth mental health awareness.

My name is Fabian Gomez, originally born in Puerto Rico, but now living in Greenville, North Carolina. I’m excited to join the NC Child Youth Advocacy Council because their mission to improve youth mental health resonates deeply with me. With a background rooted in both Puerto Rican culture and a passion for advocacy, I’m eager to contribute to initiatives that support young people’s well-being here in North Carolina!

I am Chase Howard from Charlotte, North Carolina. As the president of the Youth Advocacy Council at NC Child, I lead a team of passionate and diverse young people who advocate for the rights and well-being of children and families in North Carolina. We work with policymakers, community organizations, and media outlets to raise awareness and influence change on issues such as health, education, and justice.

Hi! I’m Jordyn, I’m from Lumberton, NC. I’m currently 16 and a junior in high school. I am in the YAC to be able to help others who feel as if they don’t have a voice and I plan to help tons of youth speak out more about mental health.

My name is Jace Isler. I am 16 years old and I attend West Forsyth High-school in Clemmons, NC. I like to spend my time playing lacrosse and trying new foods. My plan for the YAC is to help secure access to mental health help in areas that aren’t as well funded.

My name is Ashley Lopez. I am from Washington N.C, I am also recent graduate from innovation early college high school at ECU (home of the Pirates). This fall, I will continue my education at ECU, double majoring in biology and chemistry on a pre-med track. I decided to join the YAC because it is important to have youth voices heard for the better of the world today and the future. I hope to take this opportunity to advocate for real change in North Carolina!

I’m Ben McMiller and I am from Statesville, in Iredell county. I’m a part of the Youth Advocacy Council because I believe that we can accomplish and deliver for our youth. I hope that we can accomplish more mental health programs for our youth.

Hello, I’m Romeo Monk, and I come from Ayden, North Carolina. I enjoy writing poems, discovering music, skateboarding, and interacting with others to have a better understanding of their perspectives. I was interested in the YAC because I thought it would help me connect with people around North Carolina, allowing me to see more perspectives around the world! Overall, I want to help people psychologically and physically save lives, and lead them down the best path that focuses on happiness and positive change!

Avani Narayanan is a student at Green Hope High School. She is passionate about increasing youth involvement with policy. Her interest in the YAC comes from her desire to both become and create stronger advocates for children and adolescents in her community. On her term in the YAC, she hopes to increase engagement with NC’s students, and set a strong foundation for the YAC’s first year back!

Nayla is a sophomore who ranks in the top quarter of her class. As a member of the YAC, she aims to foster dialogue and raise awareness about issues that resonate with North Carolina’s youth. When not making endless to-do lists, Nayla can be found scrolling or engaging her friends in random debates. Through her involvement in the YAC, she hopes to amplify the voices of young people and drive positive change in her community.

Hi! My name is Tanea, and I’m from Greenville, NC. I have always been passionate about uplifting my community through environmentalism and social activism. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) piqued my interest because it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get involved and have a direct influence. I hope to inspire youth advocates statewide, showing them that they are not only the voices of the future, but also the voices of the present.

Hi! My name is Anusha and I’m from Greensboro, NC! In my free time, I enjoy coffee runs, dancing (Bharatanatyam and bhangra!), and going on walks with friends. I am honored to be a part of the YAC this year to advocate for youth mental health, considering how diverse of an issue it is! Through the YAC, I hope to bring awareness to the fact that any individual can be a change-maker through education, advocacy, and actions. I’m so excited to see what we will do!