What is your initiative? 

Youth LEAD (Leading for Equity, Accessibility, and Discovery) is an initiative aimed at creating fully accessible employment and community engagement opportunities that are meaningful for high school students living with disabilities. Additionally, Youth LEAD supports and uplifts student-led disability advocacy groups. Youth LEAD is an asset-based community-driven initiative that is rooted in love, equity, joy, and freedom.

What is your connection to your chosen community? 

During my time as a student at Horton High School, I was a member of the Unified basketball team. Unified is a student-led program where students with and without disabilities participate synchronously in basketball games and tournaments. Through my involvement with Unified basketball, post-secondary disability research endeavors, and more personal connections to the disability community, I grew passionate about building more accessible and equitable communities by centering individuals with lived experience.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I hope that Youth LEAD will provide opportunities for students living with disabilities to explore their true aspirations without being confined to the ever-present societal barriers and limitations. I also hope this initiative strengthens community.