Girl Up, a gender equality initiative of the United Nations Foundation, has announced the next class of teenage leaders that will work alongside the organization to advance global gender equality.
The 2020-2021 class is the largest cohort of Teen Advisors to-date, united by the common goal of creating change to support the rights, access, and opportunities for girls. From programs to partnerships, Teen Advisors provide crucial feedback that helps Girl Up continue its mission.
“If we’re going to affect change, we have to do it together. The best part of what we do is working with girls to create programs that have lasting and meaningful impact for girls,” said Melissa Kilby, Executive Director of Girl Up.
These young leaders represent 11 U.S. states, eight countries – Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Taiwan – Province of China, Zambia, the United States – and the British Virgin Islands. The 25 high school students will serve with Girl Up for one academic year, after which they will continue to lead efforts that drive global change on their college campuses and their communities around the world.
Girl Up is working with Gen Z leaders to create a generation of girls who will be a force for social good. Teen Advisors are the backbone of Girl Up’s borderless movement, which has led advocacy efforts for global policies that affect women and girls, raised more than $10 million for UN programs that work to give girls in developing countries a chance at a brighter future, and grown to reach more than one million supporters in 120 countries.
The application to become a Girl Up Teen Advisor is rigorous and highly competitive. The Teen Advisors are self-identified girls selected on an annual basis to serve for an academic year. Each Teen Advisory board includes two advisors from the previous class, to serve as Co-Chairs.
“Girl Up has given me the chance to use my voice and find the leader within me,” 2020-2021 Girl Up Teen Advisor Co-Chair Laura Julia said. “I’m looking forward to building new bonds and growing as a person and leader this year with the new class.”
The 2020-2021 class of the Teen Advisory Board includes:
- Amatullah Turner, Pa.
- Amelia Marcum, Colo.
- Amina Salahou, N.Y.
- Anagaby Litz, Mexico
- Angela Zhang, Calif.*
- Angelina Silva-Perez, Mass.
- Daniella Villafana, Australia
- Emily Lin, Taiwan, Province of China
- Ivonne Ortega, Calif.
- Izabella Pollett, Okla.
- Laura Julia Fleischman, Md.*
- Maeve Murray, Md.
- Maya Cabrera, USA/Italy
- Micaela Melissa SimplĂcio Silva, Brazil
- Michelle Soneye, Md.
- Mwansa Thewo, Zambia
- Peri Perkins, Md.
- Salome Beyer, Colombia*
- Shania Hurtado Valbuena, Texas
- Simayah Alexander, N.C.
- Tatiana Fahie, British Virgin Islands
- Trisha Venkatesh, India
- Victoria Ortiz, N.Y.
- Winter Ashley, Ariz.
- Yakira Pinillos Linares, Fla.
*Denotes Teen Advisor Co-Chair
