Youth Engagement

Enby Baddy is an advocate with the DC Action Youth Advisory Team seeking a career in data entry. Throughout their young adult life, Enby has advocated with numerous organizations in Richmond, Virginia, including Marsha & Marian’s Neighbors and the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls. Their hobbies include anything artsy such as painting, photography, and music. Enby also enjoys anime and video games. They plan to further their knowledge within the art realm with a minor in business. They joined the DC Action Youth Advisory Team to work with like-minded individuals to create the changes that they wish to see implemented, such as eradication of homelessness, government-funded universal healthcare, and the destigmatization of seeking resources for mental health.

Tatiyana Bell recently graduated from Strayer University with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She plans to return to school this summer to further her education. Tatiyana served as a founding member of the Context Team at DC NEXT! (now part of the DC Action Youth Economic Justice Coalition), where she used her expertise as a young parent to conduct research and contribute to publications on the challenges faced by and resources available to young parents in the District. Tatiyana joined the DC Action Youth Advisory Team to be able to use her lived experience and ideas to help young people like her to thrive in life and know that they have a voice.

Deloris Betty Barbett is a senior at Bard High School Early College, known for her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. She is the CEO and founder of Chill N Thrill, a successful business featured on Instagram (@chill_n_thrills). Deloris is also an active member of the DC Action Youth Advisory Team and serves as the Vice Principal of Bard’s Student Government Association. Beyond her academic and business accomplishments, Deloris is passionate about giving back to her community. She regularly prepares and distributes meals to the homeless, a commitment that earned her the prestigious Prudential Spirit of Community Award in 2021. Deloris was also a proud member of the Youth Women’s Advocate Program, where she worked to support and empower young women in her community. With aspirations to combine her passions for business and technology, Deloris plans to pursue a career in both entrepreneurship and computer science. Deloris is committed to making a lasting impact both in her community and the world of business. Deloris joined the DC Action Youth Advocacy Team to advocate for youth development awareness. Deloris wanted to become an outspoken voice and bring community issues forward to make action! She believes that– with many resources, tools, and opportunities, –youth can become successful and motivate others to be great!

Nevaeh Bright is a Washington, DC native and senior at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, Throughout her time in Washington, DC she has volunteered at Martha’s Table and as a reach tutor helping the community any way she can. Nevaeh attended Calvin Coolidge High School and pursued her associate’s degree during high school. Nevaeh is a photographer, and while a student at Marshall she has worked for ESPN+. After graduating Nevaeh plans to continue her education and develop her multiple business ventures. Nevaeh joined the DC Action Youth Advisory Team to continue helping her community thrive.

Amina Cotton is a senior at Templeton Academy in Washington DC, and is active both in her local community and work-related initiatives. Throughout high school, she has volunteered with Church of Living Waters, as a member of the MultiMedia team, where she assists with live broadcasts. In addition, Amina has been deeply involved in various community service and work experiences, including a role with the Youth Advisory team at DC Action, a program focused on addressing youth homelessness and supporting families with food and housing insecurity. Amina has gained valuable work experience as a hostess at Bar Deco and The Delegate and furthered her customer service skills as a cashier at Safeway and an ice cream scooper at Kilwins. She has also worked as an office assistant at Templeton Academy. Amina participated in a summer initiative of The Trigger Project, where youth engaged in project-based learning and community service activities to reduce gun violence. Academically, Amina is interested in neuroscience, psychology, finance, and theater. She was a member of the cast and crew of The Alibis Play with Mysa MicroSchool and Templeton Academy. After graduation, Amina plans to study biology and aspires to have a career in dermatology.

Jani Cousins is a senior at Cesar Chavez Public Charter for Public Policy, a native Washingtonian, and an activist in her community. She has served in her school’s student government, planned events, and participated in local politics. Through Tech Turnup, Jani learned to code in order to create a website with affordable housing resources for District residents. As a participant in LearnServe International, Jani presented her housing resources to DC Councilmembers and advocated for increased affordable housing options in the city. She completed an internship at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Jani is also a member of Mikva Challenge, where she has worked on transportation safety issues and helped develop a pilot curriculum to teach kids social media safety. After graduation, Jani plans to pursue studies in pre-med and political science, and aspires to become a pediatrician. Jani joined the DC Action Youth Advisory Team in order to use her experiences to help her community and show other young people they don’t have to wait until they’re older to make change in the world and that they can build relationships with people in power who are willing to listen and help them make the world a better place.

MaKaila Eddings-Quick is a freshman at Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources. She is also an activist dedicated to empowering and educating her community. MaKaila is the founder of Griot Sisters, an organization that uses mentorship, storytelling, and the arts to uplift inner-city girls in Southeast DC. Throughout high school and college, MaKaila has served on multiple youth advisory boards, including DC Action and the DC Girls Coalition, advocating for social justice, youth empowerment, and economic security. She is passionate about cultural preservation, striving to amplify marginalized voices and protect the rich heritage of underrepresented communities. This commitment fuels her work in creating statement art pieces and leading initiatives that celebrate and sustain cultural narratives. MaKaila has explored her creativity and physicality through various activities. She has had the opportunity to develop skills in music and art, which have become core to her self-expression.

Aurlie Sheppard is a senior at Richard Wright Public Charter School in Washington, DC and an activist in her community. She is involved in multiple extracurricular activities at her school including the Ambassador’s Club, the Guitar Club, and the Debate Club. She has won speaker awards for debating and has maintained Honor Roll for four years straight, often having a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Aurlie plans to study electrical engineering at Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan.

Kennedy Solaru is a senior at Dwight Global, a multi-linguist, and an impact initiator in her community. Throughout high school, Kennedy spearheaded initiatives that included business, civic engagement, and language advocacy. Since ninth grade, Kennedy has held various board positions as the Head of Communications for NextGen, Student Advisory Board to the DC State Board of Education, and now as a member of the inaugural Youth Advisory Team at DC Action. She is the founder and CEO of Sol Global Edu, a program helping K-12 students learn languages as a pathway to global citizenship. Outside of school, Kennedy enjoys playing the piano and yoga. She also enjoys exploring foreign cuisine and learning about art. After graduation, Kennedy plans to study business management and international relations to work abroad in supply chain-related fields. Kennedy joined the DC Action Youth Advisory Team to strategize with other youth leaders on how to mobilize youth-oriented solutions to tackle city-wide issues.

Rohan Young is a freshman at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School and an activist in the DC community. Rohan is a debater with the Washington Urban Debate League and a member of DC Action’s Youth Advisory Team. They have also become a national debater, an instrumentalist honing the art of the trumpet, an athlete competing in baseball and swimming. Rohan earned the performing arts outstanding achievement award as trumpet section leader and first trumpet at Eliot-Hine Middle School. Rohan plans to study environmental law and policy or life sciences at Yale University, and aspires to become an environmental lawyer. They joined the DC Action Youth Advisory Team to better strengthen youth throughout DC by breaking external barriers that may be unfair and to use advocacy to help others achieve their full potential.