Young people have a powerful voice and influence when it comes to media and media use. They know how to use technology creatively for learning, connecting with friends, and engaging in activities. They also know too well how stressful, harmful, and scary the online world can be. We’ve created a Youth Advisory Board to give students a platform to share their knowledge and help youth-serving professionals design authentic learning experiences that help young people navigate the media landscape of today’s world.
Youth Advisory Board
Current Members
Our Youth Media Squad members are student leaders from across the country who are passionate about sharing their experiences and making a difference. From painters to podcasters, we have a wide range of media interests and backgrounds represented in our group. These amazing students advise us on programs and inspire us by making media about issues they care about. They are building their advocacy skills through work sessions and discussions with field experts. We love having them on our MPY team!
Chloe Orlich
High School Junior
I attend The Pomfret School in Pomfret, Connecticut. I play soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse; these are my absolute favorite sports. I joined the Media Power Youth advisory board to expand my voice outside of Pomfret to make a difference in the social media world while building my confidence when interacting with new groups of people. I love to read romance novels, write in my school newspaper, tan in the sun, exercise, and socialize!
Kenny Olibrice
High School Sophomore
I am a computer science student at the Founders Academy in Manchester, NH. I am currently working with Media Power Youth to develop and improve a middle school curriculum focused on developing emotional intelligence and awareness in students.
Lane Daniels
High School Senior
My name is Lane Daniels, and I am from southern New Hampshire. I am a senior for the 2023-2024 school year. I love doing theater of all kinds, and am passionate about political history and studio art. I joined the Media Youth Power Advisory Board to help educators and adults brainstorm and improve students' experiences and relationships with technology and social media in their daily lives. I am very excited about this opportunity and to work with this amazing group of people for the coming year!
Zoë Henry-Hughes
High School Senior
My name is Zoë Henry-Hughes. I am 17 years old and I am going into my senior year of high school. I love art in almost all forms. I love to draw, do photography, and paint. I am very active in activism groups, such as the Youth Activism Project at Boston RPM where we have done projects, workshops, and research to fight discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community. I am very honored to be with Media Power Youth and their Youth Advisory Board.
Kaitlyn Landry
High School Senior
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn Landry, I will be a senior this fall and I live in Massachusetts. I'm very excited to be a part of the Media Power Youth Board. It will be a way to improve my knowledge and enhance my passion for media. It will also strengthen my skills towards what I love most: Broadcast Journalism. Some of my other passions relate to creating art, spending time with nature, and playing sports like tennis and volleyball.
Vick Mahindru
High School Senior
Hello! My name is Vick, I am a rising senior currently attending Manchester High School West. I joined the Media Power Youth Advisory Board as I am passionate in computer science and combining this with public speaking and leadership. I enjoy Computer Science, particularly coding and artificial intelligence, Journalism, and Political Science. I hope to connect with others through my service on this youth advisory board with peers sharing similar interests and learning new subjects! Outside of MPY, I'm an active member of Key Club International and Journalism Club. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking and playing soccer as these activities provide a creative outlet to learn and grow.
Lily Pressler
High School Senior
Hi! I am a high school senior from the Midwest state of South Dakota. In my free time, I attend my local youth group, play fastpitch softball, read, and involve myself in the community. Most of my time is devoted to mentoring at the Boy's & Girl's Club. Through my experiences there, I have developed a great passion for children and helping youth build up firm foundations. I joined this board because I want to help youth use technology and media in a healthy and positive way. At the same time, I hope to also make connections with the other members and continue to expand my perspectives!
Paige Stehl
High School Junior
I’m a junior at Oyster River High School in Durham, NH. I volunteer often, play the viola in several youth orchestras, and am a member of National Honor Society. Otherwise, my free time mostly consists of books, music, anime, and crafting! I joined Media Power Youth’s Advisory Board to talk to like-minded people about how to make inroads in the subjects I am passionate about, such as mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ activism.
Daisy LaPlante
High School Junior
I'm a driven 11th grader who loves learning and exploring new interests. I excel in math, science, and English, and seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge through volunteering and additional learning opportunities. I'm an active member of Tri-m Music honors society, Student Government, Journalism Club, and French Club, where I've developed my leadership skills and made a positive impact in my community. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, playing music, and watching Gilmore Girls. I prioritize personal growth and I do programs to enhance my leadership and social skills. I'm determined to pursue my dreams and remain open to new opportunities. I look forward to being an active member of Media Power Youth.
Mac Lichoulas
High School Sophomore
My name is Mac Lichoulas and I will be a sophomore in the fall! I am originally from Hancock, New Hampshire but I attend high school in Washington DC. When I think of a good leader, I think of people that can get things done, but at the same time care about their surroundings. Working with the Youth Media Squad will allow me to learn what's going on nationwide, which is something that really interests me. Social media affects the lives of youth. By getting the word out about self-esteem and safety I hope to impact struggling people, gain insight, and learn how social media is viewed by others.
Jenna Bailey
High School Freshman
I am currently a freshman high honors student at the Academy for Science and Design in Nashua, NH, but I am from Pelham, NH. When not at school, I am very active in musical theater, Civil Air Patrol, and video production. Some of my hobbies include reading, writing, and going outside. I joined the Youth Advisory Board to gain a better understanding of the effects of media, and use this information to teach others about it as well.
Pranav Karthikeyan
High School Freshman
I am a high school freshman from New Jersey. I enjoy being outdoors and playing all kinds of sports. I play soccer for my high school team. I also enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and listening to their stories. I am with the Media Power Youth team because I am passionate about creating safe digital spaces and making digital experiences productive and positive for everyone.
Past Advisory Board Members
We want to thank these extraordinary student leaders for their contributions to our past advisory boards. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping creative learning experiences on media and well-being. We wish these changemakers all the best in their next adventure!
Amber Houle
High School Junior
I absolutely love animals, particularly the fluffy or cute ones. I have one dog of my own, and I enjoy taking him on hikes. A hobby of mine is building 3D metal structures of different things like the Eiffel Tower or the Hogwarts Express using kits that I have. I joined the board because I love being involved and helping others.
Dhruv Penumatsa
High School Sophomore
I love to swim and be outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, swimming, and camping. I also play soccer and basketball. I joined the Youth Advisory Board because I wanted to learn more about media and its effect on teenagers as well as inform my peers about the dangers of social media.
Ashley Baldridge
High School Junior
I am a junior at Berlin High School. I’m involved in soccer, basketball, and track & field, as well as Key Club, National Honors Society, Congress of Future Medical Leaders, and the National Society of High School Scholars. I enjoy helping out in my community whether it’s volunteering at the local soup kitchen or cleaning up a park!
Emerson Carracedo
High School Junior
I am passionate about improving media for kids and teens. I am an award-winning classical singer and am a member of my school's choir. I am also a part of my school's Spanish and music honor societies. I also enjoy reading.
Francesca Melia
High School Senior
I am a high school senior living in sunny Columbia, South Carolina. I love spending time in nature, swimming, and cuddling with my cat. I am an incredibly passionate advocate for social justice and equality. I love helping others and trying to better the planet.
Emma Abramson
High School Junior
At school, I am the Junior Class President, and outside of school, I am a competitive junior golfer and play tournaments around the country. In 2019, I was selected to be a kid reporter for Sports Illustrated Kids where I have interviewed famous athletes, attended national sporting events, and published many articles.
Sophia Bianchi
High School Senior
I am a high-school senior from North Kingstown, Rhode Island. During the school year, I am involved with the performing arts department and clubs such as Student Council and Culture Share. I love music, reading, camping with my family, and spending time with friends!
Delia Bousquet
High School Sophmore
I go to the Pomfret School in Connecticut and I compete in cross country, crew, triathlon, swimming, and biking. Outside of school and sports, I am interested in video production and robotics. I joined the board because I want to help create effective, positive media to combat the negative.
Clark Cayer
High School Freshman
I currently live in the small town Candia, New Hampshire, with my parents, brother, and my Bernese Mountain Dog. I also work as a journalist, and am currently writing for the "atHome" section in New England magazine. For the last year, I have devoted much of my time to creating my own podcast, called "Life According To A Middle Schooler".
Jessica Lee
High School Senior
I am a high-school senior in California. I am an avid reader, love snacking, and spend a lot of time on my phone. I spend my time Irish dancing and advocating for LGBTQ+, mental health, and women’s rights among others groups. I am also a part of the Technology and Mental Wellness Youth Advisory Board at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.