Youth Advisory Board

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. We’re now accepting applications for our 2023-2024 board. Learn more!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.