Participants
Maithili Chaudhari is an 11th grader at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School in Jersey City. She has always been inspired by the diverse and ever-growing creative backdrop of Jersey City to be involved in the arts and to connect with the varying perspectives of the people around her. In her school community, she pursues her interests in leadership, community building, and art by leading the McNair Mural Club, which she is the founder and chair of. The club has murals all across the school, each with the goal of bringing light to a different topic through vibrant color and imagery. It has also expanded into the rest of the city, creating murals for local schools and businesses in an effort to make art accessible to everyone and create a safe space for creative students to express themselves. Maithili is also a Future Art Leader at Mana Contemporary, where she gets the opportunity to connect with the local creative community and explore her interest in various artistic careers. Recently, she completed her term on the inaugural cohort of the Arts Ed NJ Youth Council, where she worked closely with art students across the state to advocate for youth involvement in raising awareness about the importance of funding and resources for arts education.
Zayneb Zahidi is a rising junior at McNair Academic High School with aspirations of becoming a criminal justice lawyer or an immigration policy lawyer to support those in need. Born to Moroccan immigrant parents, Zayneb moved to the United States when she was just four years old. Growing up in a low-income family, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged communities, particularly people of color (POC) in Jersey City. Dedicated to giving back, Zayneb volunteers at the Jersey City Recreation Center (Track and Field Division), where she helps children realize their potential and provides guidance to those transitioning into high school. Her goal is to help these kids flourish and make the right choices, emphasizing the importance of sports in shaping their futures. An accomplished athlete herself, Zayneb competes in track and field and aims to continue her athletic career at a Division II college. She believes in the transformative power of sports and hopes to inspire the youth in Jersey City, especially POC and economically disadvantaged kids, to pursue their dreams and recognize the significant impact sports can have on their lives. Zayneb envisions a bright future for Jersey City and is committed to helping it achieve its full potential.
Moukthika Kanakala was born and raised in Jersey City and is the daughter of Indian immigrants. She is a rising senior at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School. Moukthika is currently interning with TurnUp Activism, where for the past 6 months, she has worked with people from all across the country to increase civic engagement as well as awareness about important issues such as educational equity, justice system reform, and climate change. Moukthika also actively works to promote accessible healthcare, working with Healiam, a company that works to create affordable and more comprehensive blood testing systems. She is also extremely passionate about promoting culture and the arts, and does so through instruments and dance. Moukthika recognizes the importance of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, receives equal treatment and opportunities, and believes that the key to doing so is through education and activism.
Ayaa Esmaeel, a rising senior at County Prep High School, was born in Egypt and immigrated to Jersey City at the age of 2. Being the eldest of 6 children, she quickly developed both social and leadership skills from a young age. Currently majoring in Medical Science at County Prep, she aspires to pursue a career in the Medical or Biomedical Engineering fields. As Secretary of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and MSA Vice-President, Ayaa has been immersive and developing herself within her school. Outside of her school walls, she is actively volunteering at hospitals, partaking in medical internships, and community outreach programs to further explore her interest in the medical field.Through her protests for human rights and constant engagement in workshops regarding opportunities for low-income students, Ayaa enhanced her public speaking skills and was able to grow herself within her society as a young advocate. Her passion for medicine has never stopped her from exploring both global and domestic issues and topics that raise concerns. Hoping to work closer with foundations and organizations that address these concerns and work making a change, Ayaa works on engaging more in her community and interacting with like-minded peers to create a collective impact.
Born and raised in Jersey City, Yatish Batra is a committed student active in his community. Now a rising senior at McNair Academic High School, Yatish continues to seek ways to not only serve the community around him but empower growth and prosperity through his actions and leadership. He currently serves as an administrator on the board for Strength for Seniors, a non-profit organization dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive exercise classes for the senior population. Alongside networking toward a unified mission of enhancing the quality of life for seniors, Yatish gives back to the community by working with the TongYan Chinese School where he helps tutor young kids in reading and writing English. When he is not actively volunteering and working alongside local organizations, Yatish spends his afternoon as a committed member of his high school Cross Country and Track team as well as a member of the Citywide Student Council. Yatish believes change arrives when a voice responds to a problem, creating a personal mission to assist those in his community, for his community has given him the opportunity to do so.
Kerolos Hanna is a rising senior at Liberty High School and a first-generation student.
His parents immigrated from Egypt to create a better life, and from a young age, they instilled in
him the importance of education and community service. Kerolos saw the poverty and lack of
educational opportunities in Egypt, which inspired him to get involved in activities that help his community.This awareness prompted Kerolos to take action within and outside of his community. Within his community, Kerolos volunteers as a medical assitant along side a licensed pediatrician where he assists and aids the younger generations. Kerolos also interns at New City Kids, where he dedicates his time to tutoring over 200 children from diverse backgrounds, essentially improving their academic performance and creating loveable memories. Outside of his community, Kerolos intends to organize food drives in Egypt to help fight against the economic instability. Kerolos is driven by the flaws in the world as his reason to sacrifice his life for global peace and stability.
Aya Akel is a Muslim-Palestinian born and raised in the heights of Jersey City. Aya is a Sophomore at County Prep High School, and is part of Student Council. During her middle school years, she started to become involved in improving her community and battling environmental issues Jersey City was undergoing, through the program, Steam Expeditions, where her love for giving back to her home began. She gained experience with engineering, creating prototypes, and learning to navigate around complications. Once she got into high school, she realized other issues that needed attention and change. Aya has attended protests for humanitarian causes such as the Pro-Palestine movement. Her goal is to combine interests dear to her heart including her heritage and ecological challenges to become a voice, advocate, and environmental and social activist to stay connected to not only the community, but the living creatures and ecosystem surrounding us.
My name is Dhruv Machhi, and I am a proud child of Indian immigrants, born and raised in the beautiful and diverse, Jersey City, New Jersey. As of right now, I am a rising junior at Ronald E. McNair Academic High School. From a young age, I have been passionate about helping my community, and this commitment has driven me to engage in various meaningful activities. Growing up, I realized the inequality in education throughout the city. This led me to make it my goal to give everyone an equal learning opportunity. For example, so far I have volunteered to tutor students and organized a fundraiser to donate school supplies to an elementary school serving impoverished students. I am very aware of the gift of being born in America, where access to education is easier compared to India, where my parents originate from. I also have a strong interest in programming and plan to pursue a career in the field. My experiences have allowed me to give back to my community, grow as an individual, and build my future. I am determined to make the most of my opportunities and help others benefit from the same educational access.
Gabriel Marandino is a rising senior at McNair Academic High School. At school, he is involved in Model UN, City Wide Student Council, and National Honor Society. Gabriel is also on the Varsity Cross Country team, he runs winter track, and he plays on the Varsity Baseball team. Gabriel is passionate about helping animals and volunteers his time helping foster dogs through Joy Rides Rescue. Gabriel is also an avid activist for human rights and equality and participates in marches and events for minority and human rights. Gabe’s mother works with children with special needs, and through this, Gabe has jumped at various opportunities to work with kids in need through recreation and mentoring programs. Gabriel has also been in involved with the local food bank and donated to local shelters. Gabe has four rescues dogs at home and he is the oldest of two siblings. As he looks forward towards college, Gabriel hopes to pursue studies related to politics and policy change in hopes to have a positive impact on the world.
Saleema Diallo is an incoming freshman at Princeton University. Born to immigrant parents from Guinea, Saleema realized that children in West Africa, especially girls, are not receiving an adequate education, partly due to a lack of resources. According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, only 30.8% of Guinean girls completed middle school in 2021. These educational disparities are not limited to Guinea. To combat the disparities in Jersey City, Saleema co-founded the Games and Robotics Academy for Minorities (GRAM), targeting low-income underrepresented minorities in STEM and teaching game development, coding, robotics and PSAT 8/9 prep. She also serves as the Tutor Coordinator for McNair Academic’s National Honor Society Chapter and volunteers with the community-based nonprofit organization, Welcome Home Jersey City, where she teaches math and reading to children. In the future, Saleema dreams of making education accessible to everyone by hosting coding classes, holding fundraisers for school supplies and making speeches about the importance of schooling in West Africa.
Bachir Khoukhi is a rising senior at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, driven by a commitment to academic excellence and community service. Having immigrated from Algeria to the U.S. at the age of three, Bachir has embraced a diversity of experiences, harnessing them to effect meaningful change. Within his school and local community, Bachir serves as a coordinator for three ultra-local tutoring programs (JCFPL Tutoring Program, GRAM, & McNair’s NHS Tutoring Program) working on bridging the gap of educational disparities within Jersey City. Recently, he co-founded and co-leads the MENA (Middle East North Africa) Culture Club, spearheading the first ever Annual Arab American Culture Heritage Assembly at McNair. Active engagement extends to his other roles in the Student Council, Arts ED NJ Youth Council, and FutureCraftAtelier. Beyond the academic realm, Bachir has amassed invaluable experience through various leadership, business development, and social justice internships. As a national and international ambassador for other various organizations working on solving world hunger, eating disorders, and other impactful causes, he ultimately spearheads a plethora of fundraisers and awareness campaigns. Leveraging his expertise in social media, graphic design, business/finance, and research, Bachir continues to drive positive change within his community and beyond.
Theresa Parson is a recent first-generation college graduate from Rutgers Newark and a Jersey City native. I am interested in international affairs and have been involved in Saved the Children’s mission for social impact. My parents came from Guyana, my sister and I were born in Jamaica Queens, NY. We speak English at home but my sister and I are making it our mission to learn Spanish and French fluently. At Rutgers, I have been a part of Habitat for Humanity – the nonprofit to help families exit low income housing. Growing up and watching the people close to me struggle has been my main influence to understand how the government world works and what changes can be initiated through social movements. With the support of my college education I have learned that time, devotion and resources are three elements that can help me push for change.
Sayed Jamil Akbari, American from Afghanistan, first arrived on these shores in 2021 and took to his new home completely. He immediately set about immersing himself in the work and ways of his new home. He is now a rising Senior at James J. Ferris High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sayed is a perennial honor roll student at school, a recent inductee to the National Honor Society, an NHS tutor, and a Ya Hala Club and Media Club member. Sayed is proud of his association with the Young Muslims of New Jersey Center, where he spends much time engaging in lecture and outreach and a daily celebration of his faith. When not immersed in school and religious devotion, Sayed works for the Jersey City Department of Recreation, Youth Division, where he revels in the role of coach to some of the city’s youngest and brightest stars. Additionally, he volunteers his time at Welcome Home Jersey City, an organization which offers outreach services to recently arrived immigrants in our community.
Joel Rakah, a rising senior at McNair Academic High School. My favorite subjects are math and science, and I love diving deep into challenging problems and experiments. Besides academics, I’m also a dedicated athlete and have played for our basketball team throughout all three years I’ve been here. Balancing my passion for sports and studies has been a not only tricky but also rewarding experience. I’m also excited to be a part of the ALI Leadership Program this year and can’t wait to contribute and grow through this amazing opportunity!
Shorook Esmaeel is a rising Junior at McNair Academic High School in Jersey City, NJ. From her active involvement in her school’s Student Council to her volunteering in medical facilities, she has grown a passion for the intersection of governmental policies and healthcare. Motivated by her research in various biological fields and her leadership roles in non-profits that aim to bridge the gap of healthcare disparities globally, Shorook goes out of her way to identify issues in her community and help solve them. Serving as President of McNair’s MSA and holding multiple other positions in and out of school, she has a deep interest in leadership, particularly in public health. To further these interests, she intends to pursue a medical career in Neuroscience, aiming to encourage other underrepresented women in STEM to find their voices. Outside of these passions, Shorook enjoys tutoring children and adding onto her language count as an avid polyglot!
Hirvita Patel was born in India and immigrated to Jersey City with her parents at the age of 1, where she learned about the importance of education and community involvement. She is currently a rising senior at McNair Academic High School, where she is an active member of the National Honor Society’s tutoring program and is the treasurer of the Ignite Wellness Club, which promotes youth mental health awareness. For the past 11 months, Hirvita has been an intern at the Apex Heart and Clinic where she has had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of patients and understand the consequences of the unjust healthcare system. There, she has facilitated easy communication between the doctors and patients, examined echocardiograms and cardiac CT scans, and observed standard diagnosis procedures. Additionally, inspired by her immigrant background, Hirvita has been offering tutoring services to self-sourced ESL students to provide them with the resources needed to reach their full potential. She believes community involvement is crucial for personal and social growth and has been volunteering at a local garden to help promote the use of sustainable agricultural practices. Hirvita hopes to use her voice to advocate for a better healthcare system and create more opportunities for underrepresented students.
A dedicated and ambitious student, Matthew Quisbert was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. He is an incoming freshman at Saint Peter’s university, with a commitment to majoring in Criminal Justice. He has been a member of the National Honors Society at Dickinson High School being recognized for his academic excellence. With his passion for learning, it led him to take part in taking college classes in an early college program at HCCC during his sophomore year. His ambition still continues as he thrives to deepen his knowledge and gain valuable experience ahead of his colleagues. He has hopes as well as his preparation to further his skills to make a positive significant impact on the community.
Yuraav Padia was Born in Manhattan, NY, and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Yuraav Padia is a rising junior at McNair Academic High School. As the son of South African immigrants, who themselves were born and raised during South Africa’s apartheid era, he was taught about the importance of education, community involvement, and expressing oneself through art at an early age. He started playing the piano when he was 4 years old and continued his passion for music by playing guitar and percussion for McNair’s band. His active community participation includes involvement in his school’s Student Council, Citywide Student Council, Red Cross, WeCan, Key Club, and being an Officer on his school’s Technology Student Association. His volunteer efforts continue at Jersey City’s York Street Project. Yuraav pursues his passion for law and government processes through being a key member of McNair’s Mock Trial team, which won the Hudson County championship in 2024. Language studies are equally important to Yuraav, as evidenced by his love for French language and culture and participation in the French Tournoi Lion competition.
Disha Rana is an upcoming senior at Passaic Academy for Science and Engineering where she has been a student for 8 years. She is an immigrant South Indian first generation student here in America for 9 years. Her family crossed across the sea from India in hopes that her and her older sister are provided with the best education. Raised by her parents who instilled in her that education is a privilege, she made sure that she never takes that privilege for granted. She has a 4.1184 GPA, pursuing her Associates Degree while in high school from Bergen Community College under the Early College Program where she is the Ambassador for her cohort of 2025 meanwhile pushing her fight towards education rights through her student leadership at Justice is Global nonprofit organization as well. That is not all her parents supported her through, Disha has made sure her youth is not spent all on academics by showcasing her hidden talents on the tennis court or on a golf course or maybe at the bowling alley where she has been a Varsity Player for many continuous years of high school through which she earned herself the Impact Player Award for Girls Tennis 2024 and the Academic Team Award for Girls Golf 2024. What remains true in all her achievements is the gratitude and privilege she understands she has. Thus, she hopes that no child is left behind when seeking education and that education is given in a fair, righteous manner no matter their income status.
A Bangladeshi-American, Ridha Zaman is currently a rising senior at Noor Ul-Iman School. Having grown up in a predominantly white area, she has learned to grow a passion when helping her fellow Muslims, and was able to do so when she eventually enrolled in an Islamic school. She strongly speaks out against the Muslim genocides happening across the world, such as those in India, China, Rohingya, and Palestine. She was also an avid worker in Franklin Food Bank, and has grown a passion for helping struggling immigrants, being a child of struggling immigrants herself. Growing up bilingual, she has grown accustomed to communication through many languages and is passionate about English education for immigrants in the US. Having been a teacher herself, Ridha Zaman understands the importance of proper teaching and hopes to provide that to her students. Also an administrative member of the Youth Council in Red Cross, Ridha volunteers in engaging the youth into issues like disaster relief, local safety education, fire alarm installations, etc. Ridha believes that cooperation amongst all generations is what will lead to progress, and hopes to advance her community through her efforts to unite them.
Layan Ahmad is a dedicated and ambitious rising senior at Applied Technology High School. She has been an active participant in debate and Model United Nations throughout her three years of high school, holding a leadership position in Model UN. Layan’s commitment to leadership extends beyond academics into her community involvement. She volunteers at the Palestinian American Community Center, where she mentors young children and assists in fostering a supportive environment for cultural and educational activities. Additionally, Layan was an integral part of the Young Women in Leadership Planning Committee at her high school and served as a peer leader, guiding freshmen through their transitional year. A member of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Layan is deeply involved in promoting academic excellence and civic engagement. Her involvement in these roles underscores her passion for helping her community and her desire to be an influential leader, continually striving for excellence and positive change.
Aleena Bakerywala is a rising senior at South Brunswick High School, New Jersey. She is actively involved in numerous clubs and participates in competitions for the clubs. Throughout high school, Aleena has demonstrated leadership and dedication, most notably during her freshman year when she organized a successful donation drive for a local charity benefiting underprivileged teenagers. Outside of school, she has been involved in activities such as beach cleanups and volunteering at local nursing homes. Aleena is a dedicated volunteer at her local mosque and weekend school. Through her diverse range of activities, Aleena exemplifies a spirit of compassion and leadership, and she hopes to continue serving the community.
Asif Iqbal is an aspiring legal professional in his third year of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science at Rutgers University. With a commitment to youth engagement, Asif has played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding the youth. He served as a coordinator for Young Muslims in Woodbridge and now oversees the NeighborNet Core Team, focusing on developing leadership and civic engagement among the youth. He has been a speaker for the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), addressing critical issues related to social media’s impact on youth; his topic, “Navigating Through the Maze of Social Media,” spotlighted the damaging effects of peer pressure, depression, and addiction to platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
His work with the ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ) included developing a database of New Jersey mosques and creating a comprehensive tracking system that evaluated issues and produced district–focused candidate scorecards on matters relevant to the Muslim community. He continues his work with WhyIslam as an Office Administrator, managing the distribution of Islamic literature and participating in weekly outreach booths/interfaith events.
He has taught a L2 Qur’an course at MCNJ Sunday School for three years and has five years of teaching experience at Woodbridge Community Center as a lifeguard/swim instructor. In his limited free time, Asif enjoys staying active in his Brazilian Jiu–Jitsu gym and appreciating the outdoors, which stems from his background as a first–class Boy Scout of America.
Ayaan Mir is an upcoming senior at Watchung Hills Regional High school, 17 years old, and an active member of my community. A member of my schools MSA, football team, and an active member of both Al Falah and ISBR mosques. I have fought for Eid to be an excused absence in my school and have helped in soup kitchens.
Aayat Syed is a 16–year–old sophomore & upcoming junior. Aayat was born to two immigrant parents & moved here from Russia at the age of four. Her passion for activism & business grew in elementary school. She hopes that with new experiences & meeting new people she can prosper in the business field in the future.
Maryam Elfeky is a rising sophomore at Stony Brook University pursuing a double major in Political Science and Communication with a minor in Biology. As an individual, I am passionate about creating change and specifically impacting marginalized communities through my advocacy work. Outside of my academics, I am the Outreach Team Leader for the 2024 SBU IGEM synthetic biology research team, the Secretary of the SBU Muslim Students‘ Association, a Class Officer for the Stony Brook Seawolf Philanthropy Council, and a dedicated volunteer for various nonprofit organizations. In my free time, I like reading, playing and watching soccer, photography, and making playlists. I value strong leadership and look forward to creating positive change in the Muslim community and beyond with other dedicated leaders as an Ali Leadership Fellow!
Hasna Azeez is a rising senior at Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School in Somerset. Growing up, Hasna has been taught the importance of vocalizing issues she’s passionate about, along with the importance of being a good person with strong morals. Always keen on addressing community issues, Hasna realized she needed to take the initiative to help her community. Being the president of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America club, student council representative, and leading a bi–annual Voters Drive with the Civics Center at her school, Hasna looks forward to utilizing her leadership skills for the betterment of her community. Outside of school, Hasna volunteers at her local food pantry, Care and Share Foundation, to put together food packages and fresh meals for those in need. Alongside, education plays a large role in Hasna’s life, and she aspires to assist and provide opportunities for kids to receive the same education, hence why she teaches at her local Sunday school and tutors kids outside of school. In the future, Hasna hopes to continue to pursue her passion for business, educating children, and advancing her understanding of how to serve her community.
Hanan Hameed is a dynamic student at Rutgers University, pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Public Health. Deeply committed to community service, Hanan is currently pursuing a certification in Health Policy to complement her academic pursuits. Hanan’s dedication extends beyond the classroom as she spearheads the Reading Buddies program in the New Brunswick area, fostering literacy among local youth. During her high school years, she co- hosted the podcast “Growing Up Halal,” addressing pressing social and community issues. Hanan’s involvement with her local mosque, particularly in zakat and charity distribution, showcases her commitment to humanitarian causes. With a keen interest in civic engagement, Hanan has delved into this realm through her academic endeavors, culminating in a thesis focused on civic participation. Eager to address health disparities in her community, Hanan looks forward to leveraging her skills and passion for the betterment of society as a leader in the Ali Institute leadership grassroots campaign.
HAFSAH RATHER is a creative high school student, I’m currently enrolled in a dual enrollment program with Middlesex County College, where I’m earning both high school and college credits. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I thrive on crafting compelling narratives. My skill set extends to utilizing innovative techniques for writing and editing pieces tailored for online platforms. With a GPA of 3.9 and a consistent presence on the Honor Roll, I’ve completed challenging AP courses in subjects like English, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. I excel in persuasive and creative writing, adept at crafting clear and convincing communications as well as expressing creativity through storytelling and poetry. Collaborative by nature, I thrive in team environments, contributing ideas and supporting peers to achieve common goals.
Zakariya Insanally is a first–generation Guyanese American who grew up in Somerville, a small town covering 2.3 square miles in Central Jersey. In high school, Zakariya ran on the varsity track team and served as a Peer Leader, mentoring incoming freshmen through weekly breakout sessions. Outside of school, Zakariya ran his own landscaping business, mowing lawns around the neighborhood. Additionally, he held multiple positions in local businesses, including at a dentist’s office, escape room, hospital, and design studio. After graduating high school, Zakariya served as vice president of the ICNA Summer of Service program, an initiative that created and distributed more than 800 food parcels to the less fortunate in Somerset County. Currently, Zakariya is a rising sophomore on scholarship at Rutgers University, majoring in Industrial Engineering and minoring in Critical Intelligence. He is very involved in the Muslim community on campus and will be serving as the Outreach Coordinator on the executive board of the Rutgers. Muslim Student Association (MSA), one of the largest MSAs in the county. During his time at Rutgers, Zakariya has developed an appreciation for the importance of civil and political service and aims to grow in this area while benefiting from the university’s diverse environment and resources.
Sarwary Masood was born in lowa Sioux city and moved to New Jersey. She is a currently a sophomore at John P Steven’s High School. She is very passionate in advocating for her community. Growing up in a world filled with injustice, it inspired her to make a change in her generation. Sarwary is determined for others to join her in creating a more just and empowering society.
Reyva Kaistha is a current sophomore at Moorestown High School. She is passionate about giving back to her community, and doing what she can to help and advocate for people who aren’t in positions to help themselves. She is inspired by the stories of resilient immigrant family members, is grateful for the opportunities their sacrifices have given her, and determined to use them to impact others. She volunteers at Ronald McDonald House by cooking meals and organizing activities for the families of children with serious medical conditions. She’s also volunteered at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, which has helped her understand the importance of supporting people. The highlight of her week is volunteering in the Medical Daycare at Voorhees Pediatric Facility with the sweetest kids. Through school, Reyva is involved in the community service Interact Club, and Pre-Health Club. She’s also participated in Model Congress, which has helped her strengthen her voice. She hopes to not only help as many people as she can, but also be able to encourage, guide, and educate others in what they can do as well.
Lauren Articolo is a pre-law journalism and business administration student at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She was born and raised in South Jersey. Lauren has always been interested in humanitarian work and making a difference in her community. Her work started in fifth grade when she wrote the winning Latin motto “Scientia Incipit Hic” for her local township library. At her high school, Lauren was co-editor in chief of her preschool through twelfth grade yearbook. She supervised a team of editors, photographed and interviewed students, designed pages, and wrote blogs that reached all grade levels and faculty members. Lauren was also an active member of the Service Committee where she would assist in devising community service events and projects to encourage her peers to get involved. She participated in an internship at her township’s newspaper, the South Jersey Magazine, where she organized event and marketing calendars for counties in New Jersey and Florida reaching 10K+ community members, and authored back-end content management. Her love of writing and using it to contribute meaningfully to her community continued in college where joined the George Washington University Hatchet. As a culture writer, Lauren covers creative events occurring in the Washington, D.C. community including new restaurant openings and concert reviews. She is also a part of GW Pre-Law Student Association that works to provide students with LSAT advising and prep and provides opportunities to network with law professionals. The D.C. area fuels her devotion to public service and her aspirations to become a lawyer. In addition to the Ali Leadership Institute, Lauren plans on interning at an estate planning and investment Moorestown legal office.
Kuyill Ponnappan, a dedicated and driven rising junior at Camden Catholic High School, has consistently demonstrated exceptional involvement within her school and community. Actively participating in over 15 school organizations and societies, Kuyill has assumed leadership roles that enhance her engagement. As a co-leader of Camden Catholic High School’s Saint Martín de Porres (SMP) Society and Asian & Pacific Islander Student Alliance, she has helped foster racial harmony, social justice, and a culture of kindness, respect, and diversity in her school. As a part of SMP Society, Kuyill and fellow members wrote letters and assembled presents for students with special needs to brighten up their days and raise attention during Autism Awareness Month. She also volunteers through her school’s Catholic Ministry in various acts of service, such as making sandwiches for the Cathedral Kitchen and Joseph’s House in Camden or assembling gifts for the Cherry Hill Food Pantry. Volunteering is a significant part of Kuyill’s life, particularly at Arden Courts Memory Care Facility in Cherry Hill, where she has been dedicated for over two years. She has also collaborated with her sister on a music program designed to enhance the quality of life for elderly residents. Kuyill is deeply passionate about the world and how she can make it a better place, and she is committed to making a positive difference in her community.
Kevin Bustamante-Valega is a Political Science student at Montclair State University. Son of Peruvian and Mexican immigrant parents. He was thought from a young age to strive for everything that you set out to do. Kevin attended Burlington County Institute of Technology- Westampton campus in high school. He played three varsity sports along with being involved in numerous clubs. Ranging from Robotics to SkillsUSA to HOSA, Kevin has been someone who strives to be immersed in a wide range of specialties. One major part of his life outside of school was volunteering in the community. serving as an Alter server at his local church and becoming involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where he attained the esteemed Eagle Scout rank. Additionally, he got involved in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, where he gained leadership and discipline. He now uses these qualities, which he received from Naval Officers and Marines, to become a better person every day. Kevin is employed at Montclair State University as a student ambassador and as a customer service representative for undergraduate admissions. He is a guide to many First Generation Spanish-speaking students and assists rising seniors and juniors with their college applications process.
THIS IS NOT A FULL LIST OF EVERY SPEAKER, ONLY THE ONES WHO SPOKE AT JERSEY CITY!
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
