2026 ATL Youth AdvisoRy Council

Langston Howard is a senior at Benjamin E. Mays High School whose leadership is built on advocacy, inclusion, and making sure every student feels heard. She serves as Vice President of her school's Student Government Association and as a Student Advisory Council Delegate, representing the perspectives and needs of her peers across her campus and the district. 

As a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, Langston is committed to seizing every opportunity while lifting others along the way, especially students who may be shy or hesitant to speak up in important conversations. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career in corporate law or accounting, combining her interests in business, problem-solving, and service to create meaningful impact in the professional spaces she enters. 

Guided by Langston Hughes's declaration that "I, too, am America," she embraces who she is with pride, refuses to let differences limit her ambitions, and moves through every room with the conviction that she belongs.

Bralyn Clayton is an 11th-grade scholar at Maynard Jackson High School, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and a leadership style built on ensuring everyone's voice is heard. 

Bralyn plays varsity tennis and football, tends to a garden in his free time, and volunteers with mental health patients, bringing the same steady care and thoughtfulness to each space he enters. 

Guided by Maya Angelou's charge that "my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style," Bralyn leads with the conviction that real leadership is a never-ending passion, and that change happens when people stay committed every day, not just when it is convenient.

Isis Gutierrez is a junior at Benjamin E. Mays High School, ranked in the top ten percent of her class. She is a member of the National Science Honor Society and the National Honor Society, a competitor on the Mays varsity rifle team, and the manager of the Mays swim team. 

When she is not competing or leading, Isis travels to new places, tries new foods, and prepares for a career in law. She aspires to become an immigration attorney, advocating for those whose stories deserve to be heard in a legal system that too often overlooks them. 

Anchored by the promise in Job 22:28 that "you will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you," Isis moves through the world with confidence that her path has been prepared and her voice has purpose.

Zadara Majeed-Hadley is an eleventh-grade student at Maynard Jackson High School, driven by a desire to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact in her community. She is actively involved in varsity cheerleading, varsity lacrosse, and organizations including the National Honor Society, Student Government, Model United Nations, Jaguar Ambassadors, B.L.O.O.M, and Best Buddies. Through these experiences, Zadara has developed strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while learning the importance of service and connection. 

She is passionate about creating positive change and uplifting everyone she meets, and she consistently challenges herself to step outside her comfort zone in order to grow. Looking ahead, she plans to build a career that not only allows her to succeed but also creates opportunities and lasting impact for others. 

Guided by the belief that "everything happens for a reason," Zadara stays grounded through setbacks, trusting that even challenges play a role in shaping where she is meant to be.

Rex Parks is a senior at North Atlanta High School whose leadership has been shaped by both athletics and political inquiry. Throughout high school, he has remained actively involved in sports, playing lacrosse and previously competing in wrestling and track, and these experiences have instilled the discipline, teamwork, and work ethic he now applies in every space he enters. Beyond sports, Rex has developed a deep interest in understanding how governments operate, especially on a global scale. He follows current events, thinks critically about the issues shaping our world today, and asks questions few of his peers ask. 

In college, Rex plans to study political science or foreign affairs, aiming for a career in international relations where he can make a meaningful impact. Guided by John F. Kennedy's charge to "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," Rex leads with the understanding that being a responsible citizen is an ongoing commitment, not a one-day-a-year civic ritual.

Teira Scott is a junior at Frederick Douglass High School, a dedicated and community-minded student committed to representing and uplifting youth voices in her city through her role on the Atlanta Youth Advisory Council. Teira is passionate about helping others and aspires to pursue a career in pediatric nursing, combining her interest in healthcare with her lifelong commitment to service. 

Through leadership opportunities, academic growth, and involvement in her community, she strives to make a positive impact while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Guided by the belief that we must "be the change that we wish to see in the world," Teira leads with the understanding that real change starts with individual action, and she is already taking her own.

Nasira Dupree is a junior at North Atlanta High School, generally outgoing and always ready to have fun with the people she cares about. She fills her time with art, writing, and volleyball, and she brings her creativity into every corner of her life. Nasira is the kind of person you can count on, whether it is showing up for a friend, contributing to a project, or offering a fresh perspective in a room full of loud opinions. She is looking forward to getting deeply involved in the Atlanta Youth Advisory Council this year and turning her curiosity about her community into meaningful action. 

Guided by the reminder to "not let guilt change the past or worry change the future," Nasira stays focused on the present and shows up ready to do the work in front of her.

Jaiden Simmons is a junior at B.E.S.T. Academy who blends academic excellence, athletic discipline, and civic drive. Ranked first in his class with a 4.2 GPA, he serves as the 11th-grade representative for his school and stays deeply engaged as a member of Band, Cross Country, Debate, the National Honor Society, and the Technology Student Association's Robotics team. 

Jaiden's sights are set on Brown University, where he plans to study Urban Planning and Political Science on a Pre-Law track, combining her interest in how cities are built with a commitment to who gets to build them. He believes democracy is a year-round commitment to upholding constitutional rights, and that the decisions shaping our communities are made in city council meetings held throughout the year, not just at the polls in November. 

Anchored by Maya Angelou's charge to "do the best you can until you know better, and when you know better, do better," Jaiden leads with a growth mindset and a hunger to push himself and his community forward.

Destiny Pitts is a rising senior at Midtown High School, a member of the Silver Sabers on Midtown's Band, a JROTC cadet, a Patient Care student at Atlanta College and Career, and a member of Midtown High's Yearbook Committee.

 Destiny is an example of what it looks like to put your mind to something and follow through. She leads with determination, discipline, and limitless potential, and she shows up in every space with the belief that anything she sets her sights on is within reach.

 Guided by Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Destiny lets her faith carry her through moments of doubt, trusting that God gives her the strength and confidence to receive every blessing meant for her.

Laila Carter is an 11th-grade scholar at Carver Early College High School and one of the most consistently involved students in her building. 

She is a member of the Student Government Association, Debate Team, Rifle Team, French Club, Drill Team, News Club, and countless other spaces where she is investing her time and voice. 

Outside the classroom, Laila enjoys sleeping, learning new things, and reading in her free time. She plans to become a teacher, leading a social studies or reading classroom where she can pour into the next generation the way her teachers have poured into her. 

 Laila believes there is no off-season for democracy, and no time to slack when there are young people around us who need to know what is happening in their community. She is ready to be the one to tell them.

Elijah Smith is a junior at Midtown High School who loves sports, especially baseball. He enjoys competing, working hard, and getting better every day on and off the field. Outside of sports, Elijah likes to cook, try new foods, and get creative in the kitchen, and he loves to travel and experience new places and cultures. 

In every space he enters, he brings a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and dedication to whatever he takes on. 

Anchored by LeBron James's reminder that "success isn't owned, it's leased, and the rent is due every day," Elijah understands that greatness is not a destination but a daily practice, and he shows up ready to earn it every time.

Shaniya Manning is a rising senior at the illustrious D.M. Therrell High School, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and a driven, creative leader with a passion for design, leadership, and community impact. She is the founder of SM Crafted, her own custom brand where she expresses her creativity through personalized designs. 

Shaniya has served in numerous leadership roles, including a three-year run as SGA President and as a Student Ambassador, among many other titles. After high school, she plans to attend the illustrious Spelman College, where she will major in Health Science and pursue her dream of becoming a neonatologist dedicated to caring for newborns. 

Guided by the mantra "work hard so you can play hard," Shaniya leads with the discipline and dedication of someone who understands that the work she puts in now will open doors to opportunity, freedom, and impact in the years ahead.

Trinity Covington is a junior at South Atlanta High School, and her story does not begin the way most do. It starts with someone dragging herself out of bed on Saturday mornings for the Arthur and Michael Leadership Conference, standing at the bottom of a mountain on a hiking trip, and wanting to turn back every five minutes, but knowing there is no turning back. It starts with someone who did not have an easy start but always knew she was going to be great, regardless of how she began. Someone who realized early that if she did not stand for herself, nobody else would, and because she has always stood for herself, she has never had a reason not to stand for anyone else. That mindset is the foundation of the leader Trinity is becoming today. 

Guided by her own words that "being a GOAT is a mindset, the moment I decide I'm the greatest of all time, I already am, the world just hasn't caught up yet," Trinity leads with the conviction that greatness begins with belief, and she is speaking hers into reality.

Malaki Williams is a senior at The B.E.S.T. Academy at The Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Institute with a vision that stretches from Atlanta to the United States Navy. He serves as a JROTC Battalion Commander, Vice President of his Student Government Association, and a member of the National STEM Honor Society, and he is a proud mentee of 100 Black Men of Atlanta. 

Malaki plans to study Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity at the Georgia Institute of Technology through a Navy ROTC scholarship, double-minoring in Software Engineering and Business Management before commissioning into the U.S. Navy for at least twenty years of service. His long-term mission is to use STEM and military leadership to make an impact on the world. Guided by the truth that "you can't give me directions to somewhere you haven't been," Malaki understands that outside help matters, but the only person who can walk his path is he, and he is walking it with conviction and clarity.

Erynn Gomes is a rising senior at South Atlanta High School, determined to keep learning, growing, and becoming a stronger leader through her involvement with the Atlanta Youth Advisory Council. 

Throughout her high school journey, Erynn has been actively engaged in Beta Club, the National Honor Society, FBLA, varsity cheerleading (where she proudly served as captain during her freshman and sophomore years), and the Mighty Hornet Marching Band. 

She is ranked in the top ten percent of her class and participates in many other activities that have helped shape her leadership skills, discipline, and commitment to excellence. 

Guided by the reminder to "never judge a book by its cover," Erynn leads with an open mind and the understanding that first impressions rarely tell the full story, and she is committed to always showing who she really is through her actions and character.

Tredricus Stepp is a senior at Carver Early College and a driven, creative young leader from Atlanta, known for using his voice to inspire and connect with others. He balances his academics with a passion for media and communication as the host of his own talk show, Stepp Up and Chat, where he creates a positive space for open conversations, humor, and real-life topics that affect today's youth. An aspiring filmmaker, writer, and content creator, Tredricus is focused on growing his podcast while prioritizing his mental health and financial independence. With a strong sense of purpose and a natural ability to engage with others, he is committed to representing his generation and making a meaningful impact in his community. 

Guided by Steve Jobs's charge not to waste his time living someone else's life, Tredricus has always been a person of difference, and he leads with the conviction that his path is his own to walk.

Armoni Brooks is a proud Georgia peach, born and raised in Atlanta, and a senior at D.M. Therrell High School. As an honor student and the oldest and only daughter on both sides of her family, she takes pride in setting a good example for her three younger brothers through her leadership, determination, and consistency. Armoni has attended leadership camps and JROTC leadership conferences to sharpen her skills, and she continues to build her confidence through activities like mock trial. In her church, she serves on the Ladies Tea Board, helping bring younger girls and women together in fellowship. She stays active by dancing with the Dancing Dolls, playing volleyball, and volunteering with the Special Olympics, and her hard work has earned her honors, including Miss 7th Grade, Grand Miss Bunche, and 8th Grade School Queen. 

Looking ahead, Armoni plans to join the Air Force and explore careers in the medical or legal field, believing there are no limits to what she can achieve. Guided by the reminder that "God is within her; she will not fail," Armoni leads with confidence, faith, and the certainty that she is supported through every step of her journey.

Nikoh Golding is a junior at Booker T. Washington High School, a top-ten-percent scholar and dual-enrollment student whose leadership is shaped by service, advocacy, and creative expression. Through HOSA, the Distinguished Gentlemen's Club, the Student Government Association, and the Emory Pipeline Collaborative, Nikoh continues to strengthen his voice as a student leader and community advocate. Grounded by his passions for photography, music, sewing, and fashion, he balances academics with creativity, using each outlet to stay centered and connected to the people he serves. His work reflects a deep commitment to representation, storytelling, and ensuring student voices are heard in every space that shapes their future. 

Guided by Steph Curry's reminder that "if you don't fall, how are you going to know what getting up is like," Nikoh treats struggle not as an obstacle to avoid, but as the foundation for the resilience that will carry him forward.

DaeJa Hines is a junior at Booker T. Washington High School, a creative and determined middle child who takes pride in expressing herself through school, sports, and her personal life. Whether she is on the softball field, dreaming up unique promposal ideas, or spending time with the people she loves, DaeJa brings her full self to every space she enters.

DaeJa plans to become a lawyer so she can use her voice to stand up for others and make strong arguments, and she is equally determined to continue growing her softball career and to push herself in the sport she loves. 

Guided by the truth that "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard," she stays focused, keeps grinding, and refuses to let difficulty define what she is capable of.

Chloe Rockmore is a junior at Charles R. Drew Charter School, where she has attended since kindergarten. Deeply involved in leadership roles, clubs, and extracurriculars, Chloe especially enjoys student leadership, public speaking, and helping build her school's culture. Drew's STEAM-focused curriculum has allowed her to explore both academic and creative interests, including dance and athletics. 

During the spring season, she competes in track as Drew's first pole vaulter in history, earning multiple titles over the past three years. She is also active as a Student Ambassador, a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Debate Club, and a founding member of the Asian Student Union. 

After high school, Chloe plans to study social work or education, pursuing a career where she can help and support others. 

Guided by Sonia Ricotti's reminder to "accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be," she leads with presence, hope, and the belief that the best is still to come.