Introducing the 2026-2027 Virginia’s Youth in Action Cohort

Anderson is a high school student leader and advocate who is passionate about making sure the voices of young Virginians are heard in schools, communities, and across the commonwealth. When he isn’t focused on projects, organizing ideas, or speaking up about issues he deeply cares about, you will find him at the mall with his friends, on an adventure in the city, taking photos at events, or in his room at home. Anderson values growth and hopes to inspire others through his work in photography and advocacy.

Anika is a high school student who uses her voice all the time, whether singing in the shower or arguing with her brother. She loves to stay busy, playing lots of Spikeball, going on hikes, dancing to loud music, and taking lots of pictures and videos with her friends. Anika is a curious, loud optimist who enjoys spending quality time with people.

Clara is a Ghanaian American high schooler who is interested in medicine and continuing to explore her passion for healthcare. She speaks two languages, Twi and English, and is the eldest of three children, which has taught her adaptability and responsibility. She values her relationship with God above all things, so naturally, she is a consistent church attendee. When she is not at school or home, you may find her at a church leadership event, choir practice, or regular church service. With her faith at the forefront of her mind, Clara is trying to carve her path in life through real-world experiences.

Dia is a Bolivian immigrant, a youth activist, and someone who is intensely aware of how ridiculously painful it is to write about herself in third person. To learn more about her and channel your inner Male Manipulator in the process, you can look at her Letterboxd top four: Mickey 17, Cementerio de Elefantes, The Long Walk, and The Tunnel of Firelights. Or pick up some of her favorite books: Demian, What Is to Be Done?, and Brave New World.

Emmanuella is a Ghanaian-American rising fourth year at the University of Virginia, studying Neuroscience and Medical Anthropology on the Pre-Health track. She is passionate about health equity, mentorship, education, leadership, and uplifting Black and African communities through service and connection. Whether she is planning events, dancing with her dance team, mentoring students, or spending time with loved ones, Emmanuella is a creative, adventurous spirit, a continuous learner, and a proud lover of her heritage and community.

Erin is an interdisciplinary studies major at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she is currently studying cognitive development and mental health. When she isn’t focusing on her studies, she’s most likely binge-watching a nostalgic TV show, junk journaling, scrolling on Pinterest, making a new playlist, or going on walks with friends. Erin feels strongly about the power of youth, creativity, and community, and believes that change begins with empathy, connection, and opportunities for growth!

Jada is an aspiring dentist, scholar, and community advocate passionate about health, education, and service. A future Ridley Scholar at the University of Virginia, she has dedicated her high school years to leadership, STEM, healthcare experiences, and uplifting those around her. Whether she’s working in a dental office, mentoring peers, organizing community initiatives, or pursuing opportunities in health equity, Jada is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Beyond academics, she loves spending time with friends, baking, reading romantic comedy novels, and prioritizing wellness and self-care. Jada is a connector, a lifelong learner, a champion for her community, and someone who believes that success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.

A first-generation college student majoring in counseling psychology with a minor in human services, Jenny is a driven leader dedicated to creating meaningful community change. Guided by her compassionate nature and passion for helping others, she aspires to build a career as a social worker within the nonprofit sector. Outside of her professional goals, Jenny enjoys exploring the outdoors, thrifting, and discovering a great cup of coffee.

Pratyay is a researcher, an elder brother, and an advocate of health equity. When he is not conducting experiments or solving complicated mathematical equations, he can be seen working out in the gym or playing a game of pickleball. He has an analytical mind and enjoys solving complicated problems. Ultimately, he is someone who aims to ensure that advances in science have a positive impact on the community.

Sophia is a student at the University of Virginia, studying chemistry and psychology on the premedical track. She loves spending time outdoors, whether that means running, hiking, or sunbathing with friends. On a rainy day, Sophia enjoys baking new recipes, visiting cafés, or trying a new hobby.

Solianna

Tanishka is a high school student who is passionate about using her voice to make a real impact. She loves being involved in leadership and projects that help solve real issues in people’s lives. She is hardworking and growth-minded, and is excited to be a part of a community such as VAYA, where she will have the opportunity to learn from others and contribute to her community in a meaningful way.

Venus is a youth mental health advocate with a focus on social conformity and eating disorder awareness. They are also a high school senior who finds joy in music, particularly playing the electric guitar, fencing at a local studio, and volunteering throughout the community. These experiences have made Venus into someone with a passion for supporting future generations as they aspire to a career in neuropsychology and public policy.

Zaharra is a Charlottesville-based recent high school graduate drawn to how stories, systems, and economics shape the way people live, move, and belong across communities and cultures. This summer, she is serving as both a NAACP intern at the Central Library and an Arts Educator Intern with the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, where she helps support the development of culturally grounded programming. Zaharra is especially interested in international political economy and the human side of policy: who it reaches, who it leaves out, and what it asks of people in return, and she is pursuing a path toward the U.S. Foreign Service alongside a long-term vision of building a community-based nonprofit that expands mentorship, access, and youth-driven action. Her vision is informed by her experience growing up mixed Ethiopian and Italian and being raised by a single mother.