Meet our 2024 Youth Changemaker Nominees

Our youth volunteers are essential as they embody the spirit of service and commitment. Through their efforts, they not only uplift others but also inspire their peers to get involved. By dedicating their time, they learn valuable skills, develop empathy, and foster connections that strengthen our community.

Each year, we proudly recognize these young leaders for their contributions, celebrating their commitment to making a difference. Their impact is profound, and their potential is limitless! Let’s take a moment to get to know our Changemakers...

< RETURN TO THE MAIN EVENT PAGE

Austin Yang (Youth Changemaker Runner-Up) - YMCA PROJECT CORNERSTONE

Austin, a member of the Student Leadership Council and YMCA Project Cornerstone Board Committee, is a responsible and engaged student with excellent communication skills. He created nine videos for elementary school students and contributed to Developmental Assets, effectively collaborating with staff and proactively planning timelines. It’s clear Austin puts lots of care into his work, as the videos are engaging and easy to follow. Eager to improve, he welcomed feedback and completed all lessons successfully. His videos have been viewed hundreds of times and remain valuable resources for youth.

Daniel Oh - CENTRAL YMCA

Daniel has taken his love of and passion for basketball and turned it into a force for good through his volunteer service at the Y. Over the last two years, he has coached a 7-8 year olds basketball team, where he has helped children engage in fun, physical activity while helping them develop basketball skills. Although only 16, he is skilled at helping his players understand and manage their emotions, which will help them as they move away from the court and into their adult lives.

Supriya Agrawal - EL CAMINO YMCA

In the short period of time Supriya has been volunteering in the Y’s Teen Advisory Committee, she has shown tremendous leadership and determination. Supriya acts as the lead facilitator of meetings and brainstorms impactful ideas. Her passion for sports and mental health, inspired the creation of a workshop to support athletes and their journey through mental focus and stress in hopes to better improve the overall well-being of young athletes. Supriya's charismatic energy and commitment has inspired others to increase their participation.

Ayuri Ohara - NORTHWEST YMCA

Ayuri was very shy until she had the opportunity to teach others something she was passionate about. Through her love of Japanese origami, Ayuri leads workshops for up to 20 youth. Each week more kids attend her lesson and gain new skills and engage in activities together. Ayuri has blossomed as a leader and now jumps at the opportunity to help others in the afterschool program. As a 5th grader, Ayuri has helped younger youth make friends and learn new skills.

Victoria Ren - PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA

Victoria chairs the Youth Advisory Council Task Force, which she helped establish shortly after joining the board. She organized listening sessions with local teens and engaged in extensive conversations with YMCA staff, Board Members, Stanford advisors, and city officials to explore what inspires youth and identify gaps in available offerings. Driven by her passion for community engagement, Victoria aspires to deepen her understanding of community needs and design more impactful programs.

Omar Barreto - SEQUOIA YMCA

Omar has significantly contributed to the Sequoia YMCA swim program through his dedicated volunteer work in the Safety Around Water initiative. By fostering a positive environment, he has raised awareness about water safety in the community. Omar sets a commendable example for his siblings and peers, encouraging greater participation in community activities. His efforts have not only boosted attendance in swimming classes but also highlighted the importance of community involvement, showcasing the impact one individual can have on promoting safety and community spirit.

Chris von Barloewen - SOUTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA

Chris volunteered his time during the Get Summer program to help welcome teens to the Y by creating a welcoming environment that other teens can connect with. His extensive knowledge of weight rooms and exercise routines allowed him to help orientate teens and provide them with guidance on how to work out correctly and properly for strength development and injury prevention. Teens using the Y have reported that they feel welcomed and have access to staff and volunteers that can help them be healthier and stronger.

Tina Mohr - SOUTHWEST YMCA

Tina’s volunteer contributions have made an extraordinary impact that goes far beyond her countless clean-up and organizing projects. Tina hasn’t missed a single community event and is a constant presence at our kids’ craft club, infusing creativity and joy into every session. Hundreds of children have benefited from her dedication, whether at branch events, the weekly art club, or her recent work assisting kids in our Kids in the Kitchen program.

Joshua Hernandez-Alvarado - YMCA CAMP CAMPBELL

Joshua volunteered at YMCA Camp Campbell’s science camp, leading a group of 12 boys and helping them develop independence and a strong sense of community. He consistently uplifted the morale of staff, campers, and fellow cabin leaders, forging meaningful connections with both the campers and the naturalist. Always willing to lend a hand, Joshua exemplifies a spirit of support and collaboration that positively impacted everyone around him.

Hulai Kamara - YMCA CAMP CAMPBELL

Hulai volunteered at science camp at YMCA Camp Campbell and quickly built strong relationships with campers, staff, and fellow volunteers. She demonstrated exceptional skill in working with children with autism, anxiety, and ADHD/ADD, eagerly taking on more responsibilities. Hulai found creative ways to engage campers in activities that fostered connection, and her peers viewed her as a role model. By the end of camp, her group of 14+ campers had become a cohesive and supportive unit under her guidance.

Pratha Joshi - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Pratha has been actively involved with the Youth Technology Incubator Council, passionately advocating for the importance of teamwork and group well-being. She consistently recruits for YTI, engaging with her school to boost student involvement and volunteering, ensuring our programs can reach more youth. Pratha keeps 20 high school students engaged during meetings and facilitates team building activities. Beyond her own volunteer efforts, she inspires her peers to join her in participating fully in all Council events.