(NORCROSS, GA)— HealthMPowers announced today the third class of its Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The board will be led by co-chairs Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila (17), and Pratima Yellayi (16), alongside members Malak Aldoum (14), Jonathan (Jon) Bell (14), Claire Collins (16), Ayshiah Frazier (16), Carlie Gabriel (16), Camila Isaza (17), Lillian (Lily) Jacobs (17), Aria Reddy (16), and Alexis Walker (14). This dynamic group of young leaders will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to promote health and wellness among Georgia’s children and youth.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s Youth Advisory Board, said Jennifer L. Owens, President and CEO of HealthMPowers. “These young leaders are not just the voices of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Their dedication to promoting health, wellness, and mental well-being within their communities is truly inspiring. I’m confident that their passion and drive will lead to meaningful and lasting change.”
This year, the YAB is committed to creating a healthier and more vibrant community. By focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and mental wellness, they aim to inspire positive change and empower their peers to lead healthier lives. The board members have received advocacy training from Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE, Inc) and Youth Mental Health First Aid certification from the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health at the Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. Equipped with these skills, they will be active in their communities, driving efforts to improve the well-being of Georgia’s youth.
“Working with this exceptional group of young leaders is both an honor and a privilege,” said Sequoya Howard, HealthMPowers Youth Engagement Program Manager. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in their communities is contagious. I look forward to witnessing their growth as they develop critical leadership and advocacy skills, empowering them to drive positive change now and in the future.”
The YAB was established in response to feedback from youth during the creation of the 2022-2025 HealthMPowers Strategic Plan. The board is aligned with the organization’s strategy to deliver high-impact learning experiences that foster healthy habits, with a unique focus on youth voices. Board members meet virtually once a month and serve at least one academic year. The YAB provides an opportunity for members to become leading voices on health and wellness, inform the programming and approach of HealthMPowers, develop leadership skills, gain networking opportunities, and earn community service hours.
2024-25 HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board
Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila, 17
Co-Chair
McClure Health Science HS
Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila is a junior at McClure Health Science High School. He was born in Colombia and is a dedicated student, always striving to achieve health and academic goals. Álvaro is passionate in everything he does and is committed to embracing his love for soccer and sports. He is an active player in the GSA academy and has a goal to play in his high school’s soccer team. Currently, Álvaro is on a journey of exploration, seeking to discover which aspect of health resonates with him the most. Alongside his academic pursuits and sports activities, he is enthusiastic about fitness and can often be found at the gym, working out to build muscle and improve his cardio fitness. His hobbies include spending time with friends and swimming.
Pratima Yellayi, 16
Co-Chair
South Forsyth HS
Pratima Yellayi is a member of the varsity cross country team, track team, and a senior dancer. She is a part of the Girls Empowering Movement, otherwise known as GEM, as well as the Pebble Tossers Teen Leadership program. She takes pride in her ability to accomplish anything she puts her mind to. Her hobbies include painting, gym, and listening to music. Music is a very big part of her life.
Malak Aldoum, 14
Towers HS
Malak Aldoum is always open to trying new things. She has explored a variety of sports, including wrestling, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, she has actively participated in diverse programs such as TSA and robotics. She was co-captain for her school’s volleyball team, held the position of vice president in her TSA club, and took on the role of team leader for her robotics programming team.
Jonathan (Jon) Bell, 14
Hampton HS
Jon Bell’s favorite subject is science, and he aspires to become a microbiologist, though his interests often evolve. He is a current freshman at Hampton HS, in Henry County. While at Hampton MS, he served as a Hampton Middle Youth Ambassador Lead and one of two Henry County Youth Ambassador Leads. Jon’s dream college is the University of Georgia, and he plans to attend their Griffin campus to stay close to home. Family is very important to Jon, as is making sure youth voices are heard and kid’s perspectives are represented.
Claire Collins, 16
North Atlanta HS
Claire Collins lives in Atlanta and is a rising junior at North Atlanta High School. She runs track and cross country and is on the swim team. Claire participates in numerous clubs and extracurriculars both at school and outside of school including mock trial, debate, FBLA, Beta Club, and National Honors Society. Claire is also a staff writer for her school newspaper, The Warrior Wire. Given her own allergies to milk, peanuts, and beef, Claire is passionate about finding ways to support others with food allergies. She serves as Marketing and Communications Director for an online magazine, Just Allergy Things, and is a member of the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Teen Advisory Group. She loves traveling and is always up for any outdoor activity.
Ayshiah Frazier, 17
Haralson County HS
Ayshiah is funny and full of life. Her determination to help those around her makes her a stronger person. Currently, Ayshiah is on the Raiders team at Haralson County High School, volunteers with 4-H, and is the Staff Sergeant of her company in JROTC. In her down time, Ayshiah loves sharing her contagious personality, singing, and writing. She also enjoys reading and taking walks to relax when stress becomes too much.
Carlie Gabriel, 16
Oglethorpe County HS
Carlie Gabriel is a student at Oglethorpe County High School. She serves on the student council and is a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. This year she will be dual enrolling at the University of North Georgia. On the weekends, Carlie enjoys attending Lexington Baptist Church, where she serves on the youth leadership team and praise team. She plays volleyball and basketball at her high school, and tennis at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department. In her free time, Carlie loves spending time with her family and doing arts and crafts.
Camila Isaza, 17
McClure Health Science HS
Camila Isaza is a junior at McClure Health Science High School. She is a member of the advanced orchestra, student council, junior representative of National Honors Society, chief editor of the yearbook, debate club coordinator, an executive member of Spanish honors society, HOSA member, and an AP Scholar. She is a Themed High Schools GHSA Athletic participant in swim and dive. Camila’s parents and older sister are very instrumental in her life, and she credits them for her accomplishments. Camila plans to major in Healthcare Management and Policy and earn a graduate degree to become a Physician’s Assistant. Her ultimate goal is to work for the World Health Organization. Her hobbies include baking, jewelry making, and reading.
Lillian (Lily) Jacobs, 17
Etowah HS
Lily Jacobs is a member and captain of her swim team at Etowah High School. She also is the summer assistant coach for her neighborhood’s swim team. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, spending time outside, and reading books. Her goal for the future is to go to nursing school and become a pediatric oncologist. She is a great team player and can’t wait to do all she can with the Youth Advisory Board.
Aria Reddy, 16
Johns Creek HS
Aria Reddy is a junior in high school who enjoys playing volleyball for her school and club teams. Her passion for volleyball started when she was nine years old, helping her stay active while developing teamwork and dedication skills. She also loves being a member of her school’s live news show crew. This influenced her dream of one day going to college for journalism. After school, Aria volunteers at her local library and is a summer camp counselor. Despite her busy schedule, she loves to spend time with her family, traveling, reading, and developing her videography and photography skills. Aria is so excited to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board and make her own impact.
Alexis Walker, 14
Stockbridge HS
Alexis Walker is a Beta Club member and student ambassador. She was co-captain of the volleyball team this past year and plans to keep playing. She will be attending Stockbridge High in the fall. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and singing.
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About HealthMPowers
HealthMPowers is a Georgia-based nonprofit that champions healthy habits to transform the environments where children live, learn and play.