August 13, 2025
(NORCROSS, GA)— HealthMPowers is excited to announce the fourth class of its Youth Advisory Board (YAB) for the 2025-2026 school year. Led by two returning members, co-chairs Alexis Walker (10th grade) and Pratima Yellayi (12th grade), the board now consists of 25 members, the largest YAB to date. Other returning members include Malak Aldoum (10th grade), Jonathan (Jon) Bell (10th grade), Claire Collins (12th grade), Ayshiah Frazier (12th grade), Carlie Gabriel (12th grade), and Aria Reddy (12th grade). New members include Alex Bradley (10th grade), Kadence Brown (12th grade), Abigail Davilus (11th grade), Sofia Escobar (12th grade), JayVion Fitzgerald (10th grade), ZayVion Fitzgerald (10th grade), Campbell Hopkins (11th grade), Neha Kamisetty (9th grade), Shreya Katta (12th grade), Amaris Momodu (9th grade), Hannon Grimwood Moss (12th grade), Mahima Mudunuri (12th grade), Kori Murrah (11th grade), Emanuel Palax Ocampo (10th grade), Adaku Okeh (12th grade), Eve Scott (11th grade), and Judah Scott (12th grade).
By focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and mental wellness, YAB members aim to inspire positive change in their communities by connecting with their peers and empowering them to lead healthier lives. Having a voice that contributes to tangible changes while learning leadership skills also creates a strong sense of confidence in YAB members.
“I feel confident. In myself and my team,” said Pratima Yellayi, Co-Chair of the Youth Advisory Board. “I cannot wait to work with the new and returning members. From the meetings to the fun events we’ve had so far, I can see that there will be a large impact this year. Every idea coming from these amazing individuals contributes to benefitting the future of children across the state, and I am excited to tackle this year with confidence and creativity!”
“Three years ago, we made a big bet that investing more intentionally in youth leadership would accelerate our impact,” said Jennifer L. Owens, President and CEO of HealthMPowers. “Part of our organizational commitment was to establish a Youth Advisory Board and give youth leaders a voice on our governing board as well. With its very roots in one of our youth leaders, the Youth Advisory Board has doubled in size and is now a place to facilitate learning, connection and belonging. For me, it’s a gut check. If we seek to serve youth, then they need to be at the table. Our commitment to building capacity in our youth leaders is paramount to achieving our mission and inspiring a healthy future for all. I am thrilled to welcome this new class of Youth Advisory Board members!”
This year, the YAB is committed to continuing to strengthen youth leadership skills through new trainings developed and facilitated by youth in partnership with HealthMPowers, several community impact projects, and a Youth Summit conducted in June 2025. “I’m excited to be working with everyone again, and to work with new people,” said Alexis Walker, Co-Chair of the Youth Advisory Board. “I believe that this will be a wonderful year and that everyone involved will learn something new.”
The YAB will participate in the new training series, Learners to Leaders, co-developed by Sequoya Howard, HealthMPowers Director of Youth Strategy, YAB students, Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE, Inc.), and Dr. Jacque-Corey Cormier. The Learners to Leaders youth advocacy training series is a comprehensive program designed to empower young leaders by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to foster positive change in their communities. This series of trainings focuses on six key areas:
- Health Equity
- Youth Advocacy
- Community Data for Community Solutions
- Social Impact Project Planning
- Effective Community Communication
- Mental Wellness for Youth Leaders
The training series fosters peer-to-peer collaboration and extends to greater civic engagement and participation in community initiatives, amplifying youth voices in essential discussions and decisions. This approach ensures that youth representation in decision-making bodies and community leadership roles is not only increased but also valued.
“I am beyond excited to partner with this dynamic and passionate group of youth leaders,” said Sequoya Howard. “They have already come in with such brilliant solutions and advocacy ideas to address the needs of their peers and community towards a healthier future. The sky is the limit and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!”
Last year, during the 2024-2025 school year, the board members received advocacy training from GUIDE, Inc. and Youth Mental Health First Aid certification through partnership with 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.
The YAB was established in response to feedback from youth during the creation of the 2022-2025 HealthMPowers Strategic Plan. 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.
2025-2026 HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board
The HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board welcomes the following outstanding new members:
Alex Bradley (10th grade)
County: DeKalb
Alex is a sophomore involved in adaptive track and field, wheelchair basketball volunteering, and quiz bowl. Through his activities, he has developed a strong work ethic and dedication to causes that are important to him. His dedication drives his enthusiasm for contributing to the Youth Advisory Board.
Kadence Brown (12th grade)
County: Cobb
Kadence Brown is a senior with a strong passion for teen mental health. She’s deeply interested in neuroscience, psychology, and math, and plans to pursue a career in neuropsychology to help others. Outside of academics, Kadence is actively involved in her school’s dance program and continues to advocate for her community through the Youth Advisory Board.
Abigail Davilus (11th grade)
County: Walton
Abigail, a junior, is active in varsity cheerleading, soccer, and church ministries. She is a student ambassador and teaches younger children at her church. Abigail also plays clarinet in the school band, loves singing and dancing, and values family, faith, and leadership in her community.
Sofia Escobar (12th grade)
School: Gwinnett
Sofia is a senior and president of her school’s Science Olympiad and Science Fair clubs, as well as the Georgia representative for the Nonprofit Research Student Connection. She has volunteered for causes such as free summer meals, and for organizations such as the Special Olympics, BigFuture, and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Her life goals include furthering societal wellbeing through scientific research and human rights advocacy, and she plans to obtain a PhD and become a trauma surgeon. Her passion for science and service drives her commitment to health equity.
JayVion Fitzgerald (10th grade)
County: Chatham
JayVion is a 15 year old sophomore from Killeen, Texas. His favorite color is blue, and his hobbies include cooking, fishing, playing video games, drawing and listening to music. After graduation, his plan is to join the military.
ZayVion Fitzgerald (11th grade)
County: Chatham
ZayVion is a 16 year old sophomore from Killeen, Texas. His hobbies include working out, cooking, playing games, and eating healthy meals. Passionate about cooking, ZayVion plans to attend the Culinary Arts Academy after graduation
Campbell (Camp) Hopkins (11th grade)
County: Ware
Campbell (Camp) is a junior and high school varsity soccer player who also plays for the Waycross Gators United travel team. He volunteers as a youth soccer referee at the YMCA and is active in BETA Club, DECA, and FCA. Camp values family, faith, a variety of sports, and is committed to promoting health and well-being among peers.
Neha Kamisetty (9th grade)
County: Forsyth
Neha enjoys participating in extracurriculars, including debate, dance, and track, and is passionate about making a difference in her community by contributing her strong viewpoints to create meaningful solutions.
Shreya Katta (12th grade)
County: Fulton
Shreya is a senior who loves to run, try new food, and meet new people. She is very excited to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board this year and for all the opportunities ahead of her.
Amaris Momodu (9th grade)
County: Spalding
Amaris is a freshman in Griffin, Georgia. She is a published author and has written a biography on the life and career of the singer Sade Adu. Amaris is an active and passionate student, with hobbies including singing, drawing, and of course, writing. She believes that the Youth Advisory Board will help her make a positive impact on herself and others.
Hannon Grimwood Moss (12th grade)
County: Henry
Hannon is a rising senior with extensive leadership experience, including roles as the vice-president for both the Beta Club and Owl Ambassadors, as well as president of both the Superintendent’s High School Student Advisory and the Impact Academy Junior Class President. He was also the first student representative for the Henry County Board of Education, was the secretary of the Spanish and Culture Club, is a member of Rho Kappa National Honor Society, and is an alumnus of two leadership development programs. He’s passionate about health education and community outreach.
Mahima Mudunuri (12th grade)
County: Forsyth
Mahima is a senior who enjoys being outdoors, connecting with new people, and cooking. In joining the Youth Advisory Board, she is looking forward to learning more about how to support healthier habits in schools and communities – and hopefully make a bigger and lasting impact in her community.
Kori Murrah (11th grade)
County: Henry
Kori is a junior involved in varsity soccer and cheer, FBLA, and HOSA. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and at community blood drives, and is skilled at working with diverse people, time-management, and with organizational tasks like event planning. Kori aspires to become a Nurse Anesthetist.
Emanuel Palax Ocampo (10th grade)
County: Carroll
Emanuel has served on youth boards and is passionate about working in his community. He joined the Youth Advisory Board because he cares about making schools and communities healthier, not just in big ways, but in everyday ways that matter to students. Whether it’s mental health, food access, or just making people feel seen and supported, he believes change starts when young people speak up. Emanuel wants to help create spaces where students feel better, live better, and have a real voice in decisions that affect them.
Adaku Okeh (12th grade)
County: Cobb
Adaku is an officer in her school’s Women in STEM, FBLA, and BETA Club. She is also on the varsity dance team, is a member of Math National Honors Society, and plans to study Applied Math and Computer Science in college. She loves playing the piano, enjoying films, and is passionate about expanding health access.
Eve Scott (11th grade)
County: Bibb
Eve is a rising junior and competitive tennis player with the US Tennis Association, two-time varsity state champion, a certified KidStrong coach, and is a recipient of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Scholar award. She’s passionate about youth empowerment, character-driven leadership, and health advocacy in her community.
Judah Scott (12th grade)
County: DeKalb
Judah Scott is a rising senior and a Georgia state champion in soccer. His dedication on the field has been matched by his commitment to the arts. Since 6th grade, Judah has been a member of the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, performing with the group for five years. He has participated in several major school concerts, including The Nutcracker Winter Concert (2023), Christmas Jazz Winter Concert (2024), and Spring Concerts (2024 & 2025), with standout performances like Let’s Groove Tonight and Calypso By the Sea. Judah’s diverse talents reflect his drive both as an athlete and a musician.
The HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board welcomes the following returning YAB members:
Malak Aldoum (10th grade)
County: DeKalb
Malak is an adventurous sophomore who has participated in wrestling, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and soccer. She’s also held leadership roles in volleyball, TSA Club, and robotics, showcasing her passion for teamwork and innovation.
Jonathan (Jon) Bell (10th grade)
County: Henry
Jonathan is a science enthusiast and aspiring microbiologist. He’s a Youth Ambassador Lead in Henry County and values family and youth representation. He’s excited to bring his voice to the Youth Advisory Board again.
Claire Collins (12th grade)
County: Fulton
Claire is a rising senior and multi-sport athlete involved in track, cross country, and swimming. She’s also active in debate, mock trial, FBLA, Beta Club, National Honors Society, and is a staff writer for her school newspaper. With food allergies herself, Claire is passionate about food allergy advocacy and serves as Marketing and Communications Director for the online magazine Just Allergy Things and is a member of the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Teen Advisory Group. Her time on the Youth Advisory Board has increased her confidence and taught her more about community health access and that systemic inequality negatively contributes to health outcomes.
Ayshiah Frazier (12th grade)
County: Haralson
Ayshiah is funny and full of life, with a contagious personality. Her determination to help better those around her has made her a stronger person. Her passions include singing, writing, and reading, and loves taking walks to relax herself when stress becomes too much. Ayshiah is currently on the Raiders team for her high school, is a Staff Sergeant in JROTC, and volunteers with 4-H.
Carlie Gabriel (12th grade)
County: Oglethorpe
Carlie is a dual-enrolled student active in Student Council, Beta Club, and National Honor Society. She has played volleyball, basketball and tennis, and Carlie is also involved in church leadership and enjoys arts and crafts with her family.
Aria Reddy (12th grade)
County: Fulton
Aria is a senior with over 200 volunteer hours. She’s part of her school news network and plans to study Broadcast Journalism. She’s passionate about photography and videography, mental health advocacy, community engagement, and working towards health equity through active listening.
Alexis Walker (10th grade)
County: Henry
Alexis is a rising sophomore and co-chair of the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Board. She is a squad leader in NJROTC, sings with the Varsity Singers Choir, and enjoys reading. Her time with the Youth Advisory Board has strengthened her leadership skills, confidence, and knowledge that health equity is the key to a healthy community.
Pratima Yellayi (12th grade)
County: Forsyth
Pratima has been involved with HealthMPowers since 6th grade, beginning with the original GEM statewide leadership team. Now serving as the 2025-2026 co-chair of the Youth Advisory Board, Pratima is passionate about driving change in her community. With over five years of nonprofit experience, she advocates for integrating mental wellness, nutrition, and physical fitness, emphasizing cultural competency and sustainable solutions.
