Celebrating a Rising Star and Welcoming a New Generation of Youth Advisory Board Leaders
At HealthMPowers, we believe young people are our partners in creating healthier schools, stronger communities, and better solutions for the challenges facing their generation.
That belief comes to life through our Youth Advisory Board (YAB), where students bring their experiences, ideas, and leadership to help shape our work. As we begin a new school year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate one remarkable leader while welcoming the next generation of changemakers.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
This summer, outgoing Youth Advisory Board Co-Chair Pratima Yellayi was named a finalist for the Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development (ASYD) Rising Star Award. The award recognizes young people who demonstrate exceptional leadership, growth, and community impact through afterschool and youth development programs.
For those who have worked alongside Pratima, the recognition comes as no surprise.
Over the years, she has helped shape and strengthen HealthMPowers’ youth leadership initiatives through her dedication, creativity, and commitment to elevating youth voice. Her contributions have ranged from helping develop GEM to supporting the launch and expansion of the Youth Advisory Board itself.
According to HealthMPowers Director of Youth Strategy Sequoya Howard, Pratima’s influence can be seen across many aspects of the organization’s work.
“I am excited and so grateful to see Pratima receive this recognition from ASYD! She has dedicated so much of her time through middle and high school to partner with us at HealthMPowers. From being a leader in the development of GEM to helping us launch and expand the Youth Advisory Board, her passion, creativity and incredible energy has impacted so much of our work today. Her future is so bright!”
Pratima’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are given opportunities to lead, contribute, and take ownership of meaningful work.
Passing the Torch
While we celebrate the accomplishments of graduating leaders, we are equally energized by what comes next.
This year, the Youth Advisory Board will be led by returning Co-Chair Alexis Walker and newly selected Co-Chair Emanuel “Manny” Palax Ocampo.
For Alexis, entering her second year of leadership brings both excitement and anticipation.
“I’m very excited to see what this year is going to look like. With all of our new members, I’m looking forward to seeing the new collaborations and ideas that we’re going to come up with.”
As a returning leader, Alexis brings valuable experience and continuity while helping new members find their voice and confidence within the Board.
Manny is equally enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.
“I am extremely pumped for this school year! We’ve got an incredible team that any organization would be lucky to have. I truly believe we are on the verge of accomplishing some amazing things together, and I can’t wait to see the Board play a major role in getting those things done!”
His excitement reflects something HealthMPowers sees every year: when passionate young people come together around a shared purpose, remarkable things become possible.
Why Youth Voice Matters
The Youth Advisory Board is more than a leadership opportunity. It serves as a critical reminder that effective youth-serving organizations must continually learn from the young people they aim to support.
Students offer lived experiences, insights, and perspectives that adults simply cannot replicate. Their voices help identify emerging needs, strengthen programs, and ensure that strategies remain relevant and responsive.
When youth are invited to lead, communities benefit.
Looking Ahead
As one generation of leaders graduates and another steps forward, the story of the Youth Advisory Board continues to evolve.
It is a story built on collaboration, service, curiosity, and a shared belief that young people deserve a seat at the table.
Pratima’s recognition celebrates the impact one student can make. Alexis and Manny’s leadership reminds us that the future is already taking shape.
And we can’t wait to see where this year’s Youth Advisory Board leads us next…