Introducing 24 youth leaders working with Girl Up to advance gender equity worldwide

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Girl Up is thrilled to announce the next cohort of youth leaders joining its 2023-2024 Teen Advisory Board from around the world. Since the United Nations Foundation launched Girl Up in 2010, the organization has been dedicated to creating a global movement for gender justice developed and led by young changemakers. The Teen Advisory Board is a central piece of Girl Up’s “by girls, for girls” mission.

“We are filled with immense joy to welcome a new class of Girl Up Global Teen Advisors,” says CEO of Girl Up, Melissa Kilby. “These bold and brilliant teenagers represent the transformative power of youth leadership the Girl Up movement so fiercely embodies. Their passionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to gender justice are not only an inspiration to me but also to our global community of changemakers. Together, we will shatter barriers, drive meaningful impact, and continue creating a future where every girl can thrive.”

This year’s class represents 14 countries across the globe: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Ghana, India, Kenya, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

Each of the 24 high school students on the incoming Teen Advisory Board holds a strong background in advocacy and a passion for social change. From reproductive justice and racial equity to climate action and education, these leaders are already using their voices and skills to create change across their communities. Through independent projects and advocacy coursework on Girl Up’s virtual learning platform, the Girl Up Academy, these leaders will gain the knowledge, resources and support to amplify their activism across the globe.

Teen Advisors are an integral part of Girl Up, providing feedback on our organizational strategy and energizing other leaders in our growing global network to take action for gender justice. Their impact doesn’t end with their one-year tenure; these changemakers will also continue to lead as key members of Girl Up alumni in the years to come.

Each Global Teen Advisory Board includes two members from the previous class to serve as co-chairs. This year’s co-chairs are Lilianne Asokwah (USA) and Saundarya Nair (India).

“Being a part of the Teen Advisor class of 2022-2023 was truly a momentous experience: we have never felt more accepted, understood, or appreciated. This program allowed us to not only grow our passion for gender justice, but also to fully understand the impact our voices can have. We now have lifelong sisters who will continue to inspire us in every aspect of life.” expressed Lilianne and Saundarya. “Our excitement for this incoming class is immeasurable— we can’t wait to see the beautiful, powerful and daring things we will achieve!”

The 2023-2024 class of the Teen Advisory Board includes:

• Aasha Khan, Canada
• Angela Yang, USA
• Anya Govil, USA
• Charlie Levy, USA
• Cynthia Medina, USA
• Emmanuela Kumi, UK
• Eylül Erçin, Turkey
• Gabriella Miranda, USA
• Gloria Mariwa, Kenya
• Isidora Santander Pizarro, Chile
• Kelly Chaves, Brazil
• Lilianne Asokwah, USA* 
• Lilian Paredes, Peru
• Luna Ramírez, Colombia
• Lutfiya Inusah, Ghana–
• Nirvana Talukder, Australia
• Pranavaa Giri, India
• Saranya Singh, USA
• Saundarya Nair, India*
• Shanum Sarkar, Bangladesh
• Tessa Kiyonaga, USA
• Tessa Michaelidis, USA
• Yehansa Dayara, UAE
• Zoe Lenz, USA

*Denotes Teen Advisor Co-Chair.

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About Girl Up

Girl Up is a movement to advance girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders. Founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010, Girl Up’s leadership development programs have impacted 125,000 girls through 5,600 Clubs in 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states, inspiring a generation of girls to be a force for gender equality and social change.

Media Contact

Hanna Nussair, Girl Up, +1 202-372-9499, [email protected]

SOURCE Girl Up