Narrative Media

youth narratives series

In collaboration with Youth Advocates for Change:

Interview with social entrepreneur Anya Dillard:

Anya Dillard is a social entrepreneur, activist, and founder of The Next Gen Come Up, a nonprofit organization that mentors young people in social entrepreneurship and using art as "a modem for creative changemaking."

"I genuinely think that having a family full of artists, full of changemakers, full of intellectuals and entrepreneurs gave me the foundation that I needed to continue in that spirit; in that liberatory spirit of creativity, spirit of galvanizing, spirit of unifying" she says, when sharing her journey as a youth changemaker.

In her interview with Youth Advocates for Change and Watch Our Step, Anya discusses how her organization came to be, her inspiration for doing the work that she does, her proudest accomplishments and taking time to care for herself as a youth founder. You can learn more about Anya's work on Instagram @iamajdillard and @thenextgencu or by visiting her organization's website at thenextgencu.com.

Interview with co-founders and advocates Jon and Leighanne:

Jon and Leighanne are the co-founders of the Minority Student Representation and Advocacy Coalition (MSRAC).

"With MSRAC, we're really trying to build these students up, teach them how to advocate for themselves, be leaders, and with constructively addressing conflict, we teach them about forming good habits..." says Leighanne.

In their interview, Jon and Leighanne discuss what got them started as leaders, their advocacy journeys, the issues their organization aims to solve, the challenges they have faced along the way, and ways that other students can get involved in their work. You can learn more about their advocacy and leadership at youthadvocatesforchange.org in YouthLed Curriculum!