22 young people ages 15-20 serve a one-year term as organizers, advisors and creators with the goal of mobilizing their peers to decide against owning and using guns
CHICAGO – Twenty-two teen and young adult leaders joined Project Unloaded’s Youth Council this month following a competitive application process. They will take a leading role in Project Unloaded’s social media campaigns and community partner program, in addition to supporting the nonprofit’s Gen Z- focused social media content production.
“Coming into our Youth Council, members often are surprised by how much we treat them as part of our organizational leadership,” said Project Unloaded founder and president Nina Vinik. “Our goal is to inspire young people to decide on their own terms against owning and using guns. Achieving that goal depends on young people who are enthusiastic about helping to lead the work, ensuring every step of the way that Project Unloaded’s strategy and tactics are relevant and engaging to their peers.”
Selected students come from urban, suburban, and rural communities across the country. The group includes those with direct experience with gun violence and a history of advocacy, as well as young people who are new to the movement to prevent gun violence and worried about gun violence impacting their lives.
The Youth Council is led by two co-chairs, Celia Fuentes, a Chicagoan who starts college at University of Illinois this fall, and Clara Biggs, a high school senior outside of Atlanta. Both are in their second year on the council.
“We’re so excited to welcome this new group of young people and work together to inspire our generation to change gun culture and save lives,” said Celia Fuentes and Clara Biggs, co-chairs of the 2025-2026 Youth Council. “Now more than ever, the leadership of young people is essential to build the safer future we all deserve. With a lot of social media know-how and determination, young people can change the world.”
2025-2026 Youth Council Members:
- Aarna Suresh, Mountain House, CA, 16
- Aicha Sy, Washington, DC, 17
- Anabelle Sanchez, East Lansing, MI, 19
- Anvika Jain, Dripping Springs, TX, 16
- Cacelie Gooden, Hartford, CT, 18
- Cagai Maker, Columbus, OH, 17
- Celia Fuentes, Champaign, IL, 18
- Clara Biggs, Dunwoody, GA, 17
- Dhruv Gupta, Philadelphia PA, 20
- Ella Tucker, Dunwoody, GA, 17
- Jaxson Biurquis, Chicago, IL, 17
- Jay Geeslin, Falls Church, VA, 19
- Jayden Wright, St. Louis, MO, 18
- Jeremiah Cash, Garner, NC, 20
- Laia McClain, Chicago, IL, 16
- Maegan Godoy, Washington, DC, 18
- Paige Holke, Madison, WI, 19
- Riyan Golden, Fredericksburg, VA, 16
- Simon Weber, Chicago, IL, 17
- Suhani Ahuja, Amherst, MA, 18
- Uchenna Uwaezuoke, Fairfield, OH, 16
- Zain Memon, Cambridge, MA, 19
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