I am a resident of Minneapolis and a senior at St. Anthony Village High School, incredibly fascinated by politics and government. This year, I have the opportunity to attend several youth conferences focused on leadership, diplomacy, and public policy, allowing me to connect with students across the country while strengthening my skills in civics. I'm seeking support to cover the costs of travel and attendance so I can fully participate and bring what I have learned back to my community.

I have been invited to attend three civic conferences this year, each serving a different yet essential purpose in my commitment to political engagement and learning. Minnesota's Model United Nations is a three-day conference where I serve as the High Commissioner of the Security Council, working as a resident topic expert on global issues. I have also been invited as an Interstate Exchange delegate to New Mexico's Youth in Government (YIG) conference, a statewide model government program. As a representative from Minnesota YIG, I will help New Mexico's leadership implement a new program area focused on national policy debate. Lastly, my acceptance is pending to return to North Carolina this June for my third year at the Conference on National Affairs (CONA), a national legislative debate program. One of my favorite civic experiences I've ever had, CONA allows students to debate original policy ideas in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

These opportunities build on the civic engagement experience I have been developing for several years. Serving as the 2026 Youth Secretary of State within Minnesota's Youth in Government program this January, I successfully managed elections and legislative logistics for the 1600+ delegate conference. I am also a policy consultant for the local nonprofit Catalyst for Systems Change, and in the 2025 state legislative session, passed the original bill HF 2023, focused on overdose prevention training in health class curriculum. This year, I will be supporting legislation focused on mental health initiatives. Additionally, I recently retired from my role as the 2025 Executive Director of the Youth Voter Project nonprofit, preregistering an estimated 3,000 students across the state to vote in my year-long term. I will be continuing my efforts this year as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.

At a time when civic participation matters more than ever, especially in the city where I live, I am asking for funds to make my learning experiences possible.