Ballot 2040: Meet the Next Generation of Leaders
The face of leadership is changing. Read about the young people who aspire to run for office one day.
The Next Generation of Leaders
Like any generation, Gen Z faces its stereotypes. Digital natives inseparable from their phones. At the center of a youth mental health crisis. Uninterested in the workforce.
But we know them as Sierra. Jorge. Kate. A tuned-in generation. The first generation whose upbringing might include conversations around mental health. A social-forward generation, connecting in ways we never could have imagined. Committed to inclusion. Passionate about issues. And ready to roll up their sleeves.
The next generation of leaders. We know this because we see them every day at Boys & Girls Clubs. Clubs support young people in deepening critical thinking, developing personal values and connecting with their community. We believe in civil discourse, giving back and thinking forward. But most of all, we believe in the potential of young people.
Read about the next generation of leaders aspiring to be on your one-day ballot.
ASHA H.-R.
FUTURE Youth Advocate
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, District of Columbia
“No one can lead alone. Often, we picture someone boldly leading the pack with a sparkling vest on. We imagine the leader draws the most attention. But leaders are only as good as their relationships with those they lead. To be a leader is to listen, to concede, to stretch and strengthen.”
Age
19
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
accountability
Hobbies
crocheting, cooking/baking and hosting friends, watching “Abbott Elementary”
Personal Statement
I am passionate about youth advocacy and education policy, from out-of-school time programs to food security programs and community organizing. I’ve seen firsthand that when we value and prioritize relationships, we can lead our communities better because we understand their needs. Our desire to lead comes not only from duty but also from love.
My Boys & Girls Club has always shown me that everything I want is within reach if I am willing to do the work. They continuously encouraged and supported all of my wild dreams. They gave me opportunities to speak and interact with elected officials as early as fourth grade. They taught me what it meant to organize a volunteer event, see an issue in my community and work to address it.
KANOA L.-K.
FUTURE Congressperson
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Illinois
“My grandfather was the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Mayor’s office. I look up to him because I grew up watching him do so many great things for our community.”
Age
17
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
inspiring
Hobbies
biking, watching TV, listening to music
Personal Statement
My Club has provided me with so many great opportunities that have increased my community involvement. As a leader, you have to take the time to get to know and understand the people you work with and the people who look up to you. Being a leader means having a genuine dedication to your people.
I am passionate about pursuing a career in politics because I want to create positive change throughout my community. I want to be a source of support and guidance. My mother and grandfather have both been involved in government, and watching the things they are able to do for the community through their work is super inspiring. I hope to take after them.
JORGE P.
FUTURE Education Advocate
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Florida
“After arriving to the U.S. from Cuba, I attended an under-resourced elementary school. I’ve experienced firsthand the mechanisms behind America’s opportunity gap. I believe public schools have the potential to be pillars of our democracy and the foremost tool we have for promoting upward mobility for youth.”
Age
21
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
compassionate
Hobbies
tennis, Bad Bunny, video games, reading nonfiction
Personal Statement
Because of their ZIP code, countless students’ access to opportunities are predetermined, especially for students of color and those from households living below the poverty line. I’m passionate about equitable education, in whatever shape that takes — from grassroots community building to potentially becoming a school board member or senator.
Boys & Girls Clubs provide opportunities to students who might not have access. When I applied to Columbia University, I realized I mentioned my Boys & Girls Club 20 times. My Club gave me countless opportunities and amazing mentors that have shaped the leader I am today.
KATE R.
FUTURE Public Interest Attorney
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Florida
“As a real estate paralegal, my mother helped members of my community recover from the BP Oil spill. She showed me what a true leader and public servant is.”
Age
22
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
determination
Hobbies
gymnastics, reading, spending time with friends
Personal Statement
Through experiences with my Boys & Girls Club, it became evident that I found purpose in being an advocate for others. I learned how to be a leader and then served for two years on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board. We invited students to participate in constructive conversation about our school services to improve students’ academic experiences.
Now in college I’ve worked as a legal assistant and have seen the legal system firsthand. My exposure to the struggles of our clients, particularly their financial challenges, ignited a desire to provide legal aid to less fortunate groups. I aspire to work for a nonprofit law firm, creating positive change.
HOLDEN J.
FUTURE Food Insecurity Advocate
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Arkansas
“Before my time at the Boys & Girls Club, I did not feel I had a voice and I paid no attention to my community. The Club showed me I have a voice and how to use it. They allowed me to find my passion — food insecurity.”
Age
16
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
confident
Hobbies
volunteering, basketball and track, friends
Personal Statement
Leadership is different for everyone and it takes confidence. Anyone can be a leader once they find something they’re passionate about.
Food insecurity has affected some of my family firsthand. My Boys & Girls Club has wholeheartedly supported my volunteering, community involvement and advocacy. I like to donate to local food pantries and speak to local organizations about food insecurity, and I hope to make it a career some day.
Everyone is a leader in some form or another and I believe young leaders today will shape our future.
ALEJANDRA L.
FUTURE State Representative or Senator
Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, Texas
“It is crucial to hear what concerns and matter to others in order to be able to lead towards the right direction and goal.”
Age
18
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
listener
Hobbies
running, cycling classes, watching “Gilmore Girls”
Personal Statement
I’m a first-generation Mexican American, and watching my mom navigate immigration and citizenship inspires me to deepen my knowledge. Becoming a State Representative or Senator is my dream for the future, but prior to that I aspire to work under any financial sector of government where my goal is to help allocate public funding to the communities who need it most.
My passion for a career in public service was sparked because of my Boys & Girls Club. Getting a taste of advocacy at the Texas Capitol was life-changing. It was at that moment when I realized that I can help my community in much greater ways by getting directly involved in politics.
I would not be at the place I am today if it wasn’t for my Club.
SIERRA M.
FUTURE Community Health Advocate
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Florida
“My Club afforded me the opportunity to serve as a page in the Florida Senate. Now, it’s a dream of mine to make history as Florida’s first woman of color Senate President.”
Age
18
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
empathy
Hobbies
baking, themed hangouts with friends, gardening, social issues
Personal Statement
I originally wanted to save lives as a doctor, but my perspective broadened to the world of government. Through my Boys & Girls Club, I’ve spoken to federal representatives in D.C., learned about the Florida state legislative process, and drafted my own affordable women’s healthcare bill. It’s opened my eyes to the significant impact legislation has on our daily lives.
Access to affordable healthcare is deeply personal to me, impacting my family and creating hard decisions in our household. I believe no child should witness their parents’ suffering because of access to healthcare. I’d love to join the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to advance public health initiatives and promote equitable access to healthcare.
JOSE A.
FUTURE U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice
Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, Texas
“To be a good leader, we must work together to create change for our community. We can accomplish much more change when working as a group.”
Age
17
One Word to Describe Good Leadership
collaboration
Hobbies
flying planes, music, tennis and documentaries
Personal Statement
My Boys & Girls Club gave me a world of leadership opportunities through advocacy and public service to the community. This past year, I co-led a project on youth loneliness and presented findings in Washington D.C. to House Representatives, Senators and even the Office of the Surgeon General.
I’ve found what I’m passionate about and have learned how to advocate for change through public speaking. I want equal and fair representation for all, regardless of characteristics. Going into law is an excellent way for me to accomplish these goals.
Shout-out to my mom, Araceli, who has always supported me no matter how crazy my dreams can be!
