Meet The 2021 Youth Organizer Summit

2021 Youth Organizer Trainers

Shanelle A.
The Alaska Center

I’m from the Yupik community of Nunam Iqua! Lobbying State Senators and Representatives as a teen in the 2012 AYEA Civics & Conservation Summit was the first time I saw the power of grassroots organizing - it was the first time I saw there was real power to speaking collectively, even when I felt powerless as a shy teen from a village.I love berry picking, camping, and finding new ways to cook salmon. My goal now is to pay it forward! As AYEA’s Program Manager, I hope to provide a platform for you to uplift yalls voices all together too, ensuring your own communities today can enjoy our uniquely Alaskan lifestyle on the lands and waters.

Marlowe S.
The Alaska Center

I was born and raised on unceded Dena’ina and Ahtna Lands in the Mat-Su Valley, but am temporarily relocated to Anchorage. I was involved with a few youth organizations in high school and am now working as the AYEA Program Coordinator. I’m studying Community and Place-Based education at APU and am passionate about ensuring that young people have a safe and just future to look forward to. I have two dogs and a cat (who you will probably meet on zoom!) and I do a lot of gardening in my off time. I’m so excited to meet you all!

Jacquie B.

Originally from Anchorage, I have been lucky enough to live and work in Alaska for the last ten years in a variety of nonprofit and government roles. I am passionate about helping to create a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future for Alaska. For my day job I work at RurAL CAP where I oversee the Elder Mentor Program and outside of work I enjoy making a ruckus and crafting.

Kengo N.

Hi! My name is Kengo and I was born and raised on Tanana Dené lands in Fairbanks, Alaska. I now live on Dena’ina lands in Anchorage. I am a first-generation Japanese American and I am passionate about building community and supporting young people to find their voice. I organize with Fireweed Collective with many AYEA Alumni and work as a Student Integration Specialist at Alaska Literacy Program. Looking forward to meeting you.

David S.

Hello, my name is David Song. I am originally from the East Coast, but I currently reside in Juneau on Aakw Kwaan and Taku Kwaan lands working as a legislative staffer. My work experience is mostly within the education field - first working as a high-school science educator, then working for an education policy firm, then working for the Association of Alaska School Boards! I love working with students, and I think that our young people have a lot to contribute in terms of shifting the narrative away from extractive industry in Alaska.

Iris M.

Prior to joining AYEA three years ago I struggled to find ways to channel my passion for public education and social/climate justice. I have a background in performance art which has definitely helped me with public speaking and being an advocate, but nothing substitutes the education that I've gotten from working with my AYEA peers toward a more sustainable future. I love being outside and I competitively run and ski. Appreciating nature is one of the things that drives my hope for a better climate and better informed public.

Lynette P.

I am Lynette Pham (she/her), from Unalaska! I am a community organizer and currently work with Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Alaska as a regional Field Organizer.
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