YOUTH LEADERSHIP
COUNCIL

My name is Malia Burgos, and I attend New Britain High School. I joined the YLC in May 2020. My favorite artists are Drake, Taylor Swift, and Clairo. My favorite book is We Were Liars, and my favorite movie is Madea Boo Halloween. I joined YLC because I wanted to connect to my community in a positive way and learn how to stand up for what I am passionate about. My parents have played a significant role in my life by supporting and encouraging me daily to be the best version of myself. Including YLC, I am also involved in Healthcare Academy, NHS, Little Canes, HOSA, Softball, basketball, and I also coach the 4th-grade girls' basketball clinics. My future goal is to attend a 4-year college and get my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), and then get a master's degree to become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).

My name is Olivia Dupont, and I attend New Britain High School (NBHS). I joined YLC in November 2021. My favorite artists are Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, and ABBA. My favorite book is If We Were Liars, and my favorite movie is Matilda. I joined the YLC because it provided me a chance to meet new people, make friends, and get involved with my community. Coach O has played a huge role in my life, as he is a positive influence on me and provides me with good opportunities. Including YLC, I am part of Volleyball, Little Canes, Dance, Yearbook Club, and NHS. My future goals are to go to a 4-year College and get a doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

Hello! My name is Thorne (he/it) and I attend the CREC Academy of Science and Innovation. I have been part of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) for 2 years. My favorite part of this group has been being a key part of making my community alcohol and drug-free, especially among my peers. I joined Youth Leadership because, as a leader, I wanted to bring awareness about the easy access to drugs in our community to our youth. When I’m not taking part in the YLC, I enjoy listening to music, drawing, writing, and working out. In the future, I want to pursue a higher form of education at college. “There is no beauty without some strangeness." - Edgar Allan Poe

Hello! My name is Israel Dandrade (he/him) and I attend New Britain High School. I have been part of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) for almost 4 years.  My favorite parts of this group have been developing relationships with different people and becoming more educated on subjects that intertwine with my everyday life. I joined Youth Leadership at the suggestion of one of the directors of the Youth Leadership Council. When I’m not taking part in the YLC, I enjoy playing sports, such as football and basketball, as well as spending time with my family. In the future, I would like to own a successful business, help the people of my community, and keep on playing the sports that I love most.

My name is Analise, and I am in 11th grade at New Britain High School. I started as a member of the New Britain Youth Leadership Council in 2020. I am a Cane*Ette in the Golden Hurricane Marching Band, and I dance and student teach at the YWCA School of Dance. I am the social media engager for HOSA and a member of Science National Honor Society at school. I represent New Britain at the national level by serving on CADCA's National Youth Action Council. Once I graduate, I hope to go to college and study as a pre-med with the long-term goal of becoming an Oncologist. My parents and brother have had the biggest impact on my life, as watching them do what they love inspires me to do the same. I wanted to become a part of this council because I wanted to give back to my community and leave a lasting impact on my peers.

Hello! My name is Amelia (she/her) and I attend Slade Middle School. I have been a part of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) for a few weeks. I joined Youth Leadership because I wanted to help my peers. When I’m not taking part in the YLC, I enjoy playing basketball, drawing, and playing piano and clarinet. I also am learning French in an online course. In the future, I would like to attend Quinnipiac University, play in the WNBA, become a doctor, and live a nice long life. A quote I live by is “People will hate you, rate you, shake you, and break you. But how strong you stand is what makes you.”- Lebron James

Hello! My name is Joseph (he/him) and I attend the CREC Academy of Science and Innovation. I have been a part of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) for 3 years now. My favorite part of this group session has been problem-solving and working towards ending drug use for minors. I joined the YLC because my mom suggested it. When I'm not taking part in the YLC, I enjoy working out, playing soccer, and playing video games. In the future, I hope to enlist in the Marines. "Get up. Put in the work. No motivation. Only discipline."

Hello! My name is Amanda (she/her) and I attend Slade Middle School. I am a new member of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), meaning that I am excited for what's to come.  My favorite part of this group so far has been all of the community events we’ve hosted. I joined Youth Leadership because I wanted to help my peers better themselves mentally and emotionally. When I’m not taking part in the YLC, I enjoy playing flag football and working out. In the future, I want to work for the FBI. I cannot wait to see all of the amazing work we get to do while being a part of this group.

Hi, I'm Hannah Planas, a 10th grader at New Britain High School and a YLC member since January 2023. I'm involved in altar serving at St. Jerome and play varsity volleyball, softball, and indoor track for NBHS, as well as travel softball for CT Mirage and Nitro. I'm also part of OIC. My experience with diabetes sparked my interest in exercise science and my goal to become a physical trainer for pro athletes. Seeing fellow athletes struggle with balancing life and turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms motivated me to join this council. My favorite artists are Tupac, Lauryn Hill, and Willie Colon, and I love the book "The Long Way Down" and the movie "Creed 2."

Hello! My name is Matthew (he/him) and I attend E.C. Goodwin Tech. I have been a part of the Youth Leadership Council for 9 months. My favorite parts of this group have been helping the community. I joined the YLC to host events to help New Britain. When I'm not taking part in the YLC, I enjoy playing baseball, basketball, riding my bike, and hanging out with friends. In the future, I would like to make it far in baseball and have a successful job. "Life is Roblox" - DJ Khaled

Hi, I'm Jada Gomez (she/her), an 11th grader at NBHS who joined the Youth Leadership Council in June 2023. I'm pretty involved, participating in the African American club, Edrising, Ladies Rising, marching band, and softball. I also teach at my church, help with a child development program, work at Parks n Rec, and I love to dance. My future goals are to become a criminal justice defense lawyer or work in government. My mom and God have really shown me that anything is possible. I joined YLC because I want to educate my friends and community about the dangers of substance use. My favorite artists include Tyler the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Arctic Monkeys, The Avett Brothers, and Giveon, and I love the book "One of Us Is Dead" and any horror movie!

Hi! My name is Ciara Roman, and I'm an 11th grader at New Britain High School. I became a member of the New Britain Youth Leadership Council in the summer of 2023, driven by a desire to make a difference in my community and educate people on the dangers of underage drinking and marijuana use. I'm also involved with the YWCA’s House of Teens Program and OIC, and I aspire to have a career in early childcare. When it comes to music, I enjoy listening to artists like Taylor Swift, SZA, and Central Cee. My favorite book is "Flowers for Algernon," and my favorite movie is "Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse."

Hello! My name is Zoey, and I attend HALS. I joined the YLC in February 2025. My favorite artists are A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Yeat, and Chris Brown. My favorite books are all Pete the Cat books, and my favorite movie is Columbiana. I joined YLC because I want to raise awareness about the harmful effects of vaping and smoking to teens around me. My family and friends are my support system, and they encourage me to be my best. Including YLC, I am involved in Art Enrichment, intramurals, Band, Yearbook and STEM Club, and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). My future goals are to go to Harvard and become an excellent lawyer.

My name is Andrae Mayfield and I attend E.C. Goodwin Technical School. My favorite music artists are Frank Ocean, Millkzy, and Drake. My favorite book is "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, and my favorite movie is "A Silent Voice." I joined the YLC in September 2023 because I wanted to impact the city of New Britain and desired the opportunities that come with it. Coach O has made a huge impact on my life by letting me join the YLC, providing me with various opportunities, and teaching me about prevention. Basketball has also played a role in my life; without it, I don't know what or who I would have been. When I graduate, my goals are to go to college, save money, and open a food truck.

Hello! My name is Abigail Vidal, and I attend HALS. I joined the YLC in February 2025. My favorite artists are BoyWithUke, Lana Del Rey, and Eve. My favorite book is Fish in a Tree, and my favorite movie is Army of the Dead. I joined the YLC because it gave me an opportunity to be more social and help other kids who might be having a tough time. My family has always encouraged me to do my best. Including YLC, I am part of Art Enrichment, Intramurals, Guitar Ensemble, and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). My future goals are to go to college, work hard, and meet new people. I also want to give back to my community.

My name is Manha Rahim, and I attend HALS. I joined the YLC in February 2025. My favorite artists are the Arctic Monkeys, Zach Bryan, and Jason Aldean. My favorite book is the Quran. My favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber.I joined the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) because raising awareness about such topics is very important, especially when they are occurring among teens like us. My parents and grandma are an important part of my life, as they have supported and advised me whenever I needed it. Including YLC, I am part of the STEM Club, Yearbook Club, Art Enrichment, Arabic School, and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). My future goal is to get into an Ivy League and work in the medical field as a surgeon. I also want to work on becoming more religious independently.

Hello! My name is Jeremiah, and I attend HALS. I decided to join the YLC in 2025 because it allows me to give back to my community, which is very crucial for me. It also allows me to learn skills that are important for my future. One of the people who has played a huge role in my life is my mom. My favorite artists are Bad Bunny, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar. One of my favorite books is "The Hunger Games," and my favorite movie is "Doctor Strange." I am also involved in Guitar Ensemble, Art Enrichment, and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). My future goal is to get into an Ivy League College to further my education.

My name is Jeremil Hairston, and I attend HALS. I joined the YLC in February 2025. My favorite artists and bands are Mom Jeans, Incubus, and Miguel. My favorite book is Shadow and Bone, and my favorite movie is Kubo and the Two Strings. I joined the YLC because spreading awareness about drug and alcohol usage is very important to me, and I am able to do that here. My mom is a very important person in my life, as she taught me to be my authentic self. Including YLC, I am part of the Guitar Ensemble, Band, Chorus, and intramural sports. My future goal is to get into an Ivy League.

Hi! My name is Jaxson, and I attend New Britain High School. I started with the YLC in 2025. Here at NBHS, I'm involved in football, EdRising, and as a Student Ambassador. After graduation, I plan to go to college, become a teacher, and eventually start my own business. Throughout my life, my mom has been the biggest influence on me. She's been a great role model, showing me how to treat others and how to strive to be the best version of myself. I wanted to be a part of this group because my mom works at DCF, and I've always seen and heard about the challenges kids in New Britain face. I thought joining this group would be a good way to help out the youth in my community. My top three favorite music artists are Zach Bryan, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West. My favorite book is The Outsiders, and my favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber.