FEMA announces today the selectees for the 2019–2020 Youth Preparedness Council.
FEMA selected eight new and seven returning members of the council based on their dedication to public service, community involvement, and potential to expand their impact as national supporters for youth preparedness.
“With approximately 70 million children under the age of 18 in the United States, children comprise nearly one-quarter of the entire U.S. population,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. “Building a culture of preparedness begins with engaging our youth. I am proud of our program that helps to build a new generation of leaders who are passionate about championing preparedness and making a difference in their communities.”
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in supporting disaster preparedness. The council is made up of 15 members who are in the eighth – 11th grade.
New 2019 Youth Preparedness Council members include:
- Maxwell Hahn of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- Megan Wright of Calhoun, Georgia
- Jordan Lin of Decatur, Georgia
- Banan Garada of Urbana, Illinois
- Wyatt Reed of Paragould, Arkansas
- Sibi Raja of Broomfield, Colorado
- Madeline Ortiz of Palmer, Alaska
- Hsin Ya Huang of Eugene, Oregon
Returning Youth Preparedness Council members include:
- Maryam Choudhury of Windsor, Connecticut
- Katerina Corr of New York, New York
- Mackenzie Hinson of Mount Olive, North Carolina
- Hannah Schultz of Marine City, Michigan
- Camden Larsen of Grand Forks, North Dakota
- RJ Cárdenas of Murrieta, California
- Grace Harris of Folsom, California
The council provides an avenue to engage young people and hear their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.
Each member is participating in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit being held this week in Washington, D.C. The summit gives members the opportunity to share their ideas with national organizations, plan their preparedness project, and meet with FEMA staff, who serve as their mentors.
To learn more about the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council, visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.
