Chris Adams is a senior Government & Politics major at the University of Maryland. An alum of JSA's school-year program and its summer Georgetown program, Chris is excited to bring JSA's mission of inspiring student advocacy to Students for Civic Impact. As a high school student, Chris loved how JSA offered a way for him to meet similarly passionate students, and eventually help other chapters in the region grow stronger. This past summer, Chris worked with JSA as an RA and Debate Practicum Instructor for the Civics Immersion Program at Stanford University; he loved watching the high school students he mentored, who came from all walks of life, quickly obtain the skills to become strong public advocates. He can't wait to see Students for Civic Impact continue this mission.

Anita is a final-year philosophy undergraduate at University College London. In high school, she was the Mayor of the Golden Gate Region (GGR) of the Northern California State of Junior State of America; she also served as her chapter's Vice President. Last summer, Anita worked with JSA as an RA and Teaching Assistant for the Civics Immersion Program at Stanford University, the same program she attended herself as a high school student. Anita was especially skilled in collaborating on the preparatory and post programs for students from the U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States. Her academic interests include political philosophy, emerging technology policy, and the philosophy of language, logic, & mathematics.

Rishika joined the Student Advisory Board for Students for Civic Impact in hopes to cultivate a passion for policy, advocacy, and leadership with participants of the organization. She hopes that civics education becomes accessible to whomever seeks it, and involvement with this board is one of the many steps she will take to achieve that. 

Students for Civic Impact is important as in an ever-changing political environment, it is crucial for people—especially youth—to stay informed and be aware of their changing society. This organization is important because it will not only help guide students through the inner workings of civics, but allow individuals to explore fields regarding policy in-depth. From her experiences participating in JSA's Stern Civics Immersion and the Gene Burd Institute, she learned how prominent media acts in today's culture, and how in turn, it shapes opinions, actions, and politics. The influence of media in a tech-heavy world only grows larger, and it's time people understand its impacts. 

As a senior in high school, her future plans involve attending college for business administration and media studies. In her future career, she would like to have her own startup in production, where she can aid advocacy programs and create a platform for minority groups. 

In Rishika's free time, she golfs, writes scripts, and enjoys hiking. "Anything outdoors when it isn't freezing outside is always welcome!" In addition, Rishika is in her school's vocal groups, school magazine, and DECA. She also participates in theater productions and was recently a student director for the high school play.

Laila aspires to major in Finance and pursue a career as an actuary, later obtaining her real estate license. She joined the Student Advisory Board for Students for Civic Impact to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities like hers and prove that islanders can excel on larger platforms. Joining the JSA Civics Immersion Program in 2024 taught her to step outside her comfort zone, debate effectively, and embrace her leadership qualities. Though JSA has been discontinued, this new program is important because it offers students the opportunity to gain public speaking skills, create meaningful connections, and become empowered leaders of their own communities. Outside of academics, Laila is an avid music lover and a member of her school’s marching band. Moreover, she has a strong passion for reading and can always be found with a book in her hands. Laila is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers and contribute to this initiative that inspires change and uplifts communities.

Felix wanted to join the Student Advisory Board to help Students for Civic Impact challenge complacency through education. Civic engagement looks different for everybody, and being part of an organization that supports ideological diversity is a wonderful opportunity to create change through shared ideas and civic passion.

With JSA, Felix participated in the Stern Civics Immersion Program at Stanford University, which brought people together from a wide variety of backgrounds who had one common goal – a better society. Students there found unity in the belief that change is necessary and possible. Felix's hope is to help create similar opportunities for others through Students for Civic Impact. 

In college, Felix plans to study political science and pursue a J.D. with the goal of fighting for long overdue change and justice. Felix enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, playing chess, and battling friends in Magic: The Gathering. At his school he is a captain on the Speech & Debate and Mock Trial teams as well as president and founder of the Legal Advocacy Club, which spreads awareness of wrongful convictions. He is also president of the City of Glendale’s Central Library Teen Advisory Board.

Natalia wanted to join the Student Advisory Board for Students for Civic Impact because she learned so much from JSA’s similar program, made many friends, and wanted to give others the same experience. By attending JSA's summer program, Natalia learned about how media affects our democracy, current events, government, and how to improve her public speaking and debate skills. She thinks this new program is important because it will allow participants to learn about the U.S. government through different lenses and how to engage in debates on various topics that affect them.

In college, Natalia plans to major in environmental law. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball, volunteering, participating in Model United Nations, and cooking and baking. She also loves playing with her dog, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach.