Michayla Stephens | Jonesboro, GA

Michayla is a dedicated and creative leader and learner who works tirelessly to give others the support, love, and guidance she has received from family, friends, educators, and mentors. Michayla works to give to her community to be an example of leadership.

Michayla interns with the Clayton County Public Schools Early Learning Department. She inquired about the possibility of interning to support its efforts and further its reach. Michayla’s inquiry was accepted, and she has worked tirelessly to create a unique internship track that serves the department and the community. She also created 10+ social media graphics across 3 platforms and worked with over 100 students and their families and Pre-K through 5 educators to create a community that celebrates early learning. “When our children are supported, they become the leaders of today, not just tomorrow, and when children are the leaders of today, the world gets the change it needs now. Getting to play a part in ensuring my county’s children are supported and well-educated is the greatest honor I’ve ever received.”  

Michayla has volunteered with 3 hospitals contributing over 150+ hours of service to the Metro-Atlanta Athens regions. She volunteers with the Clayton County Library System, for the President and former Vice President of the library system’s Ambassador Board, mobilizing students within the county to contribute over 75 hours of literacy-based service. She also serves the Clayton County Health Department Youth Leadership Council as the Community Engagement Coordinator and Creative Director, allowing her to better understand the community and its specific needs. 

Megan Murga | Cicero, IL

Megan Murga is a passionate and diligent individual whose experiences have shaped her commitment to serving her community. As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, she uses her voice and actions, grounded in both resilience and generosity, to uplift others around her. She carries an ambitious spirit, one that embraces big dreams and invites others to rise with her.

Megan’s commitment to advocacy began with her election as her district’s student representative to the Board of Education, where she earned recognition as an Outstanding School Board Member for her contributions. Her dedication to youth representation expanded beyond her campus to work on two congressional campaigns: Bushra Amiwala (IL-09) and Patty García (IL-04), amplifying youth voter turnout. In the upcoming year, Megan steps into new leadership roles as both National Honor Society and Civic Leaders of America (CLA) Chapter President, after serving as CLA Director of Expansion and earning recognition as the Midwest CLA Best Speaker. 

As a Peer Mediation leader, she helps students navigate conflict, drawing on her ability to listen and build trust. She is an avid tennis player, and by junior year became the Varsity Tennis Captain, competing at the 1st doubles position and earning the Coaches Award for her leadership and sportsmanship. 

Megan’s drive to achieve is rooted in her commitment to equity and empowerment. She is inspired by the strength of women who challenge barriers and the resilience of marginalized communities. She is determined to use her voice to open doors for others.

Marielbi Uzcategui Urbina | Jarrell, TX

Marielbi Uzcategui is warm, kind, and driven by the belief that access to opportunity shouldn't depend on who you know, or what zip code you’re from.

Marielbi is most proud of founding AccessATX, a student-run digital directory connecting Austin-area students to internships, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities that are often out of reach for first-generation and rural students. She leads a team of over six students across multiple school districts and has grown the platform to reach over 50,000 students, sharing 300+ opportunities. Marielbi's goal is for every student to know what opportunities are available to them.

Marielbi's advocacy extends into immigration law and policy. As a legal intern at Bravo-Bonetti Legal, PLLC, she has assisted with 14+ immigration cases, including asylum applications and work permit filings, working directly with clients navigating an intimidating legal system. As a competitively selected Spark Change Project Ambassador with the Excellence Project and Girls Empowerment Network, she has testified before Texas Statehouse representatives to champion mental health services and educational equity for immigrant students. She serves as Lieutenant Governor of Texas-Oklahoma Key Club Division 23 R11, where she has chartered three new clubs. She is President of her Student Council, The Locker, a hygiene product community initiative, and Co-President of her school's spirit club which she revived by recruiting 80+ new members. With over 450 service hours, she was named the 2026 Texas-Oklahoma Key Club Outstanding Club Member. 

Marielbi hopes to pursue a future in law and public policy, so that the doors she once had to find on her own stay open for the students who come after her. 

Mami Masoka | Macon, GA

Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania to a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mami Masoka has a profound appreciation for the educational opportunities available to her. Driven by her family's resilience and her desire to fight for human rights, Mami plans to major in International Relations or Political Science before pursuing a law degree specializing in International Law. 

Her ultimate career goal is to advocate for persecuted individuals across the globe and ensure their fundamental rights are protected. Outside of her academic pursuits, Mami enjoys reading, playing Just Dance, bowling, and relaxing with shows like Abbott Elementary and Law & Order: SVU.

Malia Chedjieu | Little Rock, AR

Malia Chedjieu is an empathetic, determined leader who believes meaningful change begins with small, compassionate acts. A first-generation Cameroonian American, she approaches every opportunity with faith, resilience, and a commitment to giving back, believing leadership is measured not by recognition but by the impact left on others. 

Since age thirteen, Malia has been passionate about encouraging young people. After transitioning from competitive gymnastics to coaching, she mentors athletes from diverse backgrounds, including children with disabilities, helping them build confidence alongside athletic skills. Inspired by her dream of becoming a pediatrician, she founded her high school’s Hands of Hope Project chapter, a student-led nonprofit creating handmade craft kits and care packages for pediatric patients. Under her leadership, the chapter has mobilized more than 25 volunteers, assembled over 277 craft kits and Bundles of Hope, and contributed 30+ hours of service.  

Malia also serves as Senior Class Student Council President, National Honor Society President, and Varsity Cross Country Captain while maintaining the highest class rank at her school. She has completed 300+ volunteer hours through Camp Aldersgate, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and the Museum of Discovery. As a Living History Contractor at the Historic Arkansas Museum, she educates visitors through interactive demonstrations. Fluent in French, Malia enjoys fashion, music, and helping at her family's African boutique, where she celebrates her Cameroonian heritage. 

Malia draws inspiration from her family’s sacrifices and perseverance. Their example motivates her to pursue healthcare and advocate for underserved communities while honoring the opportunities she has been given.