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DC Youth Advisory Council
“Youth Leading and Influencing Change in the District”
Student Bios by Wards
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Felicia Bland, 14, is an eighth grader at IDEA Public Charter School. She plans to attend Georgetown University to pursue a career as a doctor. She is also involved with her school’s cheerleading team and believes that the DCYAC will provide her with better opportunities for her future. She believes the biggest problems facing her community are teen pregnancy and challenges within the foster care system. She is an at-large councilmember and lives in Ward 7. |
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Sheilia Guinyard, 17, is a senior at Northwestern Night School. Ms. Guinyard plans to attend college and pursue a degree in Business Management. In addition to the DCYAC, Sheilia is involved with the Boys & Girls Club. She is most passionate about helping others and feels that the biggest problem facing her community is blight. Sheilia serves as an At-large Councilmember and lives in Ward 5. |
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Phillip Martin, 18, is a senior at High Road Academy. Mr. Martin plans to attend Bowie State University to pursue a degree in business management. His career aspirations include becoming the general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) and one of his proudest accomplishments includes becoming the youngest employee in the history of the company. He is most passionate about transportation issues and believes the biggest problem affecting his community is poverty. Phillip serves as an at-large councilmember and lives in Ward 6. |
 
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Nakea Paige, 16, is a junior at Caesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy. Ms. Paige plans to attend college and pursue a career as a lawyer. She believes that becoming a member of the DCYAC will help improve her public speaking skills and describes one of her biggest accomplishments as writing a foster care handbook. She is most passionate about decreasing the high school drop out rate and believes the biggest problem affecting her community is teen violence. Nakea is an at-large councilmember and lives in Ward 8. |
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Tavonynia Tolson, 17, plans to pursue a career as a real estate agent or psychologist. She says, “The DCYAC has provided me with a lot of motivation, love, and support” and describes her biggest accomplishment as being selected as a councilmember. She believes the biggest problem facing her community is inadequate education. Tavonynia is an at-large councilmember and lives in Ward 5. |
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Delonte Ross, 19, is a graduate of Cardozo High School. Mr. Ross currently attends Career Technical Institution and plans to pursue a career in sports management. He spends time volunteering at area recreation centers and he is passionate about opening up more work training programs for youth. He believes the biggest problem facing his community is conflicts that arise on the streets. Delonte is an at-large councilmember and lives in Ward 1. |
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Khadijah Pettaway, 17, plans to attend Delaware State University to pursue a career in criminal justice. She aspires to become a probation officer and to own her own business. Khadijah is a mentor and President of the #10 Boys and Girls Club. Ms. Pettaway believes that her involvement with the DCYAC will help improve her opportunities in the future. Khadijah believes the biggest problem facing her community is youth violence Khadijah represents Ward 1. |
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Brianna Randall, 15, is a junior at School Without Walls Senior High School. Ms. Randall plans to attend North Carolina A&T to pursue a career in Criminal Justice. She plans to become a defense attorney or prosecutor. She is very passionate about dancing and currently dances with the Footsteps Dance Program. She believes the biggest issues affecting her community is homelessness, crime and substance abuse. Brianna represents Ward 1. |
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Darius Winston, 19, is a student at Everest College majoring in business. Mr. Winston’s career aspirations include anything that will allow him to give back to his community. He is passionate about helping youth and those less fortunate than him. Darius represents Ward 1. |
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Sidney Sands-Ramshaw is a 17 year old senior at The Sidwell Friends School. Ms. Sands-Ramshaw plans to pursue a degree in International Relations and serves as the Logistics Coordinator for Model UN, Co-President of two A Cappella groups, and also writes for her schools newspaper. She believes the biggest problem facing her community is inadequate education and describes her biggest accomplishment as her acceptance as a DCYAC Councilmember. Sidney currently represents Ward 2. |
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Nina Shalal is a 16 year old junior at School Without Walls. Ms. Shalal plans to attend UCLA to become a neurosurgeon. She currently serves as the co-captain of her schools soccer team and as co-creator/editor of her school newspaper. She believes that becoming a member of the DCYAC will help her get into college and get her voice heard. She describes her biggest accomplishments as getting accepted into Cornell , Sumner College, and to the Seeds of Peace-Israel Palestinian Conflict Camp. She is most passionate about improving DC Public Schools and believes that the biggest problem facing her community is poverty, education, and a lack of voting rights. Nina represents Ward 2. |
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(Adviser) John Verghese, 14, is a freshman at Sidwell Friends School. Mr. Verghese feels that the biggest issues affecting his community are lack of communication and resources. He is a diligent worker and enjoys learning. John represents Ward 3. |
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Cleo Abram, 15, is a sophomore at Sidwell Friends School. Ms. Abram plans to attend college and pursue a career as a doctor. She is involved with the Urban Nation H.I.P H.O.P Choir and DC Sail. She believes that the DCYAC will help her to become more involved in youth issues in the city. She believes that the biggest problem facing her community is too few ways for youth voices to be heard. Cleo represents Ward 3. |
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John McGowan, 15, is a sophomore at Sidwell Friends School. Mr. McGowan plans to attend Stanford University to major in Spanish. He is a member of Model United Nations/Model Congress and hopes that the DCYAC will help to improve his leadership skills. One of his biggest accomplishments was building homes in Honduras with Habitat for Humanity. He is most passionate about trying to lower DC’s poverty rate and believes that improving public school education is the biggest issue affecting his community. He represents Ward 3. |
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Jesse Pollak, 15, is a sophomore at Sidwell Friends School. Mr. Pollak plans to attend college after graduation to pursue a career in environmental justice. He is also involved with ECO (Environmentally Conscious Organization) Club, S.T.A.N.D (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur), varsity soccer and track, jazz band, and DCYEA (DC Youth Environmental Association). Jesse represents Ward 3. |
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(Adviser) Asha Anderson, 16, is a sophomore at the Maret School. Ms. Anderson believes that being a part of the DCYAC will help to strengthen her communication and leadership skills. She believes that the biggest problem affecting her community is the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She is also involved in Girl Scouts, Spiritually Well-Rounded Responsible Young Adults, and It’s Academic. Asha represents Ward 4. |
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(Adviser) Neiko Gates, 18, is a senior at Bowie High School. Mr. Gates believes that being a part of the DCYAC will give him an opportunity to make a difference in the community and share his positive attitude with others. He believes that the biggest problems facing his community are teen pregnancy and college affordability. Neiko represents Ward 4. |
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(Adviser) Destiny Myers, 14, is sophomore at Duke Ellington School of Arts. Ms. Myers’ career aspirations include becoming a pediatrician or dancer. She believes that the DCYAC will help enhance her public speaking skills. She believes that the biggest problem affecting her community is teen pregnancy. Destiny represents Ward 4. |
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Asia Booker, 16, is a junior at Bullis High School. Ms. Booker describes herself as “crazy about sports” and is currently a member of her school’s soccer team, the National Council of Negro Women, and the National Society of High School Scholars. She also serves as a peer mentor at her school. She plans to graduate at the top of her class and attend John Hopkins University. She believes the biggest problem facing her community is gang violence. Asia represents Ward 4. |
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Ashley Graham, 16, is a junior at School Without Walls. She plans to attend Temple University to pursue a degree in law, accounting or business. She believes that the DCYAC will help her develop a better understanding of the real world and describes her long term goals as finishing college and having a family. Ashley represents Ward 4. |
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Michael Owens, 13, is an eighth grader at Calvary Christian Academy. Mr. Owens plans to attend Howard University to pursue a career as an actor. He describes his biggest accomplishment as performing in A Raisin in the Sun at Howard University and his role model as his father. He believes the biggest problems facing his community are drugs, gangs, AIDS and young people without role models. Michael represents Ward 4. |
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(Adviser) Clarence Lee, 16, is a junior at Saint John’s College High School. Mr. Lee believes that being involved with the DCYAC will give him an opportunity to demonstrate and develop his leadership skills. He believes that the biggest problems affecting his community are police, crime intervention and drug activity. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and is also involved in a ministry at New Samaritan Baptist Church called Self Help Human Resources Exchange (SHARE). Clarence represents Ward 5.
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(Adviser)Priscilla Ward, 17, is a senior and is home schooled. Ms. Ward plans to attend Emerson College to pursue a degree in media studies. Her career aspirations include going into media law. She believes that the DCYAC will allow her to develop strong leadership skill as well as have a voice in the Ward 5 community. Her biggest accomplishment was being named entertainment editor of Young DC. Priscilla represents Ward 5. |
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(Adviser)Sherman Lankford, 16, is a senior at McKinley Technology High School. Mr. Lankford plans to attend Morehouse College to pursue a degree in Business Management. His career aspirations include becoming a sports entertainment manager or lawyer. He feels that the biggest problem affecting youth in his community is violence. Sherman represents Ward 5. |
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Courtney Ashmon, 16, is a junior at Archbishop Carroll High School. Ms. Ashmon plans to attend Spellman College to pursue a degree in public relations. She is also involved with the debate team at her school and believes that the DCYAC will help her to become more responsible and goal oriented. She is most passionate about clean streets in her neighborhood and believes the biggest problem facing her community is litter and violence. Courtney represents Ward 5. |
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Asha-Cattette Stephens, 17, is a senior at Archbishop Carroll High School. Ms. Stephens plans to attend Harvard University and double major in Art History & Anthropology. Her career aspirations include becoming a museum curator or director. She also serves as President of the American Red Cross Youth Task Force. She is most passionate about youth HIV/AIDS awareness and believes the biggest problem facing her community is teen pregnancy. Her personal motto is, “Ignorance is not, nor will ever be, bliss.” Asha represents Ward 5. |
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Connell Wise, 18, is a senior at Commonwealth Academy. Mr. Wise plans to attend Curry College to pursue a degree in Business. He is currently involved with Junior State of America (JSA), the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and Young Democrats of America. He was also appointed to be a Commissioner to Serve DC, which is the mayor’s office of community service and volunteerism by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty in 2008. Connell is the CEO and founder of CWBN, an Internet news company and the National Association of Youth Owned Businesses (NAYOB). He is passionate about politics and business and believes that the biggest problem facing his community is youth violence. Connell represents Ward 5. |
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Terrell Bowditch, 18, is a senior at Spingarn Senior High School. He plans to attend college next fall and currently works part -time at Bank of America. He believes the biggest issues affecting his community are homelessness and teen pregnancy. Terrell is also involved with theJunior Reserve Officers Training Corps, Urban Alliance, and Hoop Dreams.Terrell represents Ward 6.
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Jennifer Cole, 18, is a junior at Maya Angelou Public Charter School. Ms. Cole plans to attend Bennett College to pursue a degree in Pre-Med and ultimately hopes to attend medical school. She is most passionate about reducing teen pregnancy in DC and believes that the biggest problem facing her community is youth violence. Jennifer represents Ward 6. |
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Edward Doxen, 16, is a junior at McKinley Technology High School. Mr. Doxen plans to attend Florida A&M University. He is involved in FBLA, Mentors Inc., and his school newspaper. He believes that the DCYAC will help him with his leadership skills and understanding how the city works. He describes his biggest accomplishment as testifying before the DC Council. Mr. Doxen believes the biggest problem facing his community is teen violence. Edward represents Ward 6 |
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(Adviser) Ashley Richardson, 17, is a senior at Hyde Leadership Public Charter School. Ms. Richardson plans to attend Bucknell University to pursue a degree in sociology. Her career aspirations include creating a nonprofit organization. She believes that the DCYAC will help her to learn how the government works. Ashley represents Ward 7. |
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(Adviser) Angelina Davis, 16, is a junior at School Without Walls. Ms. Davis plans to attend Clark Atlanta University to pursue a degree in communication. She believes that being involved with DCYAC will help to strengthen her leadership skills. She is most passionate about increasing after school activities for kids and she believes that the biggest problems affecting her community are violence and teen pregnancy. Angelina represents Ward 7. |
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(Adviser) Melanie Vincent, 16, is a junior at School Without Walls. Ms. Vincent believes that being a part of the DCYAC will help her to influence the city. She believes that the biggest problems affecting her community are gun violence, no formal restaurants, and homelessness. She is also involved with the concert choir and the National Council for Science and the Environment. Melanie represents Ward 7. |
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(Adviser) Tanise Martin, 16, is a sophomore at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. Ms. Martin believes that being involved with the DCYAC will give her a chance to help youth solve problems in their community. She believes that the biggest problems affecting her community are education, the environment, and teen pregnancy. She is also involved with her schools choir, mock trial and the Gay Straight Alliance. Tanise represents Ward 7. |
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Andre Nichols, 16, is a senior at Springarn Senior High School. Mr. Nichols plans to attend Howard University to pursue a degree in Business Administration. His career aspirations include becoming the general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA). Andre is also involved with the Urban Alliance and is currently the vice president of his class. He is most passionate about DC Public Schools and believes that the biggest problem facing his community is school mismanagement. Andre currently has a 4.0 GPA and represents Ward |
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Tierra Glymph, 16, is a junior at School Without Walls. After graduation Ms. Glymph plans to attend Columbia University. She believes that the biggest problem facing her community is violence and teen pregnancy. She serves as president of Ultra Teen Choice, an organization dedicated to preventing teen pregnancy. She believes that participating in the DCYAC will provide her with the opportunity to speak out about issues affecting her community. Tierra represents Ward 7. |
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Tyrell Holcomb, 20, is a sophomore at the University of the District of Columbia. His career aspirations include becoming a community activist and business owner. He is also involved with DC Youth & government and the Deanwood Civic Association. He describes his biggest accomplishment as being elected the city’s youth mayor. He is most passionate about seeing people proactive in government and offering solutions to problems affecting them. Tyrell represents Ward 7. |
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(Adviser) Lawrence Brown, 14, is a freshman at Thurgood Marshall Academy. Mr. Brown plans to attend Miami State University to pursue a degree in business. His career aspirations include becoming a football player. He believes that the DCYAC will help him develop his leadership skills. He describes the biggest problem affecting youth in his community as youth violence and teen pregnancy. Lawrence represents Ward 8. |
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Eugene Kinlow, 15, is a sophomore at School Without Walls Senior High School. Mr. Kinlow is currently a member of the Mayors Youth Leadership Institute (MYLI). He believes the biggest issue affecting his community is blight. Eugene represents Ward 8. |
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Nyasha Klusmann, 16, is a junior at Young America Works Public Charter Vocational School. Ms. Klusmann plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising to pursue a degree in Fashion Technology. She believes that becoming a member of the DCYAC will allow her to learn more about politics. She describes her long term goals as completing college and is most passionate about improving education. Nyasha represents Ward 8. |
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Lynae’ Gaines, 17, is a senior at School Without Walls. Ms. Gaines plans attend college to pursue a career in criminal justice. She describes her biggest accomplishment as working for the FBI last summer. She feels the biggest problem affecting the community is youth violence. Lynae represents Ward 8. |
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Agencies 
