How Do I Get More Involved? A Talkback with the Youth Steering Executive Committee
Noah Russell, Anya Carillo, Jordan Hayes, and Zachary Staubitz
Session Overview:
Did you enjoy the APRIL Youth Conference? Do you want to help make it even better next year? We need YOUR help! Chat with the Youth Steering Executive Committee to learn more about how to get involved with the Youth Steering Committee and help plan the 2024 APRIL Youth Conference.
Additional Session Materials:
About Your Presenters:
Noah Russell (he/him)
Noah Russell is a member of the Space Coast Independent Living Center. He holds 4 going on 5 black belts, is a supporter of United Way, a member of the Autistic Community, and is the Chair of the YSC (Youth Steering Committee). He is a dedicated to helping people all around by advocating for people in his community and in his state of Florida. He works at Publix Super Markets and through them helps people with disabilities and non-disabled people.
Anya Carillo (she/her)
Anya Carrillo is a young adult who was born and raised in Arizona. She is an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and is equally proud of her Hopi, Lakota, and Seneca ancestry. Anya is the mom of three beautiful children; Judah, Marceline, and Saraiya, one of whom has Autism. Anya has been an advocate in the disability community since she was a teenager and is enthusiastic about helping others develop and use their voices in many ways. She has a passion for training and speaking to others about her experiences as an advocate and a survivor. She is an experienced self-advocate, a skilled peer navigator, and an accomplished trainer, presenter, and person-centered planning facilitator, who is conscientious about listening to how others need support. She is an employee for Diverse Ability Incorporated and is also the 2017 recipient of the national Advocates in Disability Award, and the 2019 recipient of the Marcus Harrison Jr. Leadership Award. She previously served on the Arizona Community of Practice on Transition (AZCoPT).
Jordan Hayes (she/her)
Jordan is a 26 year old woman who grew up in South Carolina. She graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelors in Social Work in 2021. Previously, she worked as a self-advocate for York CAN and now works for a Center for Independent Living, Disability Rights & Resources, in Charlotte, North Carolina as a Peer Mentor. Jordan is passionate about being in community with individuals with disabilities, offering support to folks envisioning their future, and helping individuals navigate local resources. She enjoys working collaboratively and is always excited to learn something new.
Zachary Staubitz (he/him)
Zach Staubitz is currently a sophomore at TCC, studying Graphic Design, and hopes to transfer to FSU next year for Media Communications. Zach has a passion for social media, communications, and advocacy. This passion has driven Zach to advocate for disabilities on Instagram and TikTok. Zach is heavily involved in the Wesley Foundation at FSU, which he considers to be his support system in college. Zach also is a Youth Transition consumer of Ability1st, The Center for Independent Living of North Florida and is excited to serve APRIL on this committee.