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Governor Maura Healey swore in the members of her novel Youth Advisory Council on Monday. Established through an executive order, an apparent first for a state administration, Council members "will advise the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the entire administration on critical issues impacting Massachusetts, such as civic engagement, education, climate, housing, mental health and youth violence," according to an administration press release.
The Council is made up of 60 young people, ranging ages 16-21, from every region in Massachusetts, who will serve a two-year appointment. Among the appointees, representing Norfolk County, is Franklin's Grace Tucceri.
The Governor’s Office is still accepting applications from Dukes and Nantucket counties.
“Every day, our administration is making policy decisions that have a significant impact on the lives of young people for generations to come. Now, through this advisory council, they will have a direct say in their futures,” said Governor Healey. “We hear from young people all the time about the issues that matter to them most – everything from climate, to education, to mental health, to gun violence. This advisory council opens up the door for conversation, recommendations and action. I look forward to working with each and every single member as we work together to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable for all.”
“The young people of Massachusetts are deeply motivated, inspired and brilliant. Their perspective on some of our state’s most pressing challenges offer us a new approach toward solutions, and we cannot wait to hear from this advisory council on their ideas,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s so important that we offer a seat at the table for everyone whose lives will be impacted by the decisions we make as an administration. Our youth are no exception. This advisory council will help us address the issues of today and the future together.”
The 60 young people who make up the “Executive Committee” of the Youth Council will be leading initiatives, listening sessions, and working groups by working with other youth who have applied to the Council. All members are appointed for a two-year term.
The Youth Advisory Council has geographic, racial and gender diversity, and includes members of the LGBTQ+ community. Party affiliations were not mentioned in the press release. In total, members speak 14 different languages.
The newly sworn-in members are:
- From Barnstable County
- Eleanor Rosenthal, Falmouth
- Laik O’Reilly, Centerville
- Maria Eduarda Soares, East Falmouth
- Piper Hunt, Centerville
- From Berkshire County
- Aleksei Chang, Williamstown
- Cameryn Wilk, Pittsfield
- Leslye Bautista-Cruz, Sheffield
- Quinn Dillon, Stockbridge
- From Bristol County
- Annabelle Griffith, Norton
- Dayna Mbugua, East Taunton
- Emerson Gonet, Fairhaven
- Jaymison Gunschel, Mattapoisett
- Sofie De Coste, Lakeville
- Soleei Guasp, Fall River
- From Essex County
- Brenda Javier, Lawrence
- David Martinez, Haverhill
- Julio Mejia, Lawrence
- Karla Almonte, Lawrence
- Madeleine Lucas, Salem
- Samuel O’Neil, Andover
- Summer Demeo, Manchester
- From Franklin County
- Christiana Dunn, Orange
- From Hampden County
- Elianna Umana Kimura, Westfield
- Mary Zachara, Ludlow
- Shane Dillon, Springfield
- Victoria Mazzaferro, East Longmeadow
- From Hampshire County
- Haliyah Friedman-Kassis, Northampton
- Jade Rousseau, Northampton
- Quinn Speek, Belchertown
- From Middlesex County
- Alejandra Fernandez, Malden
- Aya-Nour Belyazid, Concord
- Felicity Zhang, Concord
- Ford Catlin, Wayland
- Jordan Cohen, Framingham
- Max Achab, Melrose
- Nichollas Morais, Lowell
- Thomas Kinney, Newton
- Thomas Marshall, Dracut
- From Norfolk County
- Chrystina Wosny, Weymouth
- Grace Tucceri, Franklin
- Palak Yadav, Medway
- Salma Boulal, Quincy
- From Plymouth County
- Demira Parekh, Hingham
- Finn Doherty, Carver
- Jateja Spriggs, Brockton
- Soomin Jeong, Marshfield
- From Suffolk County
- Hadiatou Bah, Boston
- Isabella Medina-Chaves, Boston
- John Forry, Boston
- Marco Barbosa, Boston
- Matthew Marter, Boston
- Matthew Terrell, Boston
- Sean Wells, Boston
- William Brogan, Boston
- From Worcester County
- Amrit Boyal, Worcester
- Camila Damian Valerio, Worcester
- Declan Conway, Leominster
- Eileen Rodriguez, Worcester
- Ella Hogan, Holden
- Joshua Roulier, Douglas
