Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was established in 2024 to deepen NAMLE’s impact and expand its mission through a formal partnership with youth leaders in the media literacy community. This initiative brings together high school and undergraduate college students who are actively engaged in advancing media literacy education and amplifying youth perspectives within the field.

As collaborators, YAC members play a central role in shaping NAMLE’s work. They offer valuable insights that inform major NAMLE campaigns—including Media Literacy Week—contribute to organizational priorities and advocacy efforts, and co-develop projects and resources that resonate with educators, students, and communities nationwide. Council members also engage in peer-to-peer learning, outreach, and leadership development through their work with NAMLE. Through their ongoing involvement, council members not only influence media literacy education but also grow as leaders and collaborators within a national professional community.

The Youth Advisory Council embodies NAMLE’s belief that youth perspectives are essential to building a more media literate world and that meaningful youth participation strengthens the relevance, accessibility, and impact of media literacy education overall.

Meet NAMLE’s 2026 Youth Advisory Council

Anshi Bhatt

Student at Boston University
[full bio]

Anxhelika Deda

Student at University of Rhode Island
[full bio]

Malik Harris

Student at Appalachian State University
[full bio]

Pranav Karthikeyan

Student at Montgomery High School
[full bio]

Eashan Kosaraju

Student at Solon High School
[full bio]

Maggie LeBeau

Student at University of Missouri
[full bio]

Katie Ma

Student at Canterbury High School
[full bio]

Sadie Matt

Student at North Salem Middle School High School
[full bio]

Catherine Page

Student at American University
[full bio]

Lucia Santiago

Student at Brown University
[full bio]

Flora Uslaner

Student at University of Michigan
[full bio]

Sophie Yang

Student at Bronx High School of Science
[full bio]

Evalyn Yu

Student at Palos Verdes High School
[full bio]

Member Highlights

Youth Advisory Council Projects