Youth Advisory Board
The ENRICH Program Youth Advisory Board is a dynamic group of passionate Black youth, ages 14-17, who are dedicated to transforming the landscape of mental health within their communities. Our board members serve as a vital part of the ENRICH Program and play a pivotal role in contributing to our community-based participatory research. To promote positive change and well-being, our board meets quarterly so that our team can receive critical feedback on research interventions and frameworks.
The ENRICH Program Youth Advisory Board is more than just a leadership opportunity; it’s a movement toward mental health equity powered by the voices of Black youth. Together, our members work to ensure that mental health services, interventions, and programs are tailored to those who are impacted most - Black youth.
The Youth Advisory Board application review period begins on July 15th and ends on August 15th at 11:59 PM annually.
Meet the Team!
Haile Irving (she/her) - 10th Grade
Haile is a 16-year-old Jamaican American who is passionate about advocating for teens. As a dedicated teen advocate, she focuses on issues like safety, mental health, and education. Haile is also a teen investigative journalist specializing in social politics and how they affect young people. She’s a huge book lover who enjoys reading authors like Toni Morrison and exploring stories that challenge and inspire her. Haile’s academic interests include social science, history, and psychology, which fuel her desire to understand and address societal issues. Through her work, Haile strives to amplify teen voices and promote positive change.
“As I grow, I realize that understanding and empathy are essential for change; being part of the Youth Advisory Board gives me a chance to provide and work alongside people who offer an empathic and understanding perspective of mental health for black youth and strive to weaken the gap between black youth and the mental healthcare system.”
Kemma Ghebru (she/her) – 10th Grade
Kemma grew up in Clarkston and is a first-generation Eritrean American. Her background has inspired her passion for community involvement and helping others. She regularly volunteers at church, where she enjoys connecting with others and giving back to the Metro Atlanta area. In her free time, Kemma loves listening to music and journaling as ways to reflect and unwind. She’s excited to bring her perspective and energy to the Y.A.B. board and looks forward to making a difference!
“I’m excited about the idea of connecting the ENRICH Lab’s research with the real issues happening in our community. Whether it’s giving feedback on flyers, helping with recruitment, or figuring out how to make data collection more youth-friendly, I want to make sure that what we’re doing actually works for us. This opportunity allows me to speak up for my community, help break the stigma around mental health, and be part of creating solutions that can make a real difference in our lives.”
Udi Gitau (he/him) – 11th Grade
Udi is interested in destigmatizing psychiatric healthcare for young African Americans. Alongside his role as a member of our board, he also currently serves as a State Superintendent Student Advisory Council Representative. Outside of school, Udi thoroughly enjoys partaking in philosophical discussions and immersing himself in the world of a novel. He plans to pursue a degree in the social sciences after high school.
“I have experienced first-hand, and personally, the detrimental impact of internalized racism and the dismissal of mental health concerns within the black community. Rather than make performative remarks regarding these detriments, I want to take action as ENRICH has been through research. As a representative, I will be a voice for youth in the black community and first-generation African Americans.”
Victoria Clark (she/her) – 11th Grade
Victoria Clark is a rising senior with a strong passion for science, technology, and community service. She was selected for the prestigious 2024 Battery Chemistry and Nano Research Technology program at Clark Atlanta University and will begin the 2025 Youth Lead Georgia program, one of only 30 students chosen statewide. Victoria is particularly interested in how advancements in science and technology can revolutionize pediatric care, especially for underserved communities of color. To make a positive impact, she founded her own childcare program to support children in her neighborhood. Along with her entrepreneurial spirit, Victoria’s leadership and dedication to her community shine through her work. She plans to attend college and pursue a doctorate in pediatrics, using her knowledge of science and technology to improve children's lives. Victoria is committed to using her talents and experiences to create meaningful change for future generations.
“I believe in the power of using youth voices to inspire meaningful change. Engaging with peers and community leaders allows us to address pressing issues that affect our generation, especially mental health. I want to help create programs and policies that empower youth, foster inclusivity, and drive positive change in our communities.”
Delano Page (he/him) – 12th Grade
Delano is a Jamaican American student from Conyers, Georgia, with a passion for combining mathematics and politics to address systemic issues. He enjoys baking, playing tennis, and exploring social justice through literature and debates. His goal is to pioneer change in underrepresented spaces, using his voice and skills to advocate for fairness and opportunity in all areas of life.
“I am excited to be a part of the work at ENRICH Lab and contribute to shaping research that truly supports and centers Black youth. Sharing perspectives and working on impactful solutions shows just how much our voices can change the status quo. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we have the power to change something in our community.
Josefina Villasenor Viloria (she/her) – 10th Grade
Josefina is a 10th-grade Filipino-American student born and raised in Macon, Georgia. She is currently in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at her high school, where she excels academically while engaging in leadership and service-oriented activities. Beyond academic and extracurricular commitments, Josefina is a passionate mental health advocate. Understanding the stigma surrounding mental health within her community and among her peers, she is committed to raising awareness, providing education, and fostering a more supportive environment. She aims to bridge gaps in mental health discussions, ensuring that students feel heard, supported, and empowered. Josefina is dedicated to creating a positive impact through service, leadership, and advocacy, striving to uplift those around her while continuing to grow as a leader.
“I have experience in both the wellness and illness side of mental health, and I would like to be able to grow and share how we can all be better served, heard and included. I believe that having a voice and brainstorming and implementing ways to better the understanding of mental health issues in our community will allow us to cross divides and misconceptions around mental health and our youth."