Girls Inc. is proud to announce the eleventh cohort of the U.S. Teen Advocacy Council. The council is composed of fourteen inspiring high school students passionate about championing issues important to girls today. This cohort has been selected from a record-breaking pool of applicants for their demonstrated commitment to leadership, advocacy, and advancing the rights and opportunities of all girls. The Teen Advocacy Council is a competitive program for teens to inform Girls Inc.’s advocacy efforts by sharing their lived experiences and perspectives about issues facing girls in their schools in communities. This is a unique opportunity for girls to connect with peers from across the country and elevate their local concerns to a national level. Throughout this year-long position, the council will strengthen their advocacy skills and lead efforts to mobilize lawmakers on issues of their choosing. 

Read on to meet the 2026-2027 council: 

Addison, Girls Inc. of Alameda County 

My name is Addison. I am a junior from Richmond, California. I have been a member of Girl Inc. for the past five years. I am involved in many extracurriculars, including being a school cheer team manager, varsity tennis player, and the leader of my school’s Black Student Union, not to mention the many other programs I am part of through Girls Inc. During the summer, I spent my time interning at my local city hall for the council president of Oakland. 

Ashlynn, Girls Inc. of Chattanooga 

Hi, my name is Ashlynn! I’m a senior from Jasper, TN, and I’ve been involved with Girls Inc. of Chattanooga since 10th grade. I’m the founder and president of my school’s DECA chapter (an academic competition organization), a Student Advisor to my county Board of Education, and hold positions in Student Council and Beta Club honors society. In my free time, I love painting, exploring nature, and collecting vinyl records. I’m passionate about economics, environmental policy, and helping girls get the resources they need to succeed, so I’m excited to learn from the TAC and make a positive impact! 

Bhavya, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region 

Hi, my name is Bhavya, and I’m a junior from New York’s Capital Region! At school, I serve on the North Colonie Health and Wellness Committee and as a board member of the Civic Engagement and Leadership Club, where my passion for advocacy first grew. In my free time, I love reading and writing. I’ve been a member of Girls Inc.‘s STEM program, Eureka!, since seventh grade, and I’m so excited to continue my Girls Inc. journey through the Teen Advocacy Council and collaborate with other passionate young leaders! 

Chloe, Girls Inc. of the Berkshires 

My name is Chloe and I am a junior from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. I am the captain of my cross-country team and always love to run. I am part of the Eureka program at Girls Inc. of the Berkshires and I enjoy learning about women’s rights and how I can use my voice to create a positive community environment. As a future career, I am interested in criminal justice. I am excited to learn more about advocating for myself and others in the Teen Advocacy Council. 

Dana, Girls Inc. of Washington County 

Hi everyone! My name is Dana and I’m a junior from the Girls Inc. of Washington County. I’ve been in Girls Inc. for the past two years and I plan on staying involved until senior year. I‘m passionate about anything pertaining to leadership and advocacy, especially regarding social justice. Outside of Girls Inc. I‘m involved in my city’s youth council, county’s student council (as the Legislative Co-Chair), and various aspects of my school. I‘m looking forward to my time on the board, as it will allow me to grow as a leader and make lifelong memories!  

Hansika, Girls Inc. at YWCA Minneapolis 

Hello! My name is Hansika, a sophomore at Plymouth, MN and I am dedicated to youth advocacy and making positive change in my community. I am a member of Girls Inc. through the Eureka! STEM Program, where I gain important skills and values. I am an active member of the Minnesota Youth Council, Youth in Government and Student Council where I help raise youth voices and promote youth representation. Aside from being a student, I also love music, taekwondo and giving back to my community. As for my future plans, I would like to go into legal studies and combine my passion for business and advocacy. I am very excited to be a member of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council, and I can’t wait to make a difference alongside other enthusiastic youth leaders. 

Jessica, Girls Inc. of Long Island 

Hi, my name is Jessica. I’m a junior in high school from Long Island, NY. I’ve been a part of Girls Inc. since 2025. I serve as the president of my school’s Spoken Word Poetry Club, where I lead creative writing activities through poetry. I also enjoy writing short stories, baking, and creating content on social media. My goal is to work in either education or public relations. I’m so excited to be a part of TAC so I can strengthen my advocacy skills, learn from others, and make a meaningful impact in my community. 

Katie, Girls Inc. of San Diego County 

Hi, my name is Katie and I am a sophomore from San Diego, California. I’ve been a part of the Girls Inc. Eureka program for two years. I am involved in my school’s Speech and Debate, Science Olympiad, and Robotics teams, as well as my school’s orchestra. In my free time I intern for my local State Assemblywoman. In the future I want to study Aerospace Engineering and eventually become a policy advocate for increased science funding. I want to combine my interests in science and public policy to create change and help girls in STEM. I’m excited to be a part of the Teen Advocacy Council and work with girls across the country to make a positive impact on my community. 

Matab, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey 

Hi, my name is Matab, and I am a senior from Philadelphia, PA. At school, I serve as Co-President of the Book Club, a Student Mentor, an active committee member for the Medical Club, and a member of the Muslim Student Association. This will be my seventh year with Girls Inc. My future goal is to major in neuroscience and become an osteopathic neurologist. I love to crochet and read whatever I can get my hands on. I am excited and honored to use my voice to advocate for positive change in my community as a member of the Teen Advocacy Council! 

MiKala, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis 

Hello, my name is MiKala, and I am a senior from Indianapolis, Indiana. I am passionate about continuing to learn, helping others, and serving my community. I serve as co-president of my school’s Black Student Union and as prop master for the theater department. This will be my sixth year with Girls Inc. Through this opportunity, I hope to grow, learn, and serve as a voice for my community. I am excited to work with the Teen Advocacy Council to make this possible. 

Mojisola, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta 

Hi, I’m Mojisola, a high school junior from Atlanta, Georgia! I’m passionate about women’s rights, girl’s leadership, and access to women’s healthcare. I founded the Lead H.E.R. Forward Foundation to help girls and young women build confidence and find their voices through mentorship. In my free time, I enjoy swimming and writing, and I hope to become a women’s health nurse practitioner serving rural communities. Through the Teen Advocacy Council, I’m excited to learn from girls across the country, speak up about issues that affect us, and work together to make our communities safer and more supportive places for girls. 

Ngan, Girls Inc. of Orange County 

Hi! My name is Ngan, and I’m a junior in high school and a member of Girls Inc. of Orange County. Through Girls Inc., I’ve had the chance to learn more about leadership, meet new people, and get involved in my community. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going to concerts, and trying new things. I’m excited to continue being part of Girls Inc., make new memories, and learn more about myself along the way! 

Sanaa, Girls Inc. of New York City 

Hi, my name is Sanaa and I am a senior from Girls Inc. of New York. I’ve been with Girls Inc. since freshman year, participating in courses like Healthy Sexuality and Financial Literacy. In my free time, I enjoy painting and collecting items like Sonny Angels and vinyls. A fun fact about me is that I love vintage technology like record players, digital cameras, and telephones. 

Xuri, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver 

My name is Xuri, and my Girls Inc. Affiliate is Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. I was the president of my Affiliates Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) last year and I learned to use organizational skills for presenting research cohesively. At school, I serve as the president of the Black Art Collective and the co-president of the Black Student Union. Some of my hobbies include reading about social science and African American history, roller skating, painting, and watching video essays. I enjoy these activities because they prompt me to think critically and challenge myself.