Meet the 2025–2026 MASP Youth Advisory Council

The Michigan Afterschool Partnership’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is made up of young leaders from across the state who are shaping the future of out-of-school time in Michigan. These students bring creativity, curiosity, and courage to their roles—advising on policy, communications, and strategy while amplifying the voices of their peers. Together, they represent the power of youth leadership and the impact of learning that happens beyond the school day.

Maleah Rogers-Fleming

Maleah Rogers-Fleming is a senior at Harper Creek High School and dual-enrolled at the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center. She enjoys reading, math, and exploring new cultures through travel. Her passion for learning drives her to go beyond knowledge to understand how things work in practice. Along with serving on MASP’s Youth Advisory Council, Maleah is a member of the National Honor Society, competes in DECA’s accounting principles category, and serves as a youth ambassador for New Level Sports Ministries. She takes pride in leading with confidence and purpose and hopes to earn a degree in finance before becoming a Fortune 500 CEO.

Julian Jones

Julian Jones is a junior at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. She’s passionate about science, literature, and social justice, and loves combining creativity with problem-solving. Outside of school, Julian enjoys reading, robotics, and learning about marine animals. She’s been recognized in the top 5% of Detroit Public Schools students, made the honor roll multiple times, and studied abroad in Barbados through the Atlantic Impact College Readiness Program. Julian describes herself as honest, empathetic, and detail-oriented—someone who listens carefully and supports others. She hopes to become a biomedical engineer and use her love of science to make healthcare more accessible while inspiring other youth to reach their full potential.

Kamaria Green

Kamaria Green is a first-year student at Michigan State University who enjoys baking, public speaking, and gardening when the season allows. She’s passionate about community involvement and has led initiatives like the first Data Detectives Club with Elms Family and Community Services. Kamaria credits her perseverance and optimism—alongside a great team—for her success. She plans to earn a master’s degree in supply chain management and hopes to start her own nonprofit organization to continue uplifting her community.

Chloe Pan

Chloe Pan is a first-year student at the University of Michigan who loves science, reading, baking, and being near the water. The youngest of three siblings, Chloe has always been driven by curiosity and compassion. She served as valedictorian of her high school class and was on the honor roll throughout middle and high school. Known for her empathy and open-mindedness, Chloe strives to make sure everyone around her feels seen and heard. She hopes to attend medical school and become a physician who serves her community with kindness, integrity, and care.

Kalel Garrett

Kalel Garrett is a freshman at Michigan State University studying computer engineering. His homeschooling experience and involvement in afterschool programs have shaped his curiosity and focus. Kalel is a Huntington Bank S.W.A.G., James E. Hunter Foundation, and Gamma Lambda Education Foundation Scholar. Known for his strong communication skills, he plans to use his engineering degree to build a career in the technology field.

Srijan Agarwal

Srijan Agarwal (he/him) is a senior at Novi High School who is passionate about business, finance, and leadership. He loves teaching mathematics to his peers and has served as a Math Mentor, even leading an Algebra I class on his own. Beyond academics, Srijan helps organize community and cultural events with organizations like the Schoolcraft College Asian Student Association and Resham Singh Foundation. He’s been elected to multiple leadership roles, including Student Council Representative, Co-President of Novi’s YMCA Youth in Government delegation, and President of the National Honor Society. Srijan was also elected Youth Speaker of the House through Michigan Youth in Government. He hopes to attend the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and one day launch an organization that helps youth discover and lead through extracurricular opportunities.

Diya Ramakrishnan

Diya Ramakrishnan is an 11th grader at Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy with a deep love for coding, science, and art. She combines her interests through web development and creative STEM projects. Diya has received top honors as a Grand Award winner at the International Science and Engineering Fair and as an Oral Presenter at the National Junior Science and Humanitarian Symposium. Thoughtful and adaptable, she hopes to pursue a future in biotechnology and STEM research that makes a lasting impact.

Chyna Jackson

Chyna Jackson is a sophomore at Ottawa Hills High School who stays active in varsity softball, cheer, and student council, where she’s running for president again this year. She loves learning new skills—from public speaking to working behind a camera—and finds joy in creating spaces where everyone feels included. Chyna earned a four-year scholarship to the University of Michigan as a freshman and has been featured on FOX17, WZZM, and GRPS news. She’s been recognized as Youth of the Year, Student of the Month, and is pursuing the U.S. Congressional Award. A driven and compassionate leader, Chyna hopes to study social work so she can continue helping young people through life’s challenges.

Gabriel Chen

Gabriel Chen is a senior at Salem High School with a passion for engineering, design, and discovery. He enjoys building mechanized vehicles and watching documentaries about innovation, nature, and human courage. A certified cadet with the U.S. Army Cadet Command 1st Brigade, Gabriel brings discipline and curiosity to everything he does. He’s a black-belt martial artist, Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient, and winner of his school’s essay contest on the value of vulnerability. Gabriel plans to study business finance, continue his tennis career, and build a future that balances leadership, creativity, and community.

Jay Sandu

Jay Sandu is a junior at Holt High School who is passionate about technology, creativity, and sports. She loves coding, playing tennis, and exploring arts and crafts as ways to express herself and solve problems. A Girls Who Code scholarship recipient and varsity tennis player, Jay combines determination and curiosity in everything she does. She’s known for her relentlessness, big heart, and drive to make a difference. Jay hopes to play tennis in college while pursuing a career in technology where she can design solutions that help people and inspire innovation.

Kenneth Jones

Kenneth Jones is an 11th grader at Renaissance High School who loves Sudoku and collecting Pokémon cards. A graduate of the SMASH computer science program, Kenneth helped design a video game and built a website about a movement he cares about. He takes pride in his endurance and attention to detail—often working late to make his projects shine. Kenneth hopes to build his skills in AI and machine learning, earn an internship at Stellantis, and study at the University of Michigan Dearborn. He strives to keep growing as a developer who brings creative ideas to life.

Amanda Harvey

Amanda Harvey is an 11th grader at Berkley High School who is passionate about psychology and understanding people. She enjoys baking, shopping, and giving back through community service. A dedicated Girl Scout, Amanda earned the Bronze Award and was the top cookie seller for three years in a row. She hopes to attend an HBCU and pursue a double major in engineering and psychology. Looking ahead, Amanda envisions herself as an entrepreneur who uses innovation to support and inspire others.

Paul Evans

Paul Evans is a senior at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo. He enjoys traveling, shopping, and advocating for social justice in his community. A recognized youth leader, Paul has received the Western Michigan University Dr. Lewis Walker Social Justice Award and served on State Representative Julie Rogers’ Youth Council. Known for his compassion and humility, Paul hopes to become a licensed funeral director and grief therapist, supporting families in moments of loss. He also dreams of one day running for local office to continue serving his community.

Ivy Qin

Ivy Qin is a junior at Troy High School who is passionate about writing and how language connects people, cultures, and ideas. She enjoys Chinese calligraphy, translating poetry, and reflecting on literature like George Orwell’s 1984. Ivy has been recognized with a National Silver Medal from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and was featured in the New York Times Summer Reading Contest. She serves on her local library’s Teen Advisory Board and loves blending science, philosophy, and storytelling in her work. Ivy hopes to one day become a writer or education policy expert who helps build a more compassionate and connected world.

Charisma Holly

Charisma Holly is a first-year student at Michigan State University known for her spoken word, theater, and advocacy work. Throughout high school, she served on multiple advisory councils including the MASP Youth Advisory Council, DEPSA Corewell Health Youth Advisory Council, and InsideOut Youth Advisory Board. Charisma’s passion for art and leadership shines through her dedication to uplifting others and building stronger, more connected communities.

Oscar Shelton

Oscar Shelton is an 11th grader at Cranbrook Upper School who loves running, rock climbing, drawing, and learning new languages to connect with people around the world. He holds an ACTFL Russian certification, completed the Wharton Global Youth Program, and competes on his school’s varsity track team. Curious and creative, Oscar plans to pursue a degree in cybersecurity and hopes to one day mentor young people as they explore STEM careers.

Harini Manikandan

Harini Manikandan is a junior at City High Middle School in Grand Rapids who is passionate about activism, social justice, and debate. She has earned first place statewide in public forum debate and represented Michigan at nationals for two years. Through her involvement in Michigan Youth in Government, Speech and Debate, and the Mayor’s Youth Council, Harini uses her voice to advocate for gender, racial, and educational equity. After learning about substance abuse in her community, she built a website connecting people with rehabilitation resources. Harini hopes to study law and continue using her platform to create meaningful change.

Sydney Reed

Sydney Reed is a junior at Shelby High School who loves combining athletics, art, and teamwork to make a difference in her community. She stays active playing cross country, basketball, track, and soccer, and also enjoys painting, drawing, and scrapbooking in her free time. Sydney helped launch her school’s first robotics team and is known for her reliability, creativity, and team spirit. This year, she’s focusing on her two favorite sports—cross country and soccer—and hopes to study earth science at Michigan State University to pursue a career as an ecologist.