Three Young People Worth Following
I just spent this past weekend in New York City at the Social Good Summit. This summit is held every year the Sunday before UNGA week to bring together world leaders, change makers, and passionate individuals to discuss how to use technology for social good in the world. What I liked the most about the speakers? They all range in age – from baby boomers to 11-year-old’s. That’s right. There are 11-year-old’s out there changing the world.
Check out these young people who spoke at Sunday’s summit and are doing BIG things:
1. Sonita Alizadeh (@SonitaAlizadeh)
Sonita Alizadeh is a 21-year-old activist and rapper from Afghanistan who uses music to advocate for a end to child marriage. She got inspired to speak up after witnessing her friends being beaten for saying no to child marriage. Despite laws against females rapping, Sonita continued to speak up for her friends and other girls in similar situations. Her rap song “Daughters for Sale” became viral after her family tried to sell her into marriage. You can follow more of her upcoming projects and keep up to date on her music by following her on twitter and visiting Sonita.org.
2. Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint)
Mari Copeny is an 11-year-old activist for the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. She has helped to bring the reality of the crisis to public attention. She has raised thousands of dollars, partnered with organizations to help the children of Flint, and has even met with former President Barack Obama. Not only is she advocating for Flint’s children through social media, she is also the youngest ever Women’s March Youth Ambassador, National Youth Ambassador for the Climate March, and Youth Ambassador for Equality for Her. She has spoken at many large gatherings, including one at the White House. Follow her campaign and inspiring movement on maricopeny.com and on twitter @LittleMissFlint.
3. Zuriel Oduwole (@zurieloduwole)
Zuriel Oduwole is a 16-year-old Education Advocate and Film Maker. It all started when she was just 9 years old. Zuriel made her first documentary on the Ghana revolution. She then started her foundation, called dream up, stand up, speak up, which aims at giving every girl in the world access to education. Through her film making and advocacy, she has been able to speak to over 26,000 youth from across the globe and has spoken to 28 Presidents and world leaders. You can follow more of her work on her website at zurieloduwole.com.