Founder & Executive Director

Sofia Fernandez

Hi! My name is Sofia and I’m the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Lens Project. I lead a team of passionate and committed youth who aim to turn storytelling into action. A few fun facts about me are that I love matcha and listening to music. My favorite artist is Kali Uchis!

Editor-in-Chief

Kaitlin Lall

Hi! I’m Kaitlin, the Editor-in-Chief for the Youth Lens Project. I love to swim, read, and travel! I am so glad to be apart of this team because I plan to major in Public Health, and spotlighting marginalized youth will help me bring to light the problems I want to solve in the world.

Research & Volunteer Director

Catherine

I’m 17 years old, and I’m a Volunteer and Research Director for Youth Lens Project! I like learning flowers—and its language that blooms with meanings!

Community Engagement Director

Tamryn Sharma

​Hi I’m Tamryn Sharma. I’m a grade 9 student from Toronto and am the director of community engagement at YLP. I love playing flute, running cross country, and I always love learning new things.

Photography Director

Kai Martin

​My name is Kai Martin, I am 16 years old and live in New Jersey. At my school I am a photography major and i’m current in process of starting my own photography business. At the Youth Lens Project I am one of the Photography Directors and I help look over anything photography related. My other interests include dancing, writing, and reading.

Photography Director

Ennio Wong

I'm Ennio Wong, a Junior at Bronx Science. I'm a member of the Sciborgs, Bronx Science’s Co-ed robotics team. I am a Graphic Designer and an Athletics Section Editor for ‘The Observatory’ yearbook. In addition, I am a Staff Reporter on ‘The Science Survey.’ Some of my hobbies include cooking, martial arts, photography, electronics, and video games.

Graphic Design Director

Grace Yim

Hello! My name is Grace, and I’m a rising junior in high school. I’m the Graphic Design Director of YLP. I like to volunteer at local volunteer events in my community, and some of my hobbies include playing badminton and watching movies.

Editing Co-Director

Ramisa Siddique

My name is ramisa and im a junior. I am 17 years old. My role in YLP is co-director of the editorial team and also being an editor.

Graphic Design Co-Director

Addison Lawler

I'm Addison Lawler, and I'm a journalist in Philly. I use my writing to tell stories that matter, I try to approach every topic with compassion and empathy. I believe in using my voice to shine light on the stories that need to be heard. I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing project as a part of the graphic design team and their co-director.

Management, Staff Writer, Researcher

Mahfuza Maisa

Hi chat!! My name is Mahfuza. I’m a rising junior from nyc, currently I’m a researcher and writer for the Youth Lens Project. I look forward to connecting with all of you!

Management, Graphic Design

Jamielle Marie Medrano

​Hi! My name is Jamielle Medrano, and I am one of the graphic designers for the Youth Lens Project. I am also an incoming Biological Sciences major at the University of California, Irvine to become an endocrinologist. I’m honored to be a new addition to the team, and I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Management, Researcher, Staff Writer, Community Engagement

Luis

​Hi everyone! My name is Luis and I am a part of the researcher, staff writer, and community engagement teams. I'm a rising junior from Jersey City and I am interested in pursuing finance in the future.

Staff Writer

Grace Molina

Hi! I’m Grace, a high schooler and staff writer for YLP who’s always creating— whether it’s writing, painting, sculpting, or anything in between. I’m a documentary enthusiast and deeply passionate about youth justice, always looking for ways to blend art and advocacy.

Staff Writer

Caleb Molina

Hi, I’m Caleb and I’m a staff writer at the YouthLensProject. I love playing basketball, learning more about finance and law, and hanging out with friends. I’m so excited to be apart of this amazing team and contribute to this organization’s mission!

Staff Writer, Editor, Researcher

Audrey Lin

​Part of the general team!

Staff Writer, Editor

Chiamaka Elekwachi

​Hey everyone! I’m Chiamaka from Brooklyn and I’m a staff writer & editor for Youth Project Lens!

Staff Writer, Community Engagement, Marketing

Vivianna Leon

Hi! Im Vivi, I am apart of the Content, Writing, Community Engagement and Marketing departments! Im an activist from New Jersey who loves modeling and journalism!

Editor, Graphic Designer

Tamara

Hi I’m an editor and graphic designer on the team! Outside of school, I like to read, bake, shop, and go to concerts!

Editor

Laura Ozurigbo

Hey, it’s Laura! I’m a junior from Texas and I love reading!

Editor

Samantha Tavera

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha, and I am an editor on the ‘youth lens project’ team. i can’t wait to work with everyone and have an amazing time ! :)

Editor, Researcher, Community Engagement

Tariana

Tariana is a member of the community engagement team, a researcher, and an editor for the youth lens project. Studying english and journalism, Tariana hopes to use the skills shes learned from YLP as well as her academic endeavors to become an international or foreign correspondent, using her platform to give a voice to those who may otherwise go unheard.

Editor, Researcher, Graphic Designer

J’Niyah

Hi, I'm J’Niyah. Im a junior in highschool and a graphic designer + editor + researcher for YLP. I enjoy spending my free time writing or doing anything creative, i look forward to perusing a career in psychiatry in the future.

Researcher

Amelia Torry

Hi I’m Amelia, I’m a researcher for the youth lens project and currently a junior in high school! I love to read, write, and bake!

Researcher

Jasalyn Chavez

Hi, I'm Jasalyn! I recently joined the Youth Lens Project as a researcher, I'm so excited to work with everyone :)

Researcher, Marketing, Community Engagement

Jimena

Hi!, I’m Jimena Ramirez a 16 year old girl from southern california aspiring to help others.

Marketing, Graphic Designer

Deborah Fenelus

I am hard working and friendly. I am also part of the marketing and design team.

Marketing, Photographer

Kathryn Wu

I'm in marketing and photography for YLP. I've always loved the humanities and arts such as writing, music, and painting, and I hope to inspire and inform others by being a part of this team!

Graphic Designer

Rianne Rodeo

I am a freshman at Brooklyn College majoring in Film Production! I have always been interested in all things creative, particularly various forms of visual art. I am a Graphic Designer for The Youth Lens Project.

Photographer

Kenna

Kenna is a staff photographer with a passion for reading, writing, and the arts. When they aren't sipping on bubble tea, they can usually be found talking with friends.. or asleep in bed.

Photographer

Vince Escobar

Photographer dedicated to enhancing his craft and showcasing skills within the industry.

Photographer

Elaj Conde

I am an amateur photographer from Bayonne New Jersey. I love taking photographs of architecture nature and surrealists imagery.

Community Engagement

Jeremy

I am apart of the community engagement team. I like to play games and read in my free time.

Community Engagement, Marketing

Kiiani Ayala

​My name is Kiiani M. Ayala, and I am a part of both the community engagement and marketing teams at YouthLensProject! I am a first-generation Hispanic woman currently pursuing my AA in Biology to become a crime scene investigator.

Marketing

Betzy Arroyo

I’m Betzy, part of the Youth Lens Project marketing team. I’m a creative soul inspired by nature, long hikes, and quiet moments that spark imagination. I love expressing myself through art, journaling, that carry meaning. Creativity, to me, is a language of emotion ,a way to tell stories, connect with others, and remind people that their voices and feelings truly matter.