APRIL YOUTH STEERING COMMITTEE
The APRIL Youth Conference would not be possible without all the work of our dedicated volunteers. Thank you for your commitment to youth with disabilities and APRIL. If you see these young folks at our conference, congratulate them on all their hard work and accomplishments, and give them a huge IL Thank You for getting the next generation excited to LEAD ON.
- APRIL STAFF
To join the Youth Steering Committee calls please jump on our calls every 4th Thursday of the month from 4:00-5:00pm EST and follow us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/aprilyouth/
For more information please contact our Youth Programs Coordinator, Sierra Royster at 919-567-3602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We hosted the first large-scale gathering of rural youth with disabilities and CILs at the 10th annual APRIL conference in Minneapolis. Establishing an ongoing Youth Steering Committee to make sure the youth conference is for youth and by youth.
The Youth Steering Committee is comprised of young volunteers and more who are passionate about youth involvement and engagement. We meet once a month to plan every youth detail of the annual APRIL Conference. We plan details to the Youth Conference that is held the Friday before each conference. We also plan the youth activities that take place throughout the rest of the weekend. Our goal as a committee is to offer an opportunity to youth from across the country to come together to learn about issues in IL and how they can get involved when they return home.
Emily Robinson, Co-Chair
1)What makes you want to lead?
I feel that there is a difference to made and if I can help make that difference then I want to help lead this wonderful group. I want ensure this is the best conference that we have. I want to help others learn to advocate for themselves and for others.
2) Where are you from?
Poca, West Virginia
3) One statement that describes you.
I never take no for an answer there is always a way I just have to figure it out and remain passionate and determined.
4) Where do you work/volunteer?
I am a West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council member, and I am a girl scout troop leader for the Girl Scouts of the Black Diamond Council. I am work at my university as President of the West Virginia State University Student Access Advocates program. I volunteer at the Mountaineer Spina Bifida Camp. I am a member of the NCIL Youth Caucus, the APRIL youth committees, and has been a Peer Educator at WVSU. I work at my University to ensure that it is accessible, and I am always looking ways to make the campus more accessible. I have been working disability rights and advocacy in various ways in my home, school, and community.
5)What do you do at your job/volunteer/school site?
As a council member, I serve on the Action Committee and the Executive Committee, and I take apart in contributing to the WVSILC newsletter. I chair the West Virginia State University Disability Awareness Day Planning Committee and a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team, and the Coordinated Response Team as well. I developed a day of activities at WVSU about inclusion and respect at WVSU. As a Troop Leader I over see 16 girls journey in being wonderful members of society. I am also a full-time student majoring in Elementary and Special Education.
6) What does IL mean to you?
IL is my whole life, and it has such a rich history that we have the opportunity to be a part of. IL means to make difference and inspire others with disabilities to advocate for themselves and others. IL means standing up and taking charge, fighting for those who need a voice.
7) What would surprise people about you?
Some people are surprised to know learn that I am hard of hearing.
8) What is one thing you want to see in Denver?
I want to see an even bigger youth turnout, and to see the where ADAPT started.
Molly Spence, Youth Co-Chair and Social Media Liaison
1)What makes you want to lead?
I want to lead because I want to continue to learn and grow as an advocate and a voice in the IL community. I want to make a difference.
2) Where are you from?
Hurricane, West Virginia
3) One statement that describes you.
A fierce coffee lover with a sense of humor and a LOT of passion and determination in everything she does.
4) Where do you work/volunteer?
I am a West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council member, and I have a blog that’s been active for almost 3 years, called “Molly’s Zone”. I post about a mix of things, including my life with cerebral palsy, and a lot of inspirational posts. I am starting into writing about disability rights and advocacy. That’s the direction I want to take “Molly’s Zone” in. I became a published writer in May 2016. I have been featured on The Mighty, the WVSILC newsletter, and as of recent I am a contributor for ILRU’s SILC Connection newsletter.
5)What do you do at your job/volunteer/school site?
As a council member, I serve on the Action Committee, contributing to the Youth Web page, and being a part of the WVSILC newsletter. I also take part on our Resource Development subcommittee, assisting in grant research. I am not a student, but lastly I serve on the West Virginia State University Disability Awareness Day Planning Committee as well.
6) What does IL mean to you?
IL is new to me, it already means so much. IL means working to make a difference and inspire others with disabilities to be the best version of themselves. Using your strengths to do as much as you can for the world; standing up and taking charge, fighting for those who need a voice.
7) What would surprise people about you?
I am actually quite a talker, once I get comfortable.
8) What is one thing you want to see in Denver?
I want to see an even bigger youth turnout!
Brittany Zazueta, Treasurer
What makes you want to lead?
For as long as I can remember, I have always found my way into leadership positions, whether it was bossing around my younger siblings or leading teams once I got into the workforce. I have a strong desire to make sure the things I am involved in go well and do my best to find balance in leading others and listening to them.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Moreno Valley, California which is about an hour away from Anaheim where I currently live and much more rural.
One statement that describes you?
My motto in life is “say yes.” When you say yes there’s no telling where life will take you.
Where do you work/volunteer?
I work at the Dayle McIntosh Center in Anaheim, California.
What do you do at your job/volunteer site?
I am the Program Manager of Independent Living Services, Deaf and Youth Services. I oversee our Volunteers, Youth Programming, Deaf Services, Interpreting Services, and Independent Living Services.
What does IL mean to you?
IL means that we as people with disabilities are given the same options and chance to fail as everyone else. That we are in charge and in the driver’s seat of our own lives.
What would surprise people about you?
I used to be an introvert and still sometimes need my alone time.
What is one thing you want to see in Denver?
I have been wanting to go to Denver for a long time! I am most excited to be where ADAPT began.
Jaquilla Lee, Secretary
What makes you want to lead?
I want to advocacy for others. Also, I was president for the Youth Advisory Committee.
Where are you from?
Pensacola, FL
One statement that describes you?
I like to help people advocacy for their self.
Where do you work?
Wal-Mart
What do you do at your job?
Customer Service (I handle all of the returns)
What does IL means to you?
Pay bills
Not asking for help all the time
Making decisions
Living on your own
What would surprise people about you?
I am well organized and I like to be on time for everything.
What is one thing you want to see in Denver?
I just want to youth to have fun with each other and then take info that they have back to their center so they can use for their youth program.