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.
APRIL Youth Steering Executive Committee Bios
Mels Felton, Chair
Deja Barber, Vice Chair
What makes you want to lead?
Leading in my eyes means showing passion in what you love to do. I love to share my knowledge and passion with others so that I might ignite a fire in them to lead as well.
Where are you from?
I am from Raleigh North Carolina
One statement that describes you?
The statement that defines me is " I have cerebral palsy but cerebral palsy does not have me "
Where do you work/volunteer?
I currently do not work but I am building my disability advocate lifestyle/ brand.
What do you do at your job/volunteer site?
I work with a lot of groups around my area on different advocacy projects. Also, in my state's independent living council which makes me have to do a lot of advocacy in my state.
What does IL mean to you?
IL means becoming the best you that you could be. Taking a chance on new things and giving it your best shot is the biggest part of what IL is to me.
What would surprise people about you?
One thing that may surprise you is that I am a member of the USA Boccia team and last year I got to compete in Argentina
What is one thing you want to see in Michigan?
The thing I would like to see at the conference this coming year is to have as many new youths as possible. Building the program bigger is great to push the importance of advocacy.
Estefania Corral, Secretary
What makes you want to lead?
I've not always been a part of the disability community. In the last few years I have found myself in a position that allowed me to see the difficulties, injustice, and discrimination our community faces. I want to be a part of the solution and not the problem.
Where are you from?
Colorado
One statement that describes you.
I'm an introverted bookworm.
Where do you work/volunteer?
I work for the Center for People with Disabilities.
What do you do at your job/volunteer/school site?
I am a Low Vision Skills Trainer, working with seniors who are losing their vision later in life. I teach assistive technology, daily living skills, advocacy, assist with information and referral, and facilitate support groups.
What does IL mean to you?
IL to me means that our community can grow and create change in the world.
What would surprise people about you?
I'm an introvert, but because of my position, people assume that talking in groups and being active in the community comes easy.
What is one thing you want to see in Grand Rapids, MI?
I always find a Book Store.
Alan Cruz, Fundraising Coordinator
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.