Ashley Calva

We are on a mission to change how mentoring programs serve youth. We promote change and raise awareness about issues impacting communities. This was a great opportunity for me to show off my leadership skills. I was able to be part of an important event this year. The event was at Capitol hill in Washington, D.C., and we went to advocate for bills. Young advocates and adults came from all states across the United States for this major event. We were all joining each other in Washington, D.C., to talk in front of our senators and representative staff. I had the privilege to talk to Representative Bobby Scott and US Senator Mark Warner's senior staff about various bills.

I have taken on the position of Chair for Mental Health within my Mary Youth Commission.I talk about raising awareness about mental health issues. This year, my group and I planned an event for next year to raise awareness of mental health. This position has given me the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills.