The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a City of Chicago formal advisory body of up to 40 Chicagoans between the ages 14 and 19 who are passionate about issues that impact youth. These commissioners advise the Mayor and City leaders, represent their peers and communities, and learn about policy and projects within the City of Chicago. The Youth Commissioners meet on a monthly basis to collaborate and positively impact Chicago’s future. Commissioners are paid a yearly stipend for their work.
Learn more about the Youth Commission with their New Ideas 2024 booklet coming soon.
About the MYC
MYC At A Glance
2023-2024 Cohort
Precious Adedokun, Rogers Park
Norah Al-Hallaj, Bridgeport
Zuhari Alsikafi, Near North Side
Jayla Anderson-Westbrook, Austin
Leisly Bahena, Humboldt Park
Zuri Belcore, Avondale
Johanna Castro, Logan Square
Rishi Chandra, Lincoln Park
Bowen Chen, Near West Side
Mia Colone, Hyde Park
Fernando Gonzalez, Hermosa
Norah Guenthner, Logan Square
Addison Haywood, Chatham
Metzli Hernandez, Belmont Cragin
Brooke Jenkins, Austin
Natorion Johnson, Washington Heights
Benjamin Kagan, Lakeview
Samantha Lopez, West Elsdon
Ayanna McCarthy, Washington Heights
Shanyah Morris, East Garfield Park
Miriam Neistat, Hyde Park
Leah Norwood, South Shore
Sarah Onyewuchi, Uptown
Grace Paluzzi Steele, Irving Park
Destiny Plata, Portage Park
Allessandra Romero, Archer Heights
Emily Salazar, Little Village
Ayan Sayani, Edgewater
Lanya Scott, North Lawndale
Damarion Spann, North Lawndale
Jacqueza Thomas, Chatham
Eliot Ticer-Wurr, Grand Boulevard
Alexander Torzewski, Lincoln Park
Yaretzi Ulloa, Brighton Park
Molly Wilson, Riverdale
Shanya Yang, New City
Education
The Education Working Group works to provide equal access to quality academic resources in Chicago, improve student opportunity, and mitigate current educational disparities that exist within Chicago’s communities. The Education Working Group is led by Chair Norah Al-Hallaj and Vice Chair Ayanna McCarthy.
Neighborhood Development
The Neighborhood Development Working Group is committed to working toward equity for all of Chicago’s neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Development Working Group is led by Chair Ayan Sayani and Vice Chair Zuhair Alsikafi.
Public Health
The Public Health Working Group is dedicated to supporting youth affected by the COVID pandemic, streamlining Behavioral and Mental Health Services for teens, and creating content to break down mental health stigma. The Public Health Working Group is led by Co-Chairs Benjamin Kagan and Samantha Lopez.
Community Safety
The Community Safety Working Group prioritizes collaboration with policy-makers, organizes youth-centered events, and distributes public safety-based resources to youth. The Community Safety working Group is led by Chair Precious Adedokun and Vice Chair Shanyah Morris.
