FEMA ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 NATIONAL YOUTH PREPAREDNESS COUNCIL
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240711/fema-announces-2024-2025-national-youth-preparedness-council]


Release Date: 
July 11, 2024 

WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the new
group of dedicated young people who are committed to advocating for
disaster preparedness as part of the 2024-2025 FEMA national Youth
Preparedness Council.

"Today, we welcomed an inspirational new group of young people to the
national Youth Preparedness Council,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne
Criswell. “Each year, council members share fresh perspectives and
ideas about topics important to all of us, including climate change. I
am confident their hard work and passion will enable our nation to be
stronger for future generations.”

The council consists of student leaders in grades 8-11 who devote
their time and effort to learn about emergency management and serve as
preparedness ambassadors in their community. Members are chosen based
on their dedication to public service, community involvement and
potential to increase levels of community resilience throughout the
country. 

These 15 youth leaders will spend a year on the national council
supporting FEMA’s commitment to promote and sustain a prepared
nation. The council provides FEMA with an avenue to engage young
people and gain direct insights on ways to consider their
perspectives, feedback and opinions. 

This year's National Youth Preparedness Council Members are Advik
Nadikota of Missouri, Ashton Dolce of Arizona, Emily Feichthaler of
Florida, Jason Kitchens of Missouri, Kailyn Rominger of Montana,
Katherine (Katie) Liu of Texas, Madison Malo of Wisconsin, Marissa
(Apollo) Rodriguez of Connecticut, Megana Madhurakavi of New
Jersey, Nandika Devarajan of Washington, Sophia Calvillo of
California, Sophia Johnston of Michigan, Sughan Sringanesh of New
York, Thomas Ye of Virginia and Viswa Karthic of Washington.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring
together youth leaders from across the country who are engaged in
advocating for preparedness.

While on the council, national council members meet with FEMA staff to
provide input on strategies, initiatives, and projects. During their
term, members gain professional skills and forge new relationships as
they work on teams to develop preparedness-related projects. 

To learn more about FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council,
visit fema.gov/ypc
[https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/youth-preparedness-council].