Harrisburg, Pa – Today, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement announced the appointment of 27 commissioners that will make up its 2025-27 advisory board. The Commission’s purpose is to gather information regarding Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and serve as a liaison from the Governor’s office to the community, providing information about programs and services that may be relevant to the needs of Pennsylvanians ages 16-26 years old. This Commission was established by Governor Josh Shapiro through an Executive Order, and is one of the first commissions in the country whose mission is to engage the next generation of leaders across the Commonwealth.
“I am extremely excited to work with this new group of Commissioners to continue our G.S.D. attitude and give young Pennsylvanians a seat at the table,” said Executive Director Ruby Mundok. “We have a dedicated group of young people from across the Commonwealth who are passionate about advocating for the next generation and have already made a difference in Pennsylvania. I have no doubt that we’ll continue to make strides to create opportunity for the next generation of Pennsylvanians.”
Throughout its inaugural cycle, the Commission on Next Generation Engagement has worked with the Shapiro Administration to include young voices in the critical decisions being made that the next generation will inherit. The Commission has helped advocate for over $200 million for student mental health funding in schools, provide free menstrual products in K-12 schools, state buildings, and over 60 state parks, and ensured that the next generation is prepared and empowered to vote and get involved in local, state, and national elections.
The Commission members are listed below.
Mason Brenner, York County
Claire Chi, Centre County
Elliot Copeland, Centre County
Katherine DeSantis, Lancaster County
Zayn Farooq, Allegheny County
Elaine Ficarra, Philadelphia County
Leah Flinchbaugh, York County
Amaro Galliani, Columbia County
Jose Garcia-Orozco, Monroe County
Melissa Guillen Perez, Chester County
MaKenzie Hanks, Chester County
Allison Harris, York County
Hannah Harvey, Dauphin County
Emily Kiefer, Lebanon County
Nathan Lesh, Perry County
Olufela Osimokun, Chester County
Hailey Peirce, Lebanon County
Ashley Lynn Priore, Allegheny County
Isabel Saler, Montgomery County
Samira Sankaran, Cumberland County
Ali Sina Sharifi, Cumberland County
Vidya Surti, Allegheny County
Samantha Tellez, Chester County
Nehal Trivedi, Berks County
Asheen Udgiri, Erie County
Julie VanOsdol, Northampton County
Ryan Yeager, Delaware County
To learn more about the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, follow the Commission on Instagram.
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