Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement Announces 2025-27 Commissioners

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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