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Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services Convenes First 2022-2023 Maryland Youth Advisory Council Meetin

September 18th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services today convened the first meeting of the 2022-2023 Maryland Youth Advisory Council. Following the appointment of 20 members from 13 jurisdictions across Maryland, the council provides diverse young advocates and leaders with a platform to address important issues affecting younger Marylanders.

“It’s important that young Marylanders have a seat at the table to participate in discussions that affect their lives,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our youth provide an important perspective on issues that impact our state and I look forward to seeing all that this year’s council will accomplish.” 

The Maryland General Assembly established the Maryland Youth Advisory Council in 2008. Members are appointed by the governor, leaders of the General Assembly, and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services based on nominations from The Maryland Association of Student Councils, the University System of Maryland Student Council, the Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council, and the Association of Local Management Boards. 

Members are between the ages of 14 and 22 and serve two-year terms, meeting monthly from September through May. In addition, they attend events and meetings, and provide legislative testimony throughout the year in their official capacities. 

Council members have advocated successfully for legislation that helps students, served on academic and leadership panels, and held roundtable discussions with other students from around the world. Since 2015, more than 200 young Marylanders have served on the Maryland Youth Advisory Council. 

The 2022-2023 council members are: 

  • Mahad Bhinder, Frederick: Mahad is a junior at Urbana High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Mahad’s first year as a member of the Council.
  • Shelbi Briggs, Federalsburg: Shelbi is a senior at Colonel Richardson High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Shelbi’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Nicholas Carter, Owings Mills: Nicolas is a junior at Franklin High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Nicholas’ first year as a member of the council.
  • Meghna Chandraskera, Owings Mills: Meghna is a sophomore at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The 2022-2023 council year will be Meghna’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Samuel Desai, Potomac: Samuel is a senior at Richard Montgomery High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Samuel’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Maja Durkovic, Baltimore: Maja is a senior at Eastern Technical High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Maja’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Chimeeremamara Ejiogu, Mount Airy: Chimee is a junior at Glenelg Country School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Chimee’s first year as a member of the council.
  • Dhruv Girish, Urbana: Dhruv is a junior at Urbana High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Dhruv’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Nancy Lin, California: Nancy is a sophomore at Great Mills High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Nancy’s first year as a member of the council.
  • Henry Meiser, Solomons: Henry is a senior at St. Mary’s Ryken High School. The 2022-2023 council year is Henry’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Grace Minakowski, Huntingtown: Grace is a sophomore at Huntingtown High School. The 2022-2023 council year is Grace’s first year as a member of the council.
  • Derek Mu, Rockville: Derek is a junior at Montgomery Blair High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Derek’s second year as a member of the council.
  • William O’Donnell, St. Michaels: William is a junior at Easton High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be William’s first year as a member of the council.
  • Sumiya Rahaman, Westminster: Sumiya is a senior at Westminster High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Sumiya’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Tehle Ross, Baltimore: Tehle is a junior at Baltimore City College.The 2022-2023 council year will be Tehle’s first year as a member of the council.
  • Emily Shrieves, Lusby: Emily is a junior at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The 2022-2023 council year will be Emily’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Hailey Smith, Bowie: Hailey is a sophomore at Bowie High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Hailey’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Yashita Thalla, Frederick: Yashita is a sophomore at Urbana High School. The 2022-2023 council year will be Yashita’s second year as a member of the council.
  • Eric Valentine, Jr., Bel Alton: Eric is a freshman at the University of Maryland College Park. The 2022-2023 council year will be Eric’s first year as a member of the council.
  • Eman Zia, Crofton: Eman is a junior at South River High School. The 2022-2023 council year is Eman’s first year as a member of the council.

“One of the core functions of our office is empowering Maryland’s children and youth,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services Kunle Adeyemo. “The passion, commitment and drive of young Marylanders is second to none, and we look forward to working together with the council to continue to change Maryland for the better.”

To learn more about the Maryland Youth Advisory Council, including upcoming meeting schedules, visit The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services website.