My guest today is Romy, a college sophomore who created a special program called MiSendero. MiSendero is an independent high school student-led organization focused on integrating and connecting English learner students to school activities by creating a format in which they can earn volunteer hours as Spanish tutors, join school clubs, become leaders within the organization, and participate in academic writing competitions to achieve success. Since Romy began this important work in high school, it has expanded throughout her home state of California and across the United States.

Romy is the recipient of a Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award. Every year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each for their leadership efforts to change the world. From the environment to social justice to access to education and beyond, these young people are tackling big challenges in their communities and having tremendous impact. Applications are now open at www.dillerteenawards.org

Learn More about MiSendero at https://www.misendero.org/

Follow @misenderoyouth

Aani and Gage are two friends from Arizona (now both freshmen in college) who bonded over their shared passion for playing musical instruments as well as volunteering with the elderly. Together they created Our Ode To You which allows musicians, singers and visual artists to share their passion for the creative arts with seniors living in nursing homes and memory care facilities.

Follow to learn more and connect @ourode2you

Ayana B. is passionate about understanding the human heart, and raising awareness about cardiovascular health. She created Ligh on the Heart, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the struggles of marginalized communities facing poor cardiovascular treatment by providing research advice to high school students, granting insights from medical and research professionals, and pushing for advocacy through legislation. Light on the Heart also creates and distributes Little Hearts Stem crates, providing interactive STEM activities for under-resourced students.

Learn more at www.lightontheheart.org and follow @light.on.the.heart