Youth Advocacy Training Program

Anna is the co-leader of the Virginia Youth Advocacy Training Program. Anna is passionate about advocating for gun violence prevention and ensuring gun violence is an issue the next generation never faces. As a student at the University of Virginia, Anna is deeply committed to ending gun violence through education and legislative advocacy.

Urmi wants to fight for a world where children in the U.S. can grow up feeling safe and secure. She also wants to work for gun violence prevention as a way to stop hate and protect communities of color. Before joining Team ENOUGH's Youth Advocacy Training Program, Urmi worked in India as a student activist, representing students from economically marginalized backgrounds.

Evelyn has seen the way gun violence has impacted her community. It has stained the places that used to be a gathering for her hometown friends. She wants to fight to ban assault weapons and be part of the generation that ends gun violence. 

Jones knows that gun violence is one of the leading killers in the U.S. He believes we need to expand Brady Background checks, end stand your ground laws, and ban assault weapons. Prior to joining the Youth Advocacy Training Program, Jonas has worked for local democratic candidates and in reproductive rights.

Lenhle is involved with gun violence prevention because of her little brother. She is worried for him every time he steps out of the house as a Black man in America, and is worried that one day, she might get a call that there has been a shooting at his school. Lenhle wants children like her brother to grow up without these fears and to be safe from gun violence.

Gun violence prevention is important to Kaylin because she has seen how it has affected so many people her age. She wants to stop gun violence so we can all learn in safe schools.

McKenna-Kate, like far too many, knows about the devastation of gun violence firsthand. In 2024, her brother Cash Gaudio had been shot multiple times and killed. McKenna-Kate describe the pain as unimaginable and wants to fight to make sure nobody else has to feel the way she does every day. She fights for her family and for her brother. 

Carissa wants to be a part of the generation that ends the gun violence epidemic in America. She believes that through lobbying we can curb this violence and protect our communities. Before Team ENOUGH, Carissa worked at a few different community help organizations like Mutual Aid and Distribution, Richmond, Virginia, and Ecumenical Community Helping Others.

Gun violence prevention is important to Asha because it is an issue that is very prevalent within school systems. As a student herself, she wants to create a world in which students feel safe in their school environment.

After the Oxford High School shooting in Michigan and the legal precedence set by the outcome of the case, Cassidy became passionate about protecting the youth of America, especially because the leading cause of death for children today is guns. 

As a University of Virginia student with a background in democratic party work and youth lobbying for Brady, Kushaan has developed a deep commitment to addressing gun violence as one of the most pressing public safety and public health crises of our time. Through education, activism, and policy advocacy, Kushaan fights for a future where communities are safer, stronger, and free from the threat of gun violence.

As a student at the University of Virginia, gun violence is especially personal to Amanda. In the fall of her first year, three of her fellow students were killed and two others were injured. She wants to fight so that no parent should have to fear for their child’s safety as they get their education, and no student should ever have to sit in lockdown terrified for their life. 

Gun violence prevention is important to Rafsan because of the impact gun violence can have on people’s lives. He wants to be part of the generation to end gun violence and fight to make sure that communities across the country are safe.

Jaya was in seventh grade when the Parkland shooting happened, and she watched on television as kids a few years older than her grieved their classmates. This moment motivated her to join the gun violence prevention movement. The very first protest she attended was March for Our Lives. As a college student, she is now working on her Public Policy senior capstone on Gun Policy & the Second Amendment. 

Lydia has seen how gun violence has become so normalized, and she wants to be a part of the generation that ends that cycle. She wants to change the culture around guns in America to protect her community. Gun violence prevention is about creating a safer world for everyone, where she believes we can all thrive without the threat of losing our lives to senseless violence.

To Sophie, one of the most pressing concerns is gun violence. She has seen how it has devastated communities and wants to work to end the epidemic. She believes in expanding background checks and preventing gun violence in all aspects, changing the culture, the industry, and the laws. 

Erin is a co-leader of the Michigan Youth Advocacy Training Program. Erin is motivated to end gun violence through legislation, lobbying, and community action. Gun violence prevention is important to her because of the tragedies she has seen touch her home state of Michigan. She wants to end the fear that Americans, especially young people, feel every day. 

Gun violence prevention is profoundly personal to Taegan. Her father was killed by gun violence, and years later, her high school sweetheart was also murdered with a gun. These tragedies not only shaped her life but deepened her understanding of how gun violence devastates families and communities, particularly in urban areas. By working to prevent gun violence, she aims to honor the lives of her loved ones while creating safer, more equitable communities for future generations.

Claire wants to work in gun violence prevention to change the laws, change the industry, and change the culture of firearms. Gun violence prevention is important to her because she knows people who have been impacted by gun violence and believes we need to fight to put an end to the gun violence epidemic.

Since she was ten years old, Sanjana has been terrified of someone coming into her school with a gun. This needs to stop. She wants to be part of the generation that ends gun violence so that no other kids have to live with this fear.

The Oxford High School shooting affected Aiden and the people he knew because they were so close by. He believes that no one else should have to fear gun violence at school, and he wants to work to make that future our reality.

Maya wants to be part of the solution to bring together education, healthcare, community, institutions, and systems to end gun violence. She believes that real change will come when we realize we must take on the shared responsibility to change our future together, building coalitions with those who are like-minded, and bridging the gap with those who may not understand the mission.

To Kylie, gun violence prevention is personal as she was injured in the Oxford High School shooting. She believes that the problem all comes down to guns, and how easily accessible they are. She wants to advocate for things such as safe storage laws, magazine limits, background checks, and an assault-weapons ban. 

Skylar's best friend Madisyn passed away in the shooting that took place at Oxford High School, and three of my best friends have gone through shootings at Oxford High School and  MSU. Skylar wants to help make sure no one else's loved ones have to go through something like that. 

Gun violence prevention advocacy is important to Macy as a student of Michigan State University, as her campus was directly affected by gun violence. Gun violence prevention is also important to Macy because the high school she attended had a serious gun violence threat which led to stress within her immediate community. 

Emma is passionate about gun violence prevention advocacy because she has been personally impacted by gun violence herself and firmly believes in working to protect our future generations so they never have to experience what she went through. 

Growing up hearing about firearms being used in schools just like hers has been a terrifying reality for Melaina's whole life. Kids should not live in terror for their own lives and for the lives of their friends. This fear that looms in every school in our country is the biggest reason that preventing gun violence is important to Melaina.

Gun violence spreads rapidly in Cameron's community. As a 19 year old he lost many family and friends due to senseless gun violence. The aftermath of death and injury due to gun violence leaves a mental strain on the family members affected. Growing up, Cameron often felt a sense of hopelessness as wanted to make a difference. To Cameron, it's important to prevent and educate the public to help avert future incidents from occurring, saving many lives.   
 

Jenna wants to work in gun violence prevention because she wants to create a world in which people aren't afraid to go to schools or live their lives. Being from Texas, the shooting at Uvalde continued to prove to her that we need societal and legislative change. 

Haley has had nightmares about school shootings since she was 13. She doesn't like the idea of children or college students attending school and there constantly being a possibility that they could experience so much loss just by attending class. 

Ava wanted to get involved with gun violence prevention after the shooting at Michigan State University in her freshman year of college. She wants the chance to speak to legislators to advocate for gun violence prevention.

Gun violence prevention is incredibly important to Meghan because the US is the outlier country when it comes to gun violence. With averaging over one mass shopping a day, an unfathomable amount of school shootings, and more guns than people, this crisis needs to be addressed. Meghan believes that her generation can and will make positive change — especially in our legislative system.  

Hope’s home state of Florida has seen far too many mass shootings. She finds herself wondering when her legislators will realize that gun violence is one of, if not the greatest threats to Floridians. Hope joins the Youth Advocacy Program because she wants to take bold action legislators cannot ignore any longer.

Jessica has been interested in gun violence prevention ever since her brother got his first gun. After the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting in 2018, Jessica’s beliefs about gun reform became solidified. With the second election of Donald Trump, she knows speaking out for gun violence prevention is more important than ever. 

Raven is passionate about gun violence prevention because it can save lives, improve health, and reduce the risk of injury. Like too many others, Raven has lived in communities where many lives were taken by gun violence, and has seen firsthand its devastation. She wants to use her voice to make sure no one else witnesses it.

Alyson is passionate about gun violence prevention because they believe no one should have to live in fear of being shot on a day-to-day basis, especially in schools or any other sensitive areas.

Joshua knows that we need to lobby Florida state and federal officials to support an assault weapons ban, prevent the selling of ghost guns, and permanently end the gun show loophole. He also believes we need to fund mental health and encourage gun safety, like safe storage. 

As a high school student, Hannah is aware of the dangers that gun violence presents to her and her peers, especially during lockdown drills. With recent talk of repealing Florida's Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) and allowing the purchase of firearms without a background check, it has only strengthened Hannah’s passion for gun violence prevention. 

Ian’s passion for gun violence prevention is drawn from the mass shootings in schools, churches, mosques, synagogues, and community centers that have become all too common across the country. He is particularly invested in universal background checks for all registered firearm owners, assault weapons bans, and firearm buyback programs of banned firearms.

Leonie knows that gun violence prevention is crucial because it directly impacts public safety. Too many lives are forever changed due to preventable firearm-related incidents. That is why she wants to help reinstate a permit to conceal carry in Florida. 

As a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Alexis is deeply passionate about gun violence prevention. Despite not being in High School during the shooting itself, her entire town was severely impacted by the devastating loss. Since then, she has dedicated her time to fighting for gun violence prevention, especially stricter background checks. 

Xavier wants to fight for gun violence prevention because he believes that everyone deserves the right to feel safe in their schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. He is interested in policies such as universal background checks, red flag laws, and expanded mental health services. 

Alexandra has had a passion for gun violence prevention ever since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Having a shooting so close to home had a big impact on her. She would love to be a part of the conversation that finds the middle ground between preserving 2nd Amendment rights and preserving innocent lives. 

Benji is passionate about gun violence prevention because of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old Black teen who was shot and killed and whose shooter claimed self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. In this case, she saw how such laws can justify unnecessary violence and protect shooters from accountability and wants to end police violence and gun violence. 

Erin is passionate about gun violence prevention because she believes no one should be afraid to go to school, a movie, a concert, or anywhere else. As a public health major, she recognizes this as a pressing public health issue in desperate need of reform. She is particularly interested in making universal background checks a federal law. 

Living in Florida has meant that Alicia has been passionate about gun violence prevention for a long time. She is particularly interested in policies to ban assault rifles as a stepping stone for safer communities.

Zahra thinks gun violence prevention is critical because she cares about public safety and the safety of students in schools. She has seen how gun violence is most prevalent in the United States compared to other developed countries and conservative states like Florida have higher rates of mass shootings and is ready to be a part of the generation that ends it.

Like too many students, Kacey knows the fear of gun violence being a student in American schools. She is passionate about gun violence prevention because she wants her little brother to grow up in a place where he doesn’t have to have these same worries. Kacey is most interested in is the lack of required background checks to purchase a gun in Florida. 

Peyton is passionate about gun violence prevention because gun violence is an ever increasing issue here in the United States that predominantly affects people of color and other marginalized groups. As a person of color, she believes we must also address systemic discrimination to prevent gun violence and policies like "stand your ground" laws.

Aleasandra is passionate about gun violence prevention because she can not celebrate Valentine's Day without remembering her friend who lost her life in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. And she will forever remember how, not even five years after the shooting, Florida’s congress and Governor Desantis rolled back gun violence prevention and signed the permitless carry bill into law. 

As a member of the Team ENOUGH Florida Youth Advocacy Training Program, Amanda has long been interested in gun violence prevention. She is particularly interested in expanding background checks and ending “stand your ground” laws and permitless carry, as these laws further exacerbate gun violence. 

Hannah knows that despite countless legislative initiatives, protests, civil disputes, etc., Americans still face a very serious issue of gun violence. She is most passionate about banning assault weapons, which have been used to devastate our communities and our schools. 

Gun violence prevention is deeply personal to Claudia. She went to high school near Marjory Stoneman Douglas and has seen the impact of that tragedy on her community. Claudia is especially interested in policies like universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and community violence intervention programs. 

Adam is passionate about gun violence because he has seen the impact guns have on society. He hopes to be part of the generation that finally ends gun violence.

Ari knows, like far too many other students in America, the reality of gun violence. In the aftermath of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, where he knew one of the victims, his own school received threats of shootings. He fights for gun violence prevention because no child or teenager should have to worry about their safety at school. 

Malek is passionate about gun violence because it has directly impacted his community. Growing up in the public school system in Orlando FL, he was witness to countless threats and close calls. Malek is particularly interested in the federal assault weapons ban and stopping legislators from arming teachers.

As a progressive gun owner in the state of Florida, Benjamin knows the need for proper training, use, and storage of firearms. He believes through proper checks and assistance programs for understanding firearms, safe storage, and background checks we can limit death and injury. 

Roberth is passionate about gun violence prevention because it saves lives and creates safer communities. He is especially interested in policies promoting universal background checks and responsible gun ownership.

Juan is most passionate about how gun violence prevention can prevent unnecessary suffering for our nation's youth. He is interested in policies that increase the safety of our schools and youth environment such as safe storage policies and closing loopholes that allow guns to enter in the hands of young Americans.

Mattea is passionate about fighting for universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders, dismantling Stand Your Ground laws prominent in states like Alabama and Florida, and establishing waiting periods. Gun violence prevention is important to Mattea so she can ensure that her family, friends, and community are safe.

As a health researcher focused on the intersections of health and medicine with housing, homelessness, and immigration, Matt has seen the impact of gun violence on housing, immigration, and vulnerable communities. Matt has also come to this work in honor of one of his friends who was murdered in a hate crime in high school.

Riley wants to join the gun violence prevention movement to fight for waiting periods, universal background checks, and access to mental health resources and prevention programs. He is focused on addressing the root causes of gun violence and building a safer future.

James is most passionate about ending firearm trafficking and ghost guns. As a Californian, he has seen how his state’s strong gun laws are undermined by guns from other states with lax gun laws flowing into his state. James is also interested in the legal side of gun violence prevention, specifically, creative, innovative ways to go after the gun lobby. 

Brianna is interested in focusing on how gun violence has impacted education and preventing school shootings. She is particularly passionate about fighting for universal background checks.

As a young mom, Dhaksha is dedicated to gun violence prevention. Her greatest fear is losing her son in a gun violence activity that took place in a school. She wants to fight to be the generation that ends gun violence for the sake of her son.

By joining Team ENOUGH, Ethan hopes to take a step forward in ending gun violence in his community. He is especially interested in fighting for safe storage laws because of the experiences of people he knows mishandling firearms and his desire to help end family fire.

Colby is passionate about reducing gun violence because young people like him should not have to live in fear. He is particularly interested in safe storage and strengthening background checks.

As a member of the lockdown generation, Sofia is dedicated to ending gun violence and school shootings once and for all. She has created a town hall during my internship with San Diego County on gun violence, spoke in support of a bill at a San Diego Unified School Board meeting, and marched alongside my United States Representative. 

Mannat is most passionate about legislative reform, community-based solutions, and treating gun violence as a public health issue. Preventing gun violence matters to Mannat because she hopes to be part of the movement that creates lasting change and finally ends gun violence.

Julia understands gun violence as a complex, intersectional issue that we need to address at the root causes. She is passionate about universal background checks, safe storage, and changing the gun industry to hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable. She wants to use her voice to advocate for proactive and preventive measures.

Caroline is passionate about fighting gun violence as it is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. She is particularly focused on restricting easy access to automatic weapons, safe storage laws, and preventing firearm suicide. 

Sahana is passionate about gun violence prevention and mental health support. She believes in education around firearms, safe storage, universal background checks, and mental health access. She is ready to fight for systematic change to end the gun violence epidemic.

Corrie is passionate about preventing school shootings because she’s seen how much they affect all of those involved, including teachers, students, families, and other community members. She wants to be a part of something that can help prevent gun violence across the world.

Gun violence prevention is important to Julisa because it endangers so many communities. She wants to make sure no one else has to live in fear of being shot.

Janiah wants to fight for gun violence prevention because she is tired of seeing people get hurt or killed. She wants to be part of the generation that ends gun violence.

Gun violence prevention is important to Ankkita because it deeply impacts so many communities. She is passionate about closing background check loopholes, effective pursuing of red flag laws, and laws that don't allow domestic abusers and violent individuals access to firearms. 

As teenagers and high school students, Haley knows that she and her classmates should not have to plan hypothetical escape routes in the event of a mass shooting. They should be able to attend school and concerts and movies without being afraid. Haley wants to fight so that her generation is the one that finally ends gun violence.

Elmar is passionate about addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as ensuring better access to mental health care, creating stronger background checks, and implementing regulations on gun ownership. Elmar wants to help create a future where no one has to live in fear of gun violence.

Meha is passionate about increased investment in mental health care and programs that focus on the root cause of gun violence prevention. To her, gun violence prevention is important because of how it has affected her family and community. Meha wants to take action to end the gun violence epidemic.

Lynn is ready to be a part of the generation that ends gun violence. She is particularly interested in research about personal experiences with gun violence and activism.

Gun violence prevention is a deeply important and personal issue for Aya. Last year, her Jewish community in Los Angeles experienced a tragic act of gun violence when a shooter targeted and injured two men in an antisemitic hate crime. Aya believes that implementing legislative measures, such as stronger background checks, red flag laws, and gun industry liability reforms, is essential to building a future where no one has to live in fear. 

Bryce has known many high school classmates who have been affected by gun violence. But now, he wants to turn his anger into action so no one else has to worry about their friend being shot on the way home from school. He is ready to meet with legislators who have the power to change the laws to end gun violence.

Gun violence prevention is important to Jillian in many ways, especially when it comes to the danger of domestic violence and firearms. Jillian has also been on lockdown in schools 3 times due to an active threat or firearm on campus. She knows how gun violence has touched the lives of every student in the United States and feels it is one of the most important issues.

Time and time again, Sarah has seen how gun violence and school shootings have devastated communities across the country. She says that enough is ENOUGH. Gun violence prevention is so important to Sarah because she does not want her younger sister, nor any other student, to share these same tragedies and fears.  

After interning with his mayor, Nick Shultz of Burbank, CA, Max got a taste of the power of on-the-ground advocacy and practicable, progressive policymaking. That was at the local level. Now, he is ready to go national and fight for gun violence prevention.

Carys has always been passionate about gun violence prevention, especially as a family member of survivors and victims. A Team ENOUGh youth advocacy trainer and a March For Our Lives Coordinator for Mayland, Carys has a lot of experience fighting for gun violence prevention.

Lannon was a freshman in high school when the Parkland shooting took place, and it affected her tremendously. As a student, and with educators for parents, she was and is appalled at the prevalence of gun violence in schools. Lannon is ready to fight to end all aspects of gun violence including banning assault weapons, ending police violence, and fighting for racial justice.

Gena is passionate about preventing gun violence because it takes the lives of many in her community and because we all deserve the chance to live without the fear of gun violence.

Through her Krav Maga training, Eshanya has walked through many scenarios involving firearms and has gained a profound understanding of the real dangers posed by firearms. Gun violence prevention is important to Eshanya because she recognizes the urgency of addressing these dangers at their root.

In his work for Amnesty International as a door-to-door canvasser, Asher got to learn directly how gun violence had affected people in his community. He is passionate about gun violence prevention because he knows we can solve this epidemic. He is interested in universal background checks, red flag laws, and banning assault rifles. 

Gun violence prevention work is important to Waverly because her home state, Iowa, has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the country. Throughout her schooling, Waverly has been through several school lockdowns. Now, Waverly is ready to be part of the generation that ends gun violence. 

In her sophomore year of high school, Tanvi helped start a local chapter for Students Demand Action (SDA). What started as a passion project became personal when she lost a close family friend to suicide who had been in the process of purchasing a handgun. Now, Tanvi works tirelessly to prevent gun violence and firearm suicide.

Gun violence is important to Caitlyn because she knows that no one should have to live in fear of being shot. Having to practice lockdown drills and plan what to do if an individual ever tried to attack made going to school terrifying. No one deserves to be in that position. Enough is enough.

Gun Violence is important to Anika because, as a D.C. resident, she’s witnessed how it impacts her community firsthand. In D.C., gun violence doesn't just harm individuals, it creates widespread trauma, overwhelms local healthcare systems, hinders public health progress, and disproportionately impacts underserved communities.

Gun violence prevention work is deeply important to Guila because when she moved to the US as a child, she remembers being taught to hide in the corner of the classroom and remain silent during active shooter drills. It was a terrifying realization that students here have to practice for that reality. She wants to fight so that no other student has to experience gun violence in their schools again.

Being Haitian and having family in Florida, Carmaniola knows what it is like to watch the news and hope her family is safe. She is committed to gun violence prevention so she can protect her cousins from ever having to experience that fear and so that she can make a difference for them.

Sebastian wants to be a part of the generation that ends gun violence. School shootings should never be the norm in our country, and he wants to use his voice to finally end the gun violence epidemic.

Gun violence prevention is important to Olivia because it directly impacts the safety, security, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Olivia has experience conducting in-depth research on rates of gun violence in Washington, D.C., focusing on identifying correlations between gun violence and systemic factors. 

Gun violence prevention is deeply important due to Ming Tso because it has a deep impact on individuals, families, and communities across the nation. By engaging in gun violence prevention work, he hopes to create safer environments, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and marginalized communities. 

Tyler is dedicated to gun violence prevention in honor of the kids who never got to grow up. She became passionate about this in the aftermath of Sandy Hook and today is the president of Team ENOUGH at VCU. 

As a native Washingtonian, Selina has been directly affected by gun violence. No one should have to fear for their lives while at coffee shops, recreation centers, and community events. She currently works for The TRIGGER Project DC and is a Violence Prevention Specialist/Youth Organizer/Peer Support Specialist.

Elliot went to his first gun violence prevention rally at 8 years old. Listening to kids not much older than him was eye-opening and made him want to be a part of the generation that ends gun violence. He wants to hold the gun industry accountable for its role in fueling this problem, advocate on the issue, and ensure that other children can grow up feeling safe. 

As a high school student in Montgomery County, Sonika has grown up in an environment where lock drills are routine procedures and the fear of shootings is very real. Gun violence prevention is important to Sonika because no one should have to live in fear of losing their life. 

Aparna wants to ensure that future generations do not know the fear of lockdowns and school shootings. She has worked in gun violence prevention and lobbied for a Maryland bill (HB416 / SB432) regarding Active Shooter Drill Trainings and Requirements and connected and discussed with local county officials who work to mitigate this growing crisis.

Ellie grew up in a very rural area, with a large hunting culture. Gun violence prevention is important to her because knowledge of how to safely store guns and prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands is the best way to protect communities like hers from gun violence.

Through lockdown drills, threats to his school, and the constant barrage of tragic headlines, gun violence has shaped Michael’s educational experience in ways that no student should have to endure. Now, he wants to join in the fight to end gun violence for generations to come.

Gun violence is not just a policy issue to Stella; it is a people issue and a public health crisis. She is passionate about ending firearm trafficking and ghost guns and strengthening background checks. Stella has been working with Brady for the past few months, creating a new chapter at UVA for Team ENOUGH.