My name is Summer ‘Massu, Abuzunaq’ Sagoonick, I am 16 years old. I am Inupiaq and live in Unalakleet, AK, which is part of the Bering Straits Region. I love to rod and reel fish, travel the world, pick berries, and participate in all sports (basketball, volleyball, x-country running, skiing, Native Youth Olympics). Being outdoors is my favorite activity. I am passionate about my culture, our land, and subsistence way of life.
I joined AYEA this past year and it has honestly been a very perspective-altering experience for me – it combines my passion for the outdoors with my love for working with people and taking action. I am the youth representative on the board of directors for Skiku, a nonprofit that seeks to develop sustainable ski programs in the rural villages as a means to prevent many of the prevalent health challenges. I work both in town to further develop and expand the program as well as spending multiple weeks in the villages teaching kids to ski and working with community leaders to develop sustainable ski programs.
Hi, my name is Leonardo and I am 16 years old. I am from Chevak, Alaska. I like to play basketball and play video games, and hang out with friends.
I’m from anchorage Alaska. In my free time I like to hike and study the plants that I see. I am most concerned about global warming and invasive plants outside their rightful habitat.
My name is Kaytlyn Kelly and I am currently a Senior at Colony High School. I’ve been in AYEA since my freshman year now and am ecstatic be returning this year as a youth organizer. Aside from AYEA, I’m very involved in my community through school and other volunteer work. I look forward to meeting all the new faces at this year’s Summit and seeing the familiar ones again.
Hi, my name is Kyrstyn Kelly, I currently attend Colony High School as a senior. I love being outside, some of my favorite activities include hiking and skiing. I’m very engaged within my community and I participate in sports and volunteer frequently. I attended both AYEA’s Civics and Conservation and Youth Organizing summit last year, and I look forward to seeing what this year’s Summit will bring.
Sofia is an active member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, and is passionate about working with teens on issues related to climate change and the environment. She has worked on habitat restoration and resource monitoring efforts in Prince William Sound and the Chugach National Forest, as well as salmon habitat restoration through the Student Conservation Association. She has also worked with researchers at the University of Alaska to investigate the effects of plastics on seabirds in the Aleutians. She’s excited to be AYEA’s Fundraising Intern this fall.
My name is James Vuong and I am from Unalaska. I am a member of the Unalaska City School’s AYEA Club, participated in the Alaska Regional Tsunami Bowl, play basketball, run cross country, a part my school’s student council, and play the baritone/euphonium.
I am an artist, an activist, and an avid supporter of authentic expression. I believe in promoting equality, healthy living, and conservation. Growing up in Alaska’s unique wilderness has taught me the importance of protecting the world around us and acknowledging our impact on the environment. As an activist for social justice, animal protection, and environmental preservation, I am constantly seeking new information about how to improve the world around us. I believe engaging new perspectives is an integral part of effective advocacy, and I look forward to learning from the experiences of other Alaskan youth leaders.
Karl is a 16 year old teen from Seward Alaska. He has been involved in the environment for a few years through the National Park Service as well as AYEA. He is dedicated and passionate about helping save the earth and the beautiful landscape of Alaska. In my free time I love to bike, run, ski, and play music.
I’m an active member of BAYEA (Barrow Alaska Youth for Environmental Action). I participated in the schools drama club for the past few years, and I’ve gone to GeoForce for the past 2 years.
I’m from Soldotna Alaska, and I’m in my sophomore year of high school. I participate in cross-country running, and skiing so I spend a large part of my time outdoors which has shown me the beauty of Alaska, and how much we need to preserve it.
I am from Chevak, Alaska. During my free time I like to help out on my family and friends.
Hi! My name is Ana Stringer and I currently attend Barrow High School in Utqiagvik. There, I serve as student body president and enjoy extracurricular activities such as volleyball and clarinet-playing. I am passionate about the many environmental issues that currently face my region, and I hope to return to Utqiagvik as an environmental scientist after my college years.
I was born in Harrisburg, PA. I moved to Alaska about 6 years ago. I like to help my mom with her jobs with the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society at Salmonfest and with the Kenai Peninsula Fair. I also like to cook and watch Netflix. I am passionate about helping cold, sick, starving homeless or LGBTQ people. Give me a topic to fight for or against, and I will do it.
I am originally from Lexington, Kentucky and moved to Anchorage three years ago. I enjoy playing piano, downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, and biking. I believe that we should focus on educating the public on how important it is to take care of the environment and protect species that are currently being harmed so they can maintain the balance of nature.
Hey I’m Kaitlyn and I’m a youth trainer. I’m a sophomore from Barrow and this is my fourth summit. Can’t wait to see all of you!
Hi! I’m 17 years old and a senior at Soldotna High School.I live in Sterling, a town situated in the middle of the beautiful Kenai Peninsula. Nature plays in a huge role in my life because I love to XC run and ski. I also I love to teach and learn about Alaska’s government because politics is another one of my passions. I love watching “House of Cards” or “The West Wing,” and if you’re looking for some good short stories “The Night in Question” by Tobias Wolff is one of my favorite collections. I look forward to getting know all of the new delegates this year, and I can’t wait for another awesome Youth Organizer Summit!
I am an 18 year old high school student from Unalaska. I am participating in AYEA’s Youth Organizing Summit because I want to get involved in the political process. I enjoy playing basketball, traveling, and spending time with friends.