By Tanya Buresh-Werby
Friendship Circle of Virginia’s Inclusive Teen Leadership Board is made up of high school students with and without disabilities from across the Richmond area.
Together, they take leadership roles at all Friendship Circle Birthday Circle and community events. This past year the Teen Leadership Board planned a beautiful event in memory of board member and friend, Alexis Nichols.
Friendship Circle can’t wait to see what these motivated and passionate future leaders accomplish in the year ahead!
The Friendship Circle Inclusive Teen Leadership Board has spearheaded programs, fundraisers, and events for FCVA and makes up an integral part of the organization.
Officers:
President – Maia Zasler, Collegiate, 12th Grade; Vice-President – Alex Heyman, Glen Allen High School, 12th Grade;
Treasurer – Aditi Nair, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, 9th Grade; Social Media Director – Daniel Lim, Freeman High School, 10th Grade
General Board Members:
Anish Gutha, Midlothian High School, 11th Grade; Anvita Gutha, Midlothian High School, 10th Grade; Sophia Howell, Deep Run High School, 12th Grade;
Olivia Johnson, St Catherine’s School, 9th Grade; Sophie Sands, Deep Run High School, 10th Grade; Finn Walter, Saint Christophers School, 9th Grade
Maya Yadin, Shaarei Torah, 9th Grade.
“I have had the pleasure of being a part of FCVA for the past four years,” said Teen Board President, Maia.
“My time on the TLB has helped me develop leadership skills and expand my knowledge and understanding of my community and gives me the opportunity to create lasting connections. Although the coronavirus, for many of us, brought immense mental and physical challenges, I loved being a part of FCVA’s adaptations and upholding the mission of forming friendships (even when we felt furthest apart). This year I look forward to helping facilitate more opportunities for meaningful engagement at in-person events and on social media!”
Vice President, Alex, said “The TLB has been a great experience for me! I have been able to do some amazing things like plan events, recruit others, and promote inclusivity. It has taught and furthered my leadership skills, teamwork, organization, and planning.”
Maya recently joined the Teen Leadership Board this year because she has a 3-year old brother who has disabilities and she hopes that participating will help her understand not only him, but others with his diagnoses. She said she has always had an interest in the disability community and in learning about children through interaction.
FCVA’s Teen Leadership Board is directed by Carolyn Marks O’Donnell, M.A.T., who has 11-years experience as a special educator working with children in K-12. This is Carolyn’s second year directing the Teen Leadership Board.
“This year the Teen Leadership Board is excited to recruit more volunteers, bring the community together, and form long lasting friendships within the community.” We are grateful to Carolyn for her volunteer leadership and guidance.
SAVE THE DATE!
Friendship Circle is excited to announce the dates for our two major upcoming events planned for early 2023! Our annual Charidy campaign that serves as the main funding source for our ongoing programs, will be live for only 36 hours on February 21-22, 2023! Additionally, our 2nd Annual Inclusion Day at the Diamond will be held on May 21, 2023! Keep an eye out for more information on both events in the upcoming months!
To learn more about Friendship Circle and the Teen Leadership Board, visit www.friendshipcircleva.org or email info@friendshipcircleva.org
