PYD Youth Representative

Shinaayo O. serves as the Positive Youth Development Liaison and Member of Let Youth Lead (LYL) – a youth advisory think tank for Waterbury Bridge to Success (BTS) Community Partnership.

In his role, they are responsible for centering young people’s lived experiences and expertise to generate new ideas that push forward the BTS mission & vision to ‘Build, Transform & Sustain’ Waterbury’s children, youth, and families in school, career, and life.

Shinaayo is looking forward to helping youth advocate with Let Youth Lead. It is their vision that young people like him can learn and teach others in the city of Waterbury.

Shinaayo is a Waterbury Public School student. In their spare time, they like to play video games, help others and of course, eat pineapple pizza.

Hear from Shinaayo O.

“I am a part of Let Youth Lead (LYL) to help give shape to schools to ensure that it is a positive environment for youth. I believe we [youth] have the voice, we just have to be loud.”