Empowering Tomorrow: Meet the Visionary 2026 Roots & Shoots Youth Council
Dr. Jane Goodall has always believed that the greatest source of hope for our fragile planet lies in the untapped potential of young people. Through the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program, vibrant youth leaders across more than 75 countries are turning this hopeful vision into a tangible reality. By designing and executing local projects that serve humanity, protect animal welfare, and restore the environment, these students are weaving a powerful global network of change. This interconnected web of impact is being strengthened further by the Roots & Shoots Youth Council (RSYC), a collective dedicated to peer-to-peer mentorship and collaborative action.
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The RSYC is comprised of a diverse group of passionate young leaders from across the United States who have been chosen for their unwavering commitment to community service. These individuals represent the heart and soul of the Roots & Shoots movement, serving as beacons of light in their respective hometowns. The council provides a dedicated space where these changemakers can learn from one another, amplify their unique voices, and scale their local successes to a broader audience. While every person has the capability to make a difference, the RSYC proves that the magnitude of that difference grows exponentially when we choose to work together.
This year, we are incredibly proud to welcome the newest members to the RSYC, many of whom have already spent years dedicating their time to meaningful local initiatives. The council is a dynamic cohort of individuals aged 15 to 22, representing a vast array of backgrounds, skill sets, and personal stories. By gathering such a diverse group of thinkers and doers, we ensure that the Roots & Shoots family remains representative of the communities they serve. Their presence serves as a reminder that age is never a barrier to leadership, especially when passion is aligned with purpose.
Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you. – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Meet the 2026 Roots & Shoots Youth Council
The 2026 council features 36 dedicated youth leaders who are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Aaryan D. is focusing on the circular economy in California, while Adrija K. brings her expertise in STEM education to New Jersey. From Georgia, Anna R. is advocating for youth empowerment and accessibility, and Carolyn H. is working diligently on paper use reduction. Cash D. in Tennessee is focused on freshwater conservation, and Caymus M. is leading community waste reduction efforts in Florida. These diverse projects showcase the breadth of issues that our youth are prepared to tackle for the betterment of the world.
The breadth of impact continues with Charlee C. working on rural sustainability in Alabama and Christian G. focused on youth environmental education in California. David S. is championing immigration advocacy in New York, while Eliana E. explores wildlife education and conservation. Emma H. is utilizing creative arts education in North Carolina, and Esha K. is fighting hunger in New Jersey. In the realm of community needs, Jared L. is improving sports gear accessibility, Jenavive M. is promoting art therapy and ocean conservation in Hawaii, and Joshua O. is addressing the critical issue of diaper poverty in Maryland.
We are also thrilled to support the efforts of Katelyn L. in California with her STEM education projects and Kolleen Y., who is working on office waste reduction. Lauren R. from Connecticut is bridging the gap between food insecurity and climate change, while Loxitawny C. focuses on healthcare accessibility in New Mexico. Marlee C. brings a focus on marine conservation and STEM, whereas Matt M. combines arts education with special needs advocacy. These leaders exemplify the holistic approach of the Roots & Shoots program by addressing both human and environmental needs simultaneously.
Rounding out this inspiring list are Naomi B., who is teaching natural hair appreciation, and Nate T., who is driving climate advocacy in Texas. Nateli S. is leading orca advocacy in Washington, while Oona S. works on environmental policy in New York. Ozi O. focuses on sustainability education, and Preston P. is dedicated to the cause of environmental justice. Ray S. is working on recycling accessibility, Serena D. is promoting sustainable urban development, and Sierra S. is prioritizing earthquake safety and infrastructure in Utah. Each of these individuals represents a unique facet of the global movement toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
The council is further bolstered by the expertise of Sophia Y., who focuses on small business sustainability, and Victoria S., who leads cross-cultural climate advocacy. Will C. is working on vital mangrove restoration, and William T. is focused on coral reef restoration. Yoyo W. provides environmental advocacy leadership, while Zara G. works tirelessly on plastic pollution reduction. We are also honored to welcome back RSYC alumni Jessie W. and Mahir R. as 2026 RSYC Fellows, who will play a crucial role in coordinating our upcoming summits. Finally, Everett N. continues his leadership as the Engagement Coordinator, ensuring that the council’s internal operations remain strong and effective.
The RSYC is much more than a list of names; it is a collaborative engine for social and environmental progress. Members benefit from extensive professional development, including workshops on public speaking, storytelling, and community-mapping, which arm them with the skills needed to lead long-term initiatives. Perhaps even more importantly, the council fosters deep friendships and a sense of shared purpose that sustains these young leaders during challenging times. By participating in virtual meetings and the annual in-person summit in Chicago, they transform from local activists into global citizens. This peer-to-peer mentorship is the cornerstone of their success, allowing them to iterate on their projects based on the experiences of their colleagues.
The mission of Roots & Shoots USA, as part of the Jane Goodall Institute, is to foster deep respect for all living beings and promote an understanding of our diverse cultures. We believe that by empowering young people, we are securing a healthier future for people, other animals, and the planet we share. This program is active in all 50 U.S. states and continues to grow as more young people realize that they have the power to create change. We invite anyone interested in this mission to become a member for free, start their own project, and join this global movement of compassion. Your unique contribution is the missing piece that can help us build a more beautiful world.
As we look forward to the adventures of these 36 leaders in 2026, we encourage you to follow their progress on social media using the hashtag #RSYouthCouncil. Their work, ranging from food drives and water quality testing to habitat restoration, serves as a testament to the fact that hope is not a passive concept, but an active pursuit. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, their courage, and their willingness to step into the role of tomorrow’s leaders today. Witnessing their commitment to the earth gives us all a reason to wake up each morning with renewed optimism. Together, we are creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come, ensuring that the roots of kindness continue to grow and flourish in every corner of the world.
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