Steering Committee
If you would like to join the Steering Committee, click here to apply!
Student Video: Sierra Aponte-Clarke, Shruti Joshi, Emma Haims | music by: www.bensound.com
Meet our Youth Steering Committee:
Olivia Therrien
Mia Haley
Hi I am Mia Haley. I am a junior at Waynflete and a citizen of South Portland. I learned about the steering committee during New England's youth identity summit where I attended a youth work makes the booths work, work shop. I am very passionate about education as someone that has attended both private and public schools. I have seen the education gap in these institutions and believe academic support and attending a higher level of education should be accessible to all. In addition to YMTB I play soccer and row crew. I am the captain of my school speech and debate team. I also participate in model UN.
Frances Herrick
Hi! My name is Olivia Therrien, and I’m a senior at Waynflete School in Portland, Maine. I’m a member of Great Bay's competitive rowing team and a captain of Waynflete's competitive swim team. I’m an Election Worker in my hometown of Kennebunk and I also support local campaigns for candidates who run for School Board and Select Board. I learned about Youthwork Makes the Boothwork (YMTB) through the New England Youth Identity Summit (NEYIS) where I serve on the Planning Committee. During my time with YMTB, I've been involved in outreach initiatives, including public speaking engagements, aimed at increasing student participation and fostering greater involvement in the electoral process. Additionally, I've built strong connections with election officials, facilitating collaboration between the YMTB Team and government officials throughout our communities. It's crucial to empower youth voters with knowledge about our democratic system, equipping the next generation to be educated on contemporary societal issues. If you're passionate about democracy and boosting youth voter turnout in Maine, consider joining Youthwork Makes the Boothwork — your involvement can make a significant difference! If you’re interested in learning more about the organization, find me on Instagram @livtherrien.
_heic.png)
Hi! I am Frances Herrick, and I’m currently a sophomore at Mt. Ararat. I row at Waynflete and have been doing ballet since I was three. I learned about Youth Work Makes the Booth Work through school and friends who were involved, I have been interested in how voting works and the poll system since I was young. YMTB caught my attention because I have been looking at opportunities to get more involved and informed about how our country’s voting system works. I believe that everyone should be able to be educated about their choices and how our country’s system works, this process starts with youth voters who are and/or currently voting. I also participate in my school’s Speech, Debate, and MUN team.
Gianna Barbieri
Hi, my name is Gianna Barbieri, and I am a senior at Waynflete School as well as a resident of Cape Elizabeth. In my free time I enjoy knitting, playing soccer, and going to the beach. Throughout my teenage years, I have felt a deep passion for political engagement and community involvement. I have been involved with youth-led civic organizations such as the League of Women Voters Youth Council, in which I have learned the importance of being involved in democracy. I believe that everyone should have a place in civic participation, especially in regards to our upcoming presidential election, and I am working with YMTB to ensure just that.
Tula Roberts-Fishman
Hi! My name is Tula Roberts-Fishman and I am a Junior at Waynflete High School. At my school I am involved in student government, stage crew, and science olympiad. During the weekends, I work part time at a sustainable clothing store, but during my free time I love to surf, ski, and play music. I learned about “Youthwork Makes the Boothwork” (YMTB) through my involvement with the “Can We? Project”, an organization that helps to connect students across political boundaries to engage in productive and meaningful dialogue and political discourse. I have been passionate about politics since I was young, but highschool has presented me with more opportunities to delve deeper into that interest through classes and extracurricular activities. As a member of the “Can We? Project” I have been able to listen to the differing needs, struggles, and perspectives of communities and students across Maine. On a smaller scale, as a representative in my school's student government I have been able to take a closer look at the needs of my own school community. I find an immense amount of value in staying involved in your community and knowing what it needs whether that be socially, economically, or politically. I am excited to connect with YMTB because this organization works to uplift student voices and provide them with the resources they need to stay politically involved in their communities.