I-Lead Youth is a student-led impact strategy bringing together a diverse group of youth from local public and private high schools. The goal of I-Lead is to empower local youth to identify both the challenges and opportunities of living in our local community – including the topics of public safety, education, workforce readiness, and quality of life.
Students from Mobile-area public, private, and parochial schools contribute their perspectives on critical issues facing Mobile’s youth through a variety of meetings and round-table discussions every year. These conversations equip youth attendees with the leadership and communication skills needed to elevate youth voice, and they engage the broader community across Mobile County in meaningful solutions.
The I-Lead Student Advisory Board, a group of juniors and seniors from area schools, support the ongoing events, meetings, and projects of I-Lead Youth . The Student Advisory Board look forward to launching a series of community action projects based on the ideas and priorities outlined in our Youth Call to Action with the support of community leaders.
Student Advisory Board 2025-2026
Ahja Wilder is a senior at St. Luke’s and has served on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board for two years. She is passionate about preparing young people for their futures and creating opportunities for them to achieve their dreams. Outside of I-Lead, Ahja is a Mobile Azalea Trail Maid, a member of Key Club, and plays basketball. She hopes SAB will give teens in Mobile the space and support to grow and excel.
Anthony Allen, a junior at Murphy High School, is serving his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about preparing young people for the future, he is also active in Kappa League and the NAACP Youth Group. Anthony hopes to help build a more balanced school system in Mobile.
Brady Shirah, a senior at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, is serving his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about preparing students for the future, he is also active in varsity and club soccer, Mu Alpha Theta, and golf. Brady hopes to help SAB create more opportunities that prepare students for life after school.
Caroline Midgette, a senior at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, is serving her second year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about helping students reach their career goals, she is also involved in varsity flag football, student ambassadors, and serves as yearbook editor. Caroline hopes to help build a stronger sense of unity among Mobile’s youth.
Chandler Thomas, a senior at UMS-Wright Preparatory School, is serving her second year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about creating schools where all students feel they belong, she is also involved in volleyball, Bulldog Ambassadors, and the Red Shoe Krewe. Chandler hopes to help ensure students have opportunities to thrive both in school and in the community.
Chris Joseph, an 11th grader at Baker High School, is serving his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about preparing youth for the future, he is also active in the Mobile Kappa League and enjoys community service and skateboarding. Chris hopes to help make Mobile a better city that inspires and empowers future leaders.
Claire Midgette, a junior at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, is serving her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about creating schools where all students feel they belong, she is also involved in flag football, volleyball, and the Student Ambassador Club. Claire hopes to help bring Mobile’s youth together around shared goals that strengthen the community.
Devin Lambert, a senior at CF Vigor High School, is serving his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about creating schools where every student feels they belong, he is also active in the Mobile Kappa League, PEER Helpers, SGA, Student Ambassadors, and 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile. Devin hopes SAB will help make schools more responsive, inclusive, and student-centered.
Hannah Lockett, a junior at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, is serving her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about supporting student mental health, she is also involved in Red Shoe Krewe, church ministries, multiple honor societies, robotics, and varsity basketball and volleyball. Hannah hopes SAB will inspire youth and citizens to build a more united and service-oriented Mobile.
Isabella West, a senior at W.P. Davidson High School, is in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She is passionate about fostering schools where every student feels they belong and thrive. Outside of I-Lead, she is a cheerleader and enjoys time with family and friends.
Jermya Lee is a senior at Baker High School and is serving her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She joined I-Lead because she enjoys representing her peers and community and is most passionate about creating schools where all students feel they belong and can thrive. Outside of I-Lead, Jermya runs track, manages the basketball team, and is active in SWARM Core, National Honor Society, Ambassadors, Key Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Culturama DTO Chapter, and Youth Leadership South. She hopes SAB will make every teen in Mobile feel seen, valued, and supported.
Joanna Ciza, a junior at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, is in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She joined I-Lead to help students navigate challenges she once faced and is especially passionate about ensuring more adults are trained to support student mental health. Outside of I-Lead, Joanna plays club soccer, volunteers at Little Sisters of the Poor, and founded a youth group at her church. She also enjoys golfing and baking in her free time and hopes her work on SAB will help create schools where kids feel happier, healthier, and safe.
Jordyn Davis is a senior at Murphy High School and is serving his second year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. He joined I-Lead to have a voice in decisions that affect students and to help prepare young people for their futures. Outside of I-Lead, Jordyn is the First Vice President of the Mobile Kappa League, a Murphy High School Student Ambassador, and competes in varsity football and track and field. He hopes SAB will create a safer Mobile and inspire students to make positive choices.
Joshua Dinkins, a senior at Accel Academy, is in his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. He joined I-Lead to make a positive difference for teens in Mobile and is passionate about preparing youth for the future of their dreams. Outside of I-Lead, Joshua is running for student body president, represents his school as a student leader, and enjoys taking on new challenges—including flying a plane. He hopes SAB will help create a better future for teens and address key issues across the school system.
Kryston Gwinn, a junior at Accel Academy, is in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She joined I-Lead to grow as a leader, gain new skills, and connect with other students motivated to make a difference. Kryston is especially passionate about creating safe third places where youth can build community and feel supported. Outside of I-Lead, she is a member of the National Honor Society and takes culinary classes at Bishop. She hopes SAB will help provide spaces where children and teens feel safe, connected, and empowered.
Lilly Heller, a junior at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, is in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She joined after discovering the program’s alignment with her goals, especially creating schools where all students feel they belong and can thrive. Outside of I-Lead, Lilly competes in dance, participates in several school service clubs, and serves on the leadership board at Ronald McDonald House. She hopes SAB will inspire students to stay hopeful and never give up on their present or future.
Lula Payne is a senior at St. Paul’s Episcopal School and in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. Passionate about bettering her community and making a positive impact, Lula joined I-Lead to help create schools where all students feel like they belong and can thrive. Outside of I-Lead, she’s involved in Art Club, Apiary Club, Book Club, Distinguished Young Women, Varsity Volleyball, Rutledge Fellows of Philanthropy, and Service Leadership. In her free time, she enjoys volleyball, pickleball, painting, making jewelry, and learning sign language. Lula hopes the Student Advisory Board will inspire more students to lead and help build a welcoming, inclusive community in Mobile.
Mackenzie Conklan, a senior at Davidson High School, is in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She was inspired to join after learning about the program from her school counselor and is passionate about creating schools where every student feels welcome and supported. Outside of I-Lead, Mackenzie is active in NHS, serves as a student ambassador, is a Red Shoe Krewe member, and helped found her school’s Multicultural Club. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering and hopes SAB will make schools more inclusive and empowering for all students.
Madison Guy is a senior at St. Paul’s Episcopal School and is in her second year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She joined I-Lead to make a difference by serving her community and fellow high school students and is most passionate about creating schools where every student feels like they belong and can thrive. Outside of I-Lead, Madison is a peer mentor with Mobile United, a member of Service Leadership and Rutledge Fellows, and serves as a student ambassador for The Social Institute. She also runs her own small business and hopes to help foster community and create safe spaces for youth in Mobile.
Peyton Simon, a senior at Murphy High School, is in his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. He joined I-Lead to help push for change and strengthen the community, and he is especially passionate about creating schools where all students feel they belong and can thrive. Outside of I-Lead, Peyton is a member of Kappa League and participates in various organizations and leadership opportunities. He hopes SAB will bring greater awareness and action around supporting teens’ mental health in Mobile.
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Ryleigh Adams, a junior at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, is in her first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. She joined to help make Mobile a safer community for kids and is especially passionate about creating third places where youth can build connections and feel supported. Outside of I-Lead, Ryleigh serves as class treasurer, is a Rutledge Fellow, and competes on both the swim and basketball teams. She also enjoys horseback riding and playing pickleball and hopes to expand safe spaces where kids can gather free from violence or harmful activities.
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VeMari Chambers-York, a senior at Theodore High School, is in his first year on the I-Lead Student Advisory Board. He joined I-Lead to grow as a leader and make a positive impact in his community, and he is most passionate about creating safe third places and preparing youth for future success. Outside of I-Lead, VeMari plays varsity football and soccer, serves as a student ambassador, and is active in the National Honor Society, Mobile Kappa League, Project Mentor, Junior Leadership Council, the Venture Program, and 251 Teens. He enjoys community service and hopes SAB will bring fresh perspectives and strong leadership to improve Mobile.
