Join the youth advisory council!

The YAC aims to increase the level of transparency across our organization, center the voices of participants, and ensure those voices are heard at the policy table and to develop, amplify and celebrate emerging leaders who want to influence decision-making at Girl Be Heard. 

Act as a gateway to sharing power in decision-making with participants and to addressing challenges in real time.

It is important to hear feedback directly from those most impacted by our work and allow participants an opportunity to share their valued opinion. With the use of the YAC voices, we can implement best-practices that are backed and supported by our participants.

The Youth Advisory Council supports participants allowing them to voice what they would like to see at GBH!

We have been working hard behind the scenes over the past year to establish the Girl Be Heard Youth Advisory Council (YAC).  

The goal of the Council is to ensure program participants’ voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and ideas are brought to life. The YAC is currently co-chaired by GBH alumn Jael Charles, and Iqra Shafiq, with support from Kate Byrne, GBH’s Co-Director of Education.

Composed of a diverse group of alumni, the YAC are able to:

• Advise Girl Be Heard in all matters related to programming and carrying out the mission -- from Sunday workshops and our after school programs to our gala.

• Help plan outings for the Committee on Fun.

• Receive a budget for community gatherings (be it a movie screening or trip to Great Adventure).

• Enjoy refreshments at all meetings.

• Be provided MetroCards for transportation.

• Most importantly, represent participants in decision-making beyond the staff level, two Youth Advisory Council representatives serve on Girl Be Heard's Board of Directors.

• And so much more!