YOUNG & TRENDY SPOTLIGHT
Leading the Fight Against Childhood Obesity Founder and CEG (Chief Executive Gardener) of Katie's Krops, her not-for-profit organization. She works hard to feed those most in need by starting vegetable gardens and donating the produce to soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and directly to the needy through Katie's Krops. • Rogelio Barrera Bejarano, 17, from Van Nuys, CA was able to spread awareness on the importance of eating healthy and being active by teaching empowerME4Life, a healthy living curriculum, to two little league soccer teams. Following a nationwide search, the Alliance selected a group of youth ages 8-17 from diverse backgrounds to serve on the Board. These youth leaders are invited to join the Alliance for one year of service based on a combination of factors, including evidence of their passion for living a healthier life and a desire to inspire others to join them.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to address one of the nation’s leading public health threats—childhood obesity. The goal of the Alli‐ ance is to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids nation‐ wide to make healthy lifestyle choices. Founded in 2005 by the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation, the Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference in a child’s health: homes, schools, doctor’s offices, and communities.
2012-2013 Youth Advisory Board
“It is important for youth to have voice in the fight against childhood obesity because we are the ones living it. In order to combat the problem, those who experience the problem must be involved in the solution,” said Mataio Swain a fourteen-year-old from Charlestown, West Virginia who is returning to his second year of service on the Board. The members of the 2012-2013 Youth Advisory Board are:
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Rogelio Bejarano,17, Van Nuys, California Zach Dell, 15, Austin, Texas Guido Dominguez, 12, Miami Beach, Florida Major Dukes, 13, Greensboro, Georgia Jodi Evans, 9, Bowie, Maryland Akansha Jain, 16, Omaha, Nebraska Danyel Jonnson, 11, Sanosteel Tonatchi, New Mexico Bodhi Lovely, 10, Russellville, Arkansas Daniel Muller, 17, Weston, Connecticut Ethan Oro, 14, Menlo Park, California Joe Bear Ortiz, 15, Conifer, Colorado Kyle Ortmeier, 17, Faulkton, South Dakota Ashlyn Pinkins, 16, Gretna, Louisiana Anita Rao, 16, Pearland, Texas Chloe Rosen, 17, Concord, Massachusetts
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Miranda Rosen, 16, Henderson, Nevada Bobby Sena, 9, Orlando, Florida Sarwat Siddiqui, 16, Staten Island, NY Katie Stagllano,13, Summerville, South Carolina Mataio Swain, 14, Charlestown, West Virginia Haile Thomas, 11, Tucson, Arizona Youth leaders, parents, school administrators, teachers and community members all play an important role in inspiring kids to live healthier lives. Visit www.healthiergeneration.org to learn more about the work of the Alliance’s Youth Advisory Board and how anyone can get involved. ■ TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | NOV/DEC 2012
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