Meet Deborah Silva, Class of 2024

Deborah Silva, she/her

Compassionate, Resourceful, Enthusiastic

“If not us, then who? If not now, then when? ”—John Lewis

Deborah Silva, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, was raised by two Brazilian immigrants who instilled in her a deep sense of community and service. Selected as a Project 351 8th Grade Ambassador in 2015, Deborah began her journey in youth-led service and leadership, a path she has passionately pursued ever since. As a first-generation college student, Deborah navigated the challenges of higher education with resilience, immersing herself in language studies, mentoring programs, and community health initiatives. In 2023, Deborah graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University with a major in International Relations and minors in Chinese and Portuguese. Her academic journey not only enriched her understanding of global affairs but also fueled her commitment to grassroots community work. Currently serving as the Youth Outreach and Special Projects Manager for America’s Children's and Families, a national campaign dedicated to fostering civic engagement among Gen-Z, Deborah is dedicated to making service accessible to all. With a vision of promoting culturally sensitive civic education and service learning in communities, Deborah aspires to become a policymaker and advocate who champions inclusive and impactful initiatives.