YOUTH PANELISTS

Steryling Lang is originally from Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army and served in the military for four years, where he obtained his EMT license and was assigned to be a Civil Affairs Medical Sergeant. During his time as a Civil Affairs medic, he was deployed on a humanitarian assistance mission to South America. There he received an accommodation from the ambassador of Guyana and invaluable experience.

Kaylee Spotts is a 25-year-old resident of Westmoreland County and mother to two children, 6-year-old son Nolan and newborn daughter Reyna. She currently works as a server and bartender at the Greensburg Applebee's.

"I’ve lived in Westmoreland County since I was 12 years-old, but grew up in Southern California. Like most areas in CA, I grew up with a lot of diversity. The culture in the area I grew up in placed importance on making a space for everyone to feel comfortable and provide a comfortable place to call home regardless of race, ethnicity, etc. After moving to Westmoreland County at a young age, the culture shock was immediate. The lack of exposure to different cultures was noticed in schools, grocery stores, etc. It was an adjustment period throughout middle school and high school, without being exposed to different cultures on a consistent basis. I plan on raising my children in Westmoreland County, but spend a lot of time wishing my children were being brought up in an environment with more diversity. I hoped my children would grow up seeing diversity as something normal and expected, rather than something special or a spectacle. Working at Applebee's has allowed me to see that diversity is hidden within areas among us. My workplace is supportive and inclusive and feels like a homey environment. As I live my adult life and find these areas where inclusivity and culture is more readily found, I hope it becomes more widespread and able to be experienced by more people."

"Following my time in service, I started at Seton Hill University as a Social Work/Psych student (Class of '24). This is where I developed my passion for community work. I am involved in Project H.O.M.E. (DEI initiative started by our president), Project Hope (community service club), and various other clubs. I am also on the Community Engagement Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters." STERYLING