Meet the 2026 youthink Fellows Innovating in Adolescent Health
At youthink, we believe young people are essential in creating innovative solutions for adolescent and young adult sexual and reproductive health. Through the youthink Adolescent Health Innovation Fellowship, fellows develop design thinking and innovation skills, work collaboratively in teams, learn from adolescent health experts, and develop new approaches to address important challenges affecting themselves and their peers.
This year, we’re excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of youthink Fellows. Throughout the 7-week fellowship, fellows work in teams focused on 3 areas of adolescent and young adult health:
- Authentic Intelligence is focusing on credible knowledge and information. They’re improving young people’s access to trustworthy, credible, and individualized digital sexual and reproductive health information.
- Beary Midwestern is doing a deep dive into engaging young men. They’re examining ways to make sexual and reproductive health topics feel relevant and approachable, so young men have more confidence and responsibility.
- Consent is Love is exploring decision-making in relationships. They’re enabling young people to apply and practice consent in healthy relationships.
Meet 2026 youthink Fellows and learn more about their teams below.
Authentic Intelligence
Team Members (from left to right): Mia Weller, Makayla Leake, Dayanara Meza, and Phoenix Berry
Photo by MaryJane Joya, courtesy of Las Fotos Project
Mia Weller
Fun Fact: I love public health research (Biostatistics and Epidemiology).
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “refreshing” because of the people I have met. Everyone is so kind and excited about sexual health advocacy. I find this refreshing because of everything going on in the world.
Makayla Leake
Fun Fact: I enjoy my two cats, public health, and watching movies or TV shows.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “empowering” because it has shown me that my ideas and experiences can make a positive impact in adolescent health.
Dayanara Meza
Fun Fact: I enjoy music and singing.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “inspiring” because it has changed my outlook on innovation and my ability to make a change. The fellowship has really broken down the innovation process in a way that feels feasible and has made me feel truly engaged and able to take initiative.
Phoenix Berry
Fun Fact: I enjoy art, and pets.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “enlightening” because it has inspired ways for me to help deepen my knowledge of SRH and find ways to connect with my community in these topics. Not only that but everyone I have met has been amazing and it has been a blast to build community! If I could do this all over again I definitely would!
Beary Midwestern
Team Members (from left to right): Ugonna Egbuchulam, Lazarus Winklepleck, and Avery Causley-Ingram
Photo by Astrid Sanchez, courtesy of Las Fotos Project
Ugonna Egbuchulam
Fun Fact: I enjoy baking and watching Abbot Elementary (TV show).
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “inspiring” because it connected me with other young people who are creating change. Seeing projects grow from small ideas into real initiatives inspired and motivated me, and I’m grateful to youthink for providing the tools and community to do the same.
Lazarus Winklepleck
Fun Fact: I’m a Dungeons and Dragons dungeon master.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “kindle” because I feel like we’re waking up the fire of passion that was in us all along and now, we have to kindle it.
Avery Causley-Ingram
Fun Fact: I enjoy yoga, my cats, and coffee.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “transformative” because it has allowed me the opportunity to grow and develop my skills in unimaginable ways. I believe this program has helped shape me to become a more successful person in all ways, but especially in fields that are critical to young people.
Consent is Love
Team Members (from left to right): Ren Culbreath, Bella Garrett, Sky Persinger, and Cayce James (not pictured)
Photo by MaryJane Joya, courtesy of Las Fotos Project
Ren Culbreath
Fun Fact: I enjoy crocheting.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “invigorating” because it gave me space to develop my career building skills, and connect with others like me…I’ve also been challenged to try new things, work in new ways, and view the world around me differently.
Bella Garrett
Fun Fact: I enjoy chatting about my previous job, good vegetarian meals, and Humboldt County, CA.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “engaging” because I’m learning so much about design thinking while connecting with such bright and inspiring people.
Sky Persinger
Fun Fact: I enjoy dancing, music, animals, nature, and books.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “intentional” because youthink is made up of passionate, driven individuals, and everything they teach and provide is thoughtfully designed to help us succeed.
Cayce James
Fun Fact: I enjoy reading and watching my favorite movies.
If I had to describe my youthink Fellowship experience in one word, it would be “unparalleled” because I’ve never been part of anything that makes me think in such a unique way. I’ve learned different skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.
We’re grateful to welcome these talented young innovators to the youthink Fellowship. We look forward to sharing what they accomplished during their time with us and celebrating their innovation journey.