Yemi Mahmood is a Political Science student at Georgia State University with a strong passion for education, human rights, and policy reform. Currently serving as a community engagement coordinator for Jumpstart, Yemi is dedicated to empowering communities and fostering equity for all. Her commitment to advocacy and educational equity drives her impactful work as she pursues a career at the intersection of law, community engagement, and educational advancement.

Yemi is a proud alumna of the Georgia State University WomenLead program, a 1913 Society Ambassador, an Alight Solutions Scholar, and a Panther Immersion Fellow.

Prisha is a dedicated junior in high school based in Denver, Colorado. She has a strong passion for helping others and has actively worked with numerous organizations that support children. Her commitment to positively impacting her community shines through her involvement and leadership in various initiatives.

Kyla is a junior Journalism major with a focus area in PR and a minor in Korean, attending Georgia State University. Her background in language, photography, and storytelling writing is crucial in promoting greater change in the world. Her experience in public speaking and various leadership roles provides her with the foundation to direct a team of motivated change-makers. Using this range of knowledge and skills allows her to foster harmonious collaboration with a creative, realistic, and productive mindset, prioritizing efficient outcomes. While being able to reach the wider public and highlight important world issues and media news is at the forefront of her mind, she currently serves as the public relations chair in two Georgia State University organizations, cultivating expertise for this goal. She is confident in Raising a Scholar’s potential not only to advocate for a cause as important as equitable early education but also to transform its current state.

“Let’s push forward now to create a path for all children to have the opportunity to flourish in their individual educational pursuits.”

That is what her work aims to convey.

Anum is a Bachelor of Business Administration student at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, blending academic expertise with practical leadership experience. As the Vice President of Financial Oversight at Raising a Scholar, she plays a key role in ensuring the organization's financial stability while advancing its mission to empower underserved students through mentorship.

In addition to her role at Raising a Scholar, Anum serves as the Director of Membership for Panther Consulting Group and the Event Coordinator for GSU’s Pakistani Cultural Club, showcasing her versatility and commitment to community engagement. Her previous experience as an Undergraduate Research Fellow at the Robinson College of Business sharpened her research and analytical skills, further enriching her professional capabilities.

Beyond academics, Anum’s passion for traveling and exploring new cultures broadens her perspective, fostering personal and professional growth. She is deeply motivated by the belief that learning and meaningful connections have the power to drive lasting change.

Salahudeen Gbolahan Ayodeji is a graduate from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. With a strong foundation in communication and media studies, data science, statistics, psychology, research, and writing, Gbolahan sees himself as an “integrated fox”—a term used by Phillip Tetlock to describe polymaths who have backgrounds in an array of disciplines. He is a voracious reader with an eclectic reading taste that straddles psychology, neuroscience, fiction, history, communication, and language—and also writes on the aforementioned subjects. In his pastimes, Gbolahan enjoys watching documentaries and reading editorials, columns, and opinion articles on international politics, science, technology, and history in the local and international media. He also enjoys taking nature walks, listening to insightful podcasts, and also derives pleasure in watching and discussing soccer with peers.

Savannah is a Psychology major at Georgia State University. With a strong commitment to equal opportunity and the betterment of the lives of children everywhere, she joined Raising a Scholar to bring her skills in communication and organization to help the nonprofit achieve its mission seamlessly and effectively.

Beyond her work with Raising a Scholar, Savannah is passionate about advocating for mental health access and increasing diversity in the field of psychology. She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community feel valued and supported by mental health providers who reflect their identities. Savannah enjoys exploring fiber arts through crocheting and knitting. She is also an active member of the Georgia State University Crochet Club, where she shares her creativity with others

Gabrielle is a Political Science major at Georgia State University, actively involved in several campus organizations that promote inclusivity, understanding, and diverse perspectives. With a background in civil service, Gabrielle has gained valuable experience as a tutor and public school instructor, working directly in educational environments. Her time in the school system helped her develop a deep understanding of students’ needs, fueling her commitment to empowering every student. Gabrielle is dedicated to making a positive impact and will go above and beyond to support and uplift students in their educational journey.