Four years ago, we made a big bet as an organization to center youth voice and leadership as part of our strategy. At that time, a youth health leader launched our first-ever Youth Advisory Board. Over the years, we've had exceptional leaders inspire their peers, lead statewide conversations and impact their communities. As we enter the season of gratitude and reflection, we wanted to share some updates on where these phenomenal leaders are now, and how their experience with HealthMPowers helped shape who they are today. First up: Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila. When Álvaro moved to Georgia from Colombia in 2022, he played soccer and spent his free time at the gym. But he noticed that many of his friends and family weren’t as active, and that his friends had their own ideas about why. That curiosity led him to HealthMPowers. He joined YAB with a simple goal: to make healthy living feel “attainable rather than overwhelming,” so other young people could “take that first step with confidence.” By his senior year, he was co-chair. In 2025, Álvaro received the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network’s Rising Star Award, which recognizes outstanding youth leaders in afterschool and youth development programs. Today he’s a sophomore at Georgia Tech. “The Youth Advisory Board was the experience where I learned the most about the world and myself.” Fun fact: Alvaro just earned his IISE Lean Six Sigma Green Belt! Over the next few weeks, you’ll meet more YAB alumni. Share their story, be inspired and join us in cheering them on!