Elena Meves
Elena Meves, a senior at Mayo High School, is Executive Director of Rochester Community Initiative (RCI). An active honor roll student, Elena leads in clubs including but not limited to Debate, Global Affairs, and Student Government. In addition, Elena is passionate about representing underprivileged youth through various pursuits outside of an academic setting, taking her as far as Georgia, her mother's homeland. Elena also nurtures musical passions and takes pride in being a senior member of the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota. The Rochester Community Initiative serves as a vessel for impactful, enduring change within her community.
Morgan Morey
Morgan Morey is a dedicated senior at Century High School, serving as the Education Director for Rochester Community Initiative. With a passion for peer-led education and mentorship, she aims to inspire new generations of leaders. Morgan thrives in a collaborative environment and finds joy in working with fellow passionate youth. Her leadership extends to her Student Government as Student Body President and captain of her Track and Cross Country teams. By co-developing the peer-mentorship program RCI Reads, Morgan has enthusiastically encouraged empathy as the foundation of lasting change within the Rochester Community and beyond.
Saumya Dubey
Saumya Dubey is a student at Mayo High School. Her leadership stretches through multiple clubs, she is the Vice President of Key Club, while also being involved in Mayo Student Government, Mayo Honors Society, Mayo Global Affairs, Mayo UNICEF Club, Mayo Equity Team, and Rochester-Olmsted Youth Council. She also has been playing soccer since she was young, playing both for Minnesota Rush and Mayo Girls Soccer. She enjoys giving back to her community through volunteering and also believes that educating the next generation of students is extremely important for our future.
Amelia Decker
Amelia is currently a senior at Mayo High School and co-director of RCI's Logistics Committee. Their community involvement and leadership extends to Student School Board, Environmental Action Committee, and Mayo Honors Society. Through their position as vice president of Mayo Student School Board, Amelia collaborates with students, administrators, and RPS school board members to create a more equitable school environment by tackling issues such as mental health resources and inclusivity. Amelia is passionate about empowering other youth to similarly take action for positive change and create enduring solutions.
Anousha Mozammel
Anousha Mozammel is a junior at Century High School and co-director of RCI's Logistics Committee. Her main academic interests include heavy involvement in public speaking activities such as Speech and Debate, as well as being the Junior Class President in Student Government. Anousha enjoys youth advocacy and involvement in not only school, but also for the betterment of the Rochester community. Outside of school, she also enjoys her time on the Girls Volleyball Team and plays the piano.
Juliann Yao
Juliann is a current junior at Mayo High School, where she is a violinist in the Mayo Orchestra and SEMYO (Southeastern MN Youth Orchestras). She is a representative on Mayo's Student Government, will serve as captain of the Mayo Girls Swim and Dive team, and is a member of the Mayo Debate and Speech team. She also enjoys staying active in the community by volunteering with the Mayo Clinic. Juliann values the importance of young people collaborating to inspire positive change and advocating for those who are underrepresented or don't feel seen or heard. Adolescent mental health advocacy is also a passion of hers as she strives to help youth maintain a healthy balance between school and extracurricular activities.
Nandini Iyer
Nandini Iyer is a senior at Mayo High School. She is passionate about advocating for mental health in our community. She loves to play tennis and is involved in many clubs. In school, Nandini is in Model UN, UNICEF, Equity Team, and Spanish Club. She is also a part of the Rochester Olmsted Youth Council outside of school.
Gabby Holmes
Gabby is a sophomore at Byron High School. Along with being co-director of RCI's Development Committee, they do theater, robotics, and are president of Byron’s GSA. They also are in their own band and enjoy playing music. Gabby is super excited to start planning events for things they are passionate about and for all the awesome projects RCI will undoubtedly organize.
Maddie Nemergut
Madeleine, a senior at Mayo High School, is dedicated to creating positive change. As co-director of RCI’s Development Committee, she strives to increase economic, educational, and social equity in the greater Rochester area. In the community, Madeleine is on the executive board of Living Room Tutors, a completely free and virtual tutoring service, which eliminates systemic educational barriers for low-income and ESL students. She also enjoys interacting with patients as a Mayo Clinic youth volunteer and teaching members of the Rochester Boys and Girls Club how to swim. At Mayo High School, Madeleine is the president of the Model United Nations Club and a member of the Girls Swim and Dive team. Additionally, she has side passions for Spanish, reading, baking, and solving jigsaw puzzles.