RCI Operations Officers and Directors are the leaders of RCI who facilitate organization-wide meetings as well as meetings within their respective committees. They work in conjunction with one another to ensure that RCI's mission is consistently being carried out. The leaders keep members on task and direct them in a way that contributes to RCI's overall success.
Dania Amra (OO/EDU)
Outside RCI, Dania is involved in Youth in law, a 501c(3) non-profit where she, as President, helps facilitate mentorships and educates youth on the legal field and public service. She also holds the position of co-director of education for AEDs for Athletes a 501c(3) non-profit that focuses on educating those on CPR, AED usage, and heart health importance. She is passionate in activism and social justice as well as the justice system in terms of the legal field. Dania is also in Mayo Honors Society and works part-time as a server and hostess at Boxcar Hippie.
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Aden Aden (OO/LOG)
Aden Aden, a senior at John Marshall High School, is an Operations Officer and Logistics director for Rochester Community Initiative (RCI). He excels in his academics while serving as an active member of John Marshall’s Student Council, Key Club, Black Student Union, Honor Society, and founder of JM’s Muslim Students Association. Outside of school, Aden leads Olmsted County’s E-Cigarette Prevention Initiative Youth Action Council as its President, working to reduce youth drug-use levels in Southeastern Minnesota. Overall, Aden enjoys utilizing his voice to address issues affecting his community, and hopes to make a positive impact on those around him.
Sasha Ting (EDU)
​Sasha is a senior at Mayo High School. She is involved in many clubs at school, and is co-president of Mayo's Asian American and Women in Science clubs. She is also a captain of the Rochester Rowing Club, and has been a part of the club for 5 years. Through RCI, Sasha hopes to increase environmental awareness and the power of youth voices. In her free time, Sasha loves hiking and being in nature.
Jay Holmes (DEV)
Jay is a senior at Byron High School. He is passionate about gun violence and providing safe spaces for all. As the development director, he hopes to inspire students to use their voices.
Maria Villavicencio (DEV)
Maria Villavicencio Zambrano is a junior at Mayo High School and a Development Co-Director. She is currently also involved as the event coordinator for Equity Team, while also being on Mock Trial, Mayo Girls Swim & Dive, and Youth In Law. She currently works as a lifeguard and concessions worker for Splash Point, and loves to volunteer with the LEAD program and the Rochester Public Library! Outside of school she enjoys reading, playing sudoku, and baking.
Zia Raukar (PR)
Zia is a junior at Mayo High School, where she is involved with activities such as Speech, Debate, Business Professionals of America (BPA), as well as the Swim and Lacrosse teams. Zia enjoys being active in the community as she volunteers at the Rochester Art Center's kids camp and is an e-leader for LPGA Girls Golf, where she works as a volunteer and coach. She is the founder of AEDs for Athletes, a program that educates athletes on life-saving tactics. Zia values equity, mental health advocacy, and diversity. Through her position as PR Director, she hopes to bring Rochester closer together. In her free time, Zia loves spending time with her dogs, golfing with her family, and running.
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Norah Chonis (PR)
​Norah is the co-director of Public Relations, her motivation for taking part in RCI is creating a lasting impact in her community and making sure that youth of Rochester have a platform for share their experiences and unique perspectives. Outside of RCI, Norah is an avid member of the Mayo Clinic volunteer program and the founder and president of her schools Red Cross Club!