Elena Meves (Dir.)
Elena Meves is a junior at Mayo High School and serves as director of the Public Reactions division of Rochester Community Initiative. She is an active student, leading in clubs such as BPA, Debate, Global Affairs, Student School Board, Student Government, and more. While serving on the Mayor’s Youth Council, she has voiced opinions of underrepresented youth while learning about diplomatic affairs. Elena is also a proud senior member of the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota, who tour both domestically and internationally. Her interests have taken her abroad, as well, as she partakes in educating low-income children in countries such as Georgia, her mother’s homeland. Rochester Community Initiative serves as a creative outlet and encouraging space for Elena to help further her community whilst producing a lasting, positive impact.
Juliann Yao
Juliann is a current sophomore at Mayo High School, where she participates in the Mayo Orchestra and is a representative on Mayo's Student Government. She is also a part of SEMYO (Southeastern MN Youth Orchestras), Mayo Girls Swim and Dive, and Mayo Debate, and is active in the community as she volunteers with Mayo Clinic. Juliann values the importance of young people collaborating to inspire positive change and advocating for those who are under-represented or don't feel seen or heard. Lastly, Juliann likes to watch sunsets, make pancakes and eggs, and take an overwhelming large amount of pictures to the point where she's still figuring out how to fix her storage problem on her phone!
Sofia Haakenson
Sofia Haakenson is currently a Senior at Mayo High School. She is currently the Executive Student Body President, Co-Editor for Yearbook, and a TOPS Peer Supporter. She was also a three year captain for the Mayo High School Varsity team and was on the team for five years. She loves to be involved and get involved to know what’s going on and how she can help make her school and community better. She is looking forward to attending a University and studying pre-physical therapy or pre-med.
Maddie Banks
Maddie is a junior at Mayo High School, and is a member of public relations. Maddie has a passion to create change around her, focusing her advocation on women’s rights and climate change. Maddie’s passions are expressed through activities within her community and clubs at her school such as Empowher and Environmental Action.
Farah Salama
Farah Salama is a senior at Mayo High School. She is passionate about creating positive change in my community and serving underrepresented demographics. In addition to her involvement with RCI, she is also a part of Student Government, Mayo Clinic Volunteering, Track, and many more activities.
Nandini Iyer
Nandini Iyer is a junior 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.