The YAC (Youth Advisory Council) is a structured forum for solicitation of input regarding research priorities, protocol vetting, study implantation and discussion of research challenges for youths directly impacted by iTech studies. YAC meetings are also used as an opportunity for education, training and discussion of results and strategies for dissemination of research findings. YAC meetings are held once a month. The Adolescent Trials Network also has a national community advisory board, Youth Experts and Advocates for Health (ATN-YEAH).

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL GOALS

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING TAKEAWAYS

Read the March 2019 Meeting Takeaways here.

Read the February 2019 Meeting Takeaways here.

YAC Members

Jamal Arrington

Jamal Arrington is an avid Ps4 video game player. He was a very successful NBA 2K gamer, but now he plays Destiny mostly. He's a writer/poet, currently working on his first play script and mapping out his first novel. It is his goal to be a New York Times bestseller, Tony Award winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient.

Alejandro (Alex) Fernandez

I am a graduate of the University of South Florida. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Public Health in August 2017. I enjoy painting ceramics and playing video games. I am a movie fanatic and I am always down for the movies and good food. Furthermore, my current aspiration is to try and obtain a Master of Science degree in public health in the field of Environment and Occupational Health. I am currently working as an admin staff member for the OSHA program in the state of Florida.

Kendrick Forte

Kendrick Forte, age 23, is an auditor for the State of North Carolina. He considers himself to be a fun and energetic person, filled of livliness and a passion for mentoring and helping others. Kendrick enjoys watching the news and Jeopardy, as well as dancing, specialty: vogue. Graduating from NC Central University, he wants to take him knowledge of accounting and auditing and teach upon retiring.

Xavier Ramos

Hello! I am Xavier. I live and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. I am a young professional trying to make my mark on the world. I currently work at Chase Bank as a teller in Woodridge, Illinois. I have always been actively engaged in my community so I figured YAC would be another great way to get out and help bring our community closer and more open-minded. My favorite hobby is volleyball and volunteering at my local YMCA.

Mit Trivedi

I’m an international student from India studying Pharmacy and business in Boston. I’m involved in a lot of healthcare related clubs and organizations on campus. Mental health is a topic I’m really passionate about and I work closely with a few organizations to improve the issues related to mental health in India and Boston. Sexual along with mental health is really neglected sometimes and I strive to reduce stigma around it by normalizing it. I’m also a part time photographer and enjoy Photoshop/graphic design. A fun fact about me is that I can tell a complete stranger to draw something and be able to tell them about their life by interpreting the drawing!

Liam Warner-Shifflett

Hello! My name is Liam, and I am from the Atlanta, Georgia area. As a full-time student, I enjoy participating in many of the clubs and honor societies my school has to offer. Although I have not started college yet, I am planning on pursuing a degree in medicine after my undergraduate studies. I joined the YAC because of my interest in public health, my involvement in the LGBT+ community, and my desire to become more connected to current research initiatives.