The United Way of Broward County, Broward Youth Coalition and Fort Lauderdale nonprofit ihustle4change recognized four local outstanding youth for their dedication, contributions and being the driving force to initiate positive change in their schools and their community. Ihustle4change president Daniel Pessin presented each winner with an iPad 5 and framed certificate.
Daniel Pessin said, “All of these students have made a positive impact on their peers and the community. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future!”
The ihustle4change winners
Markel Barreau/Senior at Atlantic Technical High School served Broward Youth Coalition (BYC) as community-based secretary and augmented the organizational structure and success of BYC with his vision and work ethic. Markel was the guiding force behind opening up a BYC in his school and serves as the president of their BYC. Through his leadership, his high school was the most successful school- based BYC during the 2018 academic year. He recruited the most members to a school-based BYC, leading them with maturity and strength.
Nhadya Lawes/Freshman at University of Miami served as the Broward Youth Coalition marketing director. Her incredibly successful management of the BYC Instagram and Snapchat accounts featuring targeted and creative posts have increased BYC’s social media presence with youth. Nhadya serves as strong and positive model for her peers. She is consistently asked to do public speaking events on behalf of United Way of Broward County, the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse and BYC. Those who work with her note her elegance, confidence and maturity as unparalleled.
Chanice Lee/Senior, Home schooled is a natural born activist and wrote and published her first book at the age of 15 entitled, Young Revolutionary: The Teen’s Guide to Activism. Chanice also has a blog called The Melanin Diary which she uses to promote social awareness among black teens through discussion of topics centered on social justice, history and politics. Her passion and mission for educating, inspiring and empowering others, shows in everything she undertakes and accomplishes.
Donald Rufus-Raphael/Senior at Nova High School demonstrated incredible growth throughout the course of his involvement with BYC. Initially a timid observer, his growth led him to serving as the vice president of the community-based BYC in addition to the current president of his school club, called Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders. Donald led a workshop at the 25th Annual Youth Leadership Institute, voted the favorite workshop by the Institute participants. In 2018, Donald served as co-host at the BYC Alternative Spring Break networking and professional development event. He continues to strive to do better and recruit people to join BYC and attend Youth Leadership Institute as a way to change the trajectory of youth to a successful path.
ihustle4change is a Fort Lauderdale 501 (c)(3) with the mission to help bring joy, education and opportunity by opening the world of technology and all of its possibilities to youth and their families with little or no access. The ihustle4change award recognizes individuals who actively pursue ways to initiate positive change and make contributions to their communities and the world. Daniel Pessin is the founder of ihustle4change. Cindy Pessin and Daniel Pessin are active board members of ihustle4change and were both present at the event.
