Young Leaders Program

Ellie is the Marketing and Outreach Intern at YWCA Duluth and a senior Political Science major at the College of St. Scholastica, with minors in Civic Studies, Music, and Global Sustainability and Justice Studies. She is deeply committed to social justice, community empowerment, and advocacy for marginalized communities — these values guide both her work at YWCA Duluth and her role as president of her college’s Student Government Association. After graduation, Ellie plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest law, with the goal of practicing human rights law.

Mari Amedie joins YWCA Duluth as a Program Development Intern as the work in empowering women and fighting racism resonates deeply with her. She is a senior at the College of St. Scholastica studying Computer Information Systems with a focus on Architecture and Data Analytics. She is currently managing a capstone project where her team is building an AI assessment system, and she also works in student recruitment at St. Scholastica. Outside of work and school, Mari is involved with the United for Africa club and always looking for ways to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Teagan is a marketing student at the College of St. Scholastica originally from Duluth, MN with a strong passion for social activism and community building. Raised in a family deeply involved in community and as a woman of color and an older sister, Teagan developed a commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and expanding access to affordable opportunities for all.

Teagan currently works at Vitta Pizza, coaches youth volleyball, and serves as a Making Memories and Outreach Intern with Angel Foundation. In the future, she hopes to build a long-term career working locally and internationally in nonprofit marketing, conservation efforts, and community engagement.

Makena is a first year intern with YWCA Duluth and a freshman at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she is majoring in International Studies. She is passionate about understanding cultural perspectives, and the ways communities around the world work toward equality and social justice.

Makena’s academic interests align closely with YWCA Duluth’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. She is excited to learn, grow, and contribute to an organization dedicated to creating change this upcoming summer!

Jaylyn is a first generation queer Latina that has been in Duluth since summer 2023 pursuing her bachelors in social work at the College of St. Scholastica. She is excited to learn further about the work YWCA Duluth does in coordination with their partners to find ways that best serve people!

Jaylyn spends a lot of time with her school community as she holds a role with the rugby team, social work club, August adventures and also works at the campus library. She has recently dedicated time to Duluth Tenants, organizing around the issues tenants face in our community. Jaylyn spends her free time crafting, puzzling, and exploring Duluth. 

Originally from the Chicago area, Ella moved north to enjoy a social sciences education along Lake Superior's shore. They are a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, mixing studies in sociology, Spanish, political science, gender studies, and writing. Ella has worked in social groups across the different cities they've lived in and are excited to apply their skills to program development with YWCA Duluth. In their spare time, Ella enjoys knitting, playing roller derby, and exploring nature.