MISSION

Elliott is a 17, LHS senior in Sioux Falls. Being an autistic, transgender non-binary person in SD, they have dedicated themselves to make SD a better place for minorities. Elliott has found their path as a change-maker first by rebuilding the GSA and joining the BSU at their school. Later, he got involved with GLSEN National Student Council, ACLU of SD, and The Transformation Project.

Since 2022, they’ve gone to Pierre during Legislative Session to testify in front of legislators and advocate for transgender youth. The most memorable was his testimony in 2023 against HB 1080 that banned minors like themself from receiving gender-affirming care. Passionate about all things social justice and politics, Elliott decided to found the non-profit SD Youth Activism. Having established this youth-led coalition, they seek to ensure that the young people of South Dakota will have the platform to start taking the future into their own hands.

Shelsy is a 20-year-old hardworking and joyful individual of Hispanic descent. Their parents immigrated from El Salvador to give her a change for a better life. Shelsy was born in Georgia, but their family moved to Minnesota when she was very young. They are now a student at the University of South Dakota majoring in Political Science. They hope that they will become an immigration lawyer. Shelsy learned her passion about language and culture very early on. Her hometown was very diverse but still struggled with the mistreatment towards people of color and immigrants in her community. Shelsy also discovered they were bisexual in a very Christian immigrant household. They saw that lack of acceptance from people of color regarding queerness. Yet they also saw the lack of acceptance from queer communities regarding race. Shelsy’s goal is to be a voice for people of color and specifically queer people of color who have struggled with finding their place. They are a huge advocate for intersectionality and love to uplift individuals who may not have a voice. This kind individual hopes that one day they will be able to uplift your voice too!

Etta was born in Pensacola, Florida but grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. She has now been a resident of Sioux Falls for 7 years. She graduated from Roosevelt High school in 2021 and continued her education at the American Musical Dramatics Academy in NYC. During her high school career she participated in show choir, marching band, and became president of the black student union during her senior year. Now you’ll find Etta performing in local theaters around town as well as performing with her band. She has also founded an organization with her friend Jenna called “Annoyed Black Girls”. Etta hopes for a bright future for South Dakota Youth Activism and is very grateful for the time she will have to be apart of such an amazing organization and hopes to be able to make a difference in any way she can.

Khadidja is a determind individual who is passionate about promoting peace and positivity. She is 16 and goes to Jefferson High School in Sioux Falls. She was born in Chad and moved to America with her family at a young age. Growing up  Khadidja quickly became aware of the challenges she faced due to her skin color, religion, and her medical condition (type one diabetes) but instead of letting it bring her down, she developed a deep passion for fighting for change. Khadidja is a member of the JDFR Children's Congress 2023 and is the leader of the Black Empowerment Committee of South Dakota Youth Activism. She is an advocate for those who face similar struggles and hopes to make a difference in the world. Khadidja's advocacy work has taken many forms, from attending peaceful protests to working with local organizations and after-school clubs to promote diversity and inclusion. She is a passionate advocate for those who are marginalized and seeks to empower others to become agents of change in their own communities. Khadidja firmly believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Everett is 17. He was born in Baroda, Michigan and lives in Sioux Falls. It goes to Jefferson High school, and he plans to be a psychologist. He's a trans man and pansexual demiromantic. It likes fiber arts and overanalyzing media. He volunteer where it can, is on the Prism center Youth Advisory Board, and is the leader of his school's GSA. It's goals are to educate and empower people to show up and be willing to learn, and to create a community for the LGBTQ+ youth of South Dakota where we can feel heard, understood, and safe. He also wants to explore the intersectionality within the community and have a place for people to come *in* to their role in the community rather than coming out to face opposition.