Chelsea Miller is the co-founder of the Freedom March NYC, one of the largest youth-led, civil rights organizations in the nation. Though her work in bringing people together started years before 2020’s George Floyd protests energized her to organize and advocate for her community. As the daughter of a social worker who cared for pre-teen girls, Miller grew up with foster sisters. In high school, the 26-year-old Columbia University grad and Brooklyn native worked with the Vital Voices program to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights. Miller then worked on criminal justice reform under Obama, becoming one of the youngest interns in the White House at the time. These days, she’s turning her attention toward social media with the launch of her own platform, CPM Global, where she’ll work to shift narratives and translate what we’re seeing in the world into stories.
For all the hours that Gen Z supposedly spends on their phones, this group of young people is more galvanized than any other generation before them. They’re rallying for change, advocating for their peers and building community around the stuff that matters to them—from sustainable fashion to racial equality to making friends to LGBTQ+ rights, and beyond. They’re creating opportunities for themselves and paving the way for others to follow in their foot steps, as you’ll see from the eight incredible young people you’ll meet below. Aside from holding down multiple jobs, learning new skills and rising early, they’re also managing to squeeze in moments of fun—whether it’s a skateboarding break, a visit to a cultural institution, a drink with friends or even a nap. And, of course, there’s always time for social media. These folks are not only motivated, but they’re also well-rounded and shaping the world for the better. Ready to be inspired? Get to know these bright individuals below and click through to learn more about their (remarkable) day-to-days.
