What's New with the Mayor's Youth Leadership Council

We are thrilled to officially introduce the 2026-27 Indianapolis Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council (MYLC)! This incredible group of high school juniors and seniors, representing schools across Marion County, is stepping up to advise city leadership, tackle pressing issues facing young people, and drive real change in Indianapolis. 

A collaborative initiative powered by the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) and the City of Indianapolis, MYLC bridges the gap between local government and youth. By placing young leaders directly in conversation with the city’s decisionmakers, the council ensures youth perspectives are integrated in shaping the future of our city while instilling a lifelong commitment to civic duty. 

A Word from Leadership 

“Every generation brings a new perspective to the work of building a great city. The future of Indianapolis will be shaped by the young people who call it home, and their voices deserve a seat at the table. I look forward to welcoming this year’s Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council and working alongside them as they gain firsthand understanding of how local government can make a difference in the lives of Indianapolis residents.” 
— Mayor Joe Hogsett 

“We are excited to welcome the 10th MYLC cohort to the City. This incoming group of students represents the up-and-coming leaders in Indianapolis. These are engaged, curious, and highly motivated junior and senior high school students from nine high schools across Marion County. We look forward to supporting these extraordinary young leaders as they collaborate with city officials, weigh in on major civic challenges, and collaborate with the Mayor and his team to shape the future for youth in our community.” 
— Lindsey DeLorey, Director of Youth Engagement at MCCOY 

What the Council Does & Why It Matters 

Since its founding in 2016, MYLC has empowered more than 160 young leaders across the city. Members are guided by its founding mission, “To build a better Indianapolis, the MYLC inspires youth engagement, amplifies youth voice, and grows the next generation of community leaders,” and dedicate their service to: 

• Policy & Advocacy: Engaging in meaningful discussions with Mayor Joe Hogsett and city leaders on key youth issues and city priorities. 

• Civic Exploration: Gaining an inside look at how local government, businesses, and nonprofits intersect to move Indianapolis forward. 

• Skill Building: Developing critical leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills through hands-on experiences and community service. 

Through monthly strategy sessions and hands-on civic projects, these students transform their passion into actionable community impact—an experience alumni consistently call “life-changing.” 

Meet the 2026–27 MYLC Cohort 

Please join us in celebrating the 17 high school juniors and seniors selected through this year’s competitive application process: 

• Abdulmuizz Olaletan – Ben Davis High School

• Aminata Ly – Pike High School

• Anna VanSlambrook – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Audrey Belch – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Ava Washington – North Central High School

• Eli Fisch – Park Tudor High School

• Ellison Wong – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Hazel Robson-Hunot – Shortridge High School

• Isabella Carranco-Herrera – Shortridge High School

• Jocelyn Flores-Gaspar – Cardinal Ritter High School

• Landon Spurlin – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Makayla Abdullah – Brownsburg High School

• Priya Jones – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Samuel Bradley – Heritage Christian School

• Shani Momodu – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Sophia Nieto – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

• Van Sung – Perry Meridian High School

Interested in Joining a Future Cohort? 

Applications for the 2026–27 MYLC cohort are now closed. However, if you are a high school sophomore interested in joining next year’s council—or a parent, educator, or mentor who knows a student ready to lead—we’d love to hear from you! 

Fill out our MYLC Interest Form to be notified as soon as future application windows open.