Oscar

Oscar is a student from Maryland. He is attending Columbia University, majoring in Chemical Engineering, to address inequities in access to essential systems like energy and water. This is his first year on the National Youth Council. Oscar is involved with UNICEF USA because of his interest in making systems more accessible and responsive to young people, with a focus on advancing children’s rights through equitable public systems and youth-centered advocacy. He has been active in youth leadership and advocacy in Maryland, focused on improving safety for young riders and expanding access to learning opportunities, including co-authoring the Maryland MTA Rider Code of Conduct, now implemented statewide, and creating spaces where children can engage freely with STEM and literature in environments where enrichment is limited. Across this work, Oscar translates youth experiences into improvements in the systems and programs that serve youth daily.