Miami CAT

Making a difference for the world's children

by Mishka Ahmad, with Jorge Lora, members of the Miami Congressional Action Team

Pictured above: Andrea Jo, Mishka Ahmad, Mr. Miguel Mendoza, Jorge Lora, and Juan-Carlos Nobrega.

My name is Mishka and I have been helping to lead a UNICEF Campus Club for about three years now. This past spring, I got involved with the new Congressional Action Team (CAT) in Miami.

Since I joined the CAT, I have learned more about UNICEF’s work. I’ve also gained new advocacy skills by meeting with Members of Congress and educating my community. Being part of the CAT enables me to continue making a difference for the world’s children after I graduate. 

This past summer, the Miami team had the chance to meet with Mr. Miguel Mendoza, Legislative Director for Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). We were all a little nervous going in, but we were ready to advocate on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable children. 

We had a great discussion with Mr. Mendoza, who affirmed the Congressman’s support for UNICEF. We also discussed the need to protect vulnerable youth from trafficking through legislation like the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (H.R. 1779). We appreciated Mr. Mendoza’s view that the relatively small amount in terms of the overall budget that the United States spends on international development makes a big difference in the lives of so many vulnerable people, particularly the children. 

If you’re reading this blog post, you’re more than likely already a supporter of UNICEF’s mission. I hope you’ll consider joining a CAT to advocate for the world’s most vulnerable children. Read more about CATs here, or email Jkchan@unicefusa.org to learn more.