Zy'Kiera Aaron, daughter of Rashawn & Kimberly Aaron of Dillon, South Carolina, is a 10th-grade student at Dillon High School with a passion for public speaking, art, leadership, and empowering other young people. As an active South Carolina State University 4-H'er, she is already making an impact that reaches far beyond her local community. 

Her love for speaking and helping others find confidence in their own voices led her to S.P.E.A.K., a youth public speaking initiative dedicated to building confidence, communication skills, and leadership in young people. Zy'Kiera quickly became a standout leader within the program, inspiring her peers to step boldly into their purpose.

Zy'Kiera's vision gained national recognition through the Ignite Lead to Change grant program. After advancing through all three rounds of the competitive national process, she secured a total of $10,000 in grant funding to expand S.P.E.A.K. and strengthen its mission.

Esther Bonney is dedicated to addresssing the critical intersection of youth mental health and environmental stewardship. She is the founder and director of Nuture Natives, on of the nation's most impactful youth-led nonprofits, with a mission to empower young people through native biodiversity restoration. Under her leadership, Nurture Natives has educated over 15,000 young people, planted 3 million native seeds, and distributed over 80,000 native seedlings across the East Coast.

Esther's dedication earned national recognition, including the 2024 President's Environmental Youth Award from the Environmental Protection Agency and the 2026 National 4-H Youth in Action Award. She has shared Nurture Natives' mission with influential leaders such as President Biden, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Esther, a sophomore at the Univeristy of Maryland, College Park, studies Sociology and Landscape Architecture. Through her work, Esther is empowering a new generation of environmental stewards who recognize the vital connection between mental well-being and the health of our environment.