Sameera Madan and Jacklyn Pizzella, members of the class of 2025 at Greenwich High School, are pioneering positive change through the launch of their non-profit organization, Leaders of the Next Generation.
Leaders of the Next Generation is committed to environmental awareness and providing access to education for youth. Through community programs, advocacy, and youth involvement, they seek to empower the leaders of tomorrow to ensure a sustainable future.
Leaders of the Next Generation Community Programs:
In their endeavor to make an impact, Sameera and Jackie have initiated two community programs:
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Free Tutoring Services: Recognizing the importance of education, LNG provides free tutoring services by matching high school volunteers with elementary and middle school students. Sessions are conducted both online and in person, accommodating the availability of both tutors and learners.
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Green Guardians: Under this innovative program, Sameera and Jackie aim to teach kids how to repurpose everyday recycled items through arts & crafts and experiments. Green Guardians is designed to instill environmental consciousness in the younger generation.
Advocacy and Community Engagement:
Eager to spread their message, Sameera and Jackie have actively participated in community events, including the Greenwich Green and Clean’s “International Coastal Clean-Up” and their own bake sale on Greenwich Avenue during Election Day.
Jacklyn Pizzella and Sameera Madan at their election day bake sale outside the Havemeyer building.
They are currently pursuing becoming a non-profit in the state of Connecticut and are expanding their Board of Directors.
Youth Involvement and Leadership:
Sameera and Jackie are providing opportunities for high schoolers to actively engage in their mission by participating as tutors, contributing to monthly Green Guardians events, or becoming part of the board of youth ambassadors. They encourage others to take leadership roles by organizing fundraisers, events, and advertising while offering volunteer hours for participants.
Sameera Madan and Jacklyn Pizzella from Leaders of the Next Generation, at the coastal cleanup. Oct 21, 2023
Future Initiatives:
Future initiatives include fundraisers, partnerships with like-minded organizations and a research project with “Walking Softer” whose mission is to inform, inspire and support changemakers to take bold and immediate action in the conservation and regeneration of the planet.
Since August 2023, Leaders of the Next Generation has impacted over 200 individuals. Thirty elementary and middle school students have benefited from the free tutoring program. To date they have successfully raised over $600.
Stay Connected:
For the latest updates and information on Leaders of the Next Generation, follow their Instagram (@leadersofthenextgeneration) and visit their website at Leaders of the Next Generation for more in depth information on their community programs such as tutoring, volunteering, Green Guardians (donating recyclable items), and becoming an ambassador. For inquiries, contact leadersofthenextgeneration@