Recognizing the Next Generation of NJ Leaders
May 8, 2026 was very special to all of us at the 30th annual Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards—the last time we recognized NJ changemakers as the program comes to an end this year.
Of special significance was who we honored at the ceremony: two new cohorts representing Generation Z and individuals who were nominated by past Honorees.
In this article, we celebrate the Gen Z Honorees—the next generation of changemakers, ages 16-24, who are already making a tremendous impact in their New Jersey communities.
As Dr. Cindy Jebb, the president of Ramapo College, said in her ceremony remarks, “You are leading us into the future with heart, compassion, and bold innovative ideas; we cannot wait to see the impact you will continue to make in the years ahead.”
With great pride and excitement, we have passed the torch to these exceptional Gen Z leaders as they fulfill their commitment to solving challenging societal inequities and problems that face so many NJ residents…and who are sure to inspire the next generation of individuals called to make a powerful difference for others.
The 2026 Gen Z Making a Difference Award Honorees
Youth Mentoring & Education
These GenZ leaders are teaching others the value of educational opportunities—and creating empowering opportunities where none existed before.
Spencer Chaisanguanthum
Eloquence Academy, Inc.
In 2022, Spencer founded the world’s largest youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and Title 1 students. Eloquence Academy has prepared students in all 50 states and 102 countries for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact, empowering students with lifelong skills of public speaking, critical thinking, and research. Follow him on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Rashanna James-Frison
Girls, Live, Love, Laugh Inc.
Rashanna has created a movement of scholarship, literacy, leadership, career exploration, and community service for young girls. She is the author of “The Black Unicorn: A Daughter from Newark” and previously volunteered for The Gem Project, which empowers youth to address injustice within education, health, criminal justice, and democracy. You can also follow on Instagram.
Aliza Lopez
Medicine Encompassed
This student researcher mobilized a global youth team of more than 400 people to produce over 500 resources across 18 medical specialties to improve health education and well-being of youth in 40 countries. Medicine Encompassed is also on Instagram and YouTube; Aliza is on LinkedIn.
Community Engagement
These young people have created impactful movements and mentoring platforms to uplift their communities.
Kavin Arora
Mission Impact
Kavin created a youth-led movement that connects young people with nonprofit organizations through leadership training, mentorship, and hands-on service. Mission Impact has uplifted more than 460,000 lives, saved nonprofit organizations over $25,000 in staff resources, trained more than 150 student leaders, and established 10+ long-term partnerships with nonprofits and mentors. Follow Mission Impact on Instagram and YouTube, and Kavin on LinkedIn.
Aidan Barth and Abigail Franco
LINC Program
LINC founders Aidan Barth & Abigail Franco are bringing people of all ages together to fight resource inequity throughout New Jersey through volunteer-driven projects, partnerships with organizations statewide, and a local resource pantry that supports families in need. See what they’re doing on Instagram.
Sylvia Brown
Girl Scouts of America
Long-time Girl Scout Sylvia partnered with local leaders in Hackensack to establish three “Little Free Pantries” on City property to create permanent access points for residents experiencing food insecurity. Based on the motto “give what you can, take what you need,” these 24/7 community drop boxes are stocked with nonperishable food items and toiletries.
Lakita Lloyd
SHE Wins Inc
Using her lived experience as a quadriplegic, Lakita mentors and inspires young women in Newark through SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and social action organization for middle and high school girls who have been affected by or exposed to violence. Her work sparks resilience and positive change to help build the next generation of young women leaders.
Alias Ragsdale
Boys and Girls Club of Clifton
Alias’s passion for public service has led him to become an outstanding peer leader at Boys & Girls Club, his high school class president, and the youngest elected member of the Clifton Board of Education. He is also an aide to Passaic County Commissioner Mike Ramaglia. Follow Alias on LinkedIn.
Health and Wellbeing
Personal experiences have shaped these teens’ drive to help others navigate difficult health issues.
Giuliana Demma
G’s Giving Gowns
With a mission to restore dignity and confidence to children in medical crises, Giuliana began making customized port-access pediatric hospital gowns at age 11 after witnessing the clinical reality of her cousin’s pediatric cancer treatment. Today, G’s Giving Gowns engages 500+ volunteers and has reached 3000 patients in 47 states and nine countries so far. See Giuliana’s impact on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and follow her on LinkedIn.
Ezra Fineman
Hyper IgM Podcast
After being diagnosed with a rare primary immune deficiency disease called Hyper IgM Syndrome and undergoing two stem cell transplants, Ezra launched the Hyper IgM Podcast to support other patients and families navigating the disease. He is an intern for the Hyper IgM Foundation, advocates for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), and has met with lawmakers to support donor-protection legislation. He also organized a bone marrow donor registration campaign while raising awareness for rare immune disorders. Previous podcast episodes are on YouTube.
Ava Costa
Arturo Healing Hearts
Ava, a violinist, founded Arturo: Healing Hearts Through Music, a student-led arts-therapy initiative that brings live music to patients undergoing chemotherapy. The program offers comfort, connection, and moments of peace during treatment. Each performance is grounded in the belief that music, played from the heart, can transform someone’s day. Follow Ava on Facebook and Instagram.
Protecting the Environment
Gen Zers committed to creating a more sustainable future and cleaner environment and state.
Landon Hoberman
Student Environmental Ambassador Program (SEA)
Landon’s student-led environmental nonprofit began with his first initiative to reduce the use of single-use plastic utensils in takeout orders. Through SEA, he developed a global program adopted by 64 high schools and 24 universities across 20 states and 11 countries that has empowered more than 1400 Student Ambassadors to lead impactful environmental initiatives in their communities. Read more about Landon’s environmental work on LinkedIn.
Sri Nihal Tammana
Recycle My Battery
Sri Nihal began a global movement at age 10 that has recycled over 750,000 used batteries by encouraging proper disposal. His work has earned him multiple awards and national recognition, and has engaged hundreds of schools and 1000+ student leaders to raise awareness of the environmental and health risks of improper battery disposal. Sri Nihal is on LinkedIn and you can follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Social Justice & Inclusion
The power of youth who step forward with purpose and compassion.
Eddi Raymond
Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance
Eddi is a youth activist and mentor to LGBTQ+ young people through leadership roles in the Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance as well as Garden State Equality and the NJ Gay Straight Alliance, which creates safe, inclusive spaces in schools for LGBTQ students.
Read more about these inspiring young people and feel the hope they are creating for the future at https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/.
