Youth Solutions Announces 2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council Officers

Youth Solutions is proud to introduce the newly elected officers of the 2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a statewide leadership body where Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) students collaborate, elevate youth voices, and help shape the future of JMG programming. This year’s officers bring impressive experience, passion, and a commitment to serving their peers across Michigan.

Meet the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council Officers

Riley Brown - President 

Riley is a dedicated JMG alumna who has been actively involved with YAC for the past two years. As President, she is passionate about helping JMG youth feel supported, connected, and inspired to reach their goals. During her time as President Elect, Riley proudly represented Michigan on the national stage at the National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. and competed at the National Career Development Conference, where she placed 1st in the Prepared Speaking competition. 

Savannah Duff - President Elect 

Savannah is a senior at Central Lake High School who is committed to building strong connections among JMG students across the state and continuing to grow as a leader. She shares, “ I joined YAC to make connections that will last a lifetime, along with gaining new leadership skills and resources to help better my future. JMG has a great community that I am thrilled to be a part of!” Savannah is already active in several leadership roles at her high school, and she looks forward to stepping into the President role next year, continuing to elevate the youth voice in our programming and events.

Anna Leathorn - Secretary

Anna is a graduate of the Ogemaw Heights High School JMG program and now attend Ferris State University, where she is studying Secondary Education. She shares, “having this experience will help me gain skills that will benefit me in college, professionally, and in my future career. I am in several leadership roles already, and this experience will help me be an even better leader.” As Secretary, Anna brings strong organizational skills and a commitment to supporting her fellow council members, ensuring that YAC runs smoothly while continuing to grow as a leader and give back to the JMG community that helped shape her.

Claire Shooks - Parliamentarian

Claire is a senior at Central Lake High School who is passionate about advocating for the voices of her fellow JMG peers and making a positive impact in her community. She has been a part of JMG for the past year and has participated in several events, including Legislative Day, where she had the opportunity to speak to her local legislators. Through her role as Parliamentarian, Claire hopes to deepen her understanding of the JMG program, gain new perspectives, and strengthen her leadership skills. She aims to use these experiences to benefit both her future and her community. Claire is dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that those facing challenges have a space to share those facing challenges have a space to share their experiences and beliefs. 

These four incredible youth leaders will work closely with the Youth Solutions team and their fellow YAC members to: 

• Bring forward ideas and feedback that help shape JMG programming.

• Lead by example in their schools, communities, and events. 

• Represent the youth voice on a statewide level - with Riley even serving as an honorary member of the Youth Solutions Board of Directors. 

We are inspired by their leadership and can’t wait to see the impact they will make over the next year!