Hello, My name is Chidera SIbeudu. I am a Youth Action Organizer for this great project. I am also a Site Coordinator for the KIPP Spark Academy site for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark. I am a seasoned youth educator and mentor. My background in Community Health Education from Kean University (NJ) has given me great insight to youth development and increasing healthy life choices for my community members. I strive to save lives each and every day through transformative justice in my form of survival services to the youth in my community. I believe in mastering your power to be able to discover your purpose to our society. Each person was once a youth and they had an experience that molded their current state of being. I believe that all young people must have the same opportunity to achieve their life’s purpose while enjoying a sustainable environment for peace, love, and growth. Not only do I desire to inspire the youth, I make it a habit to empathize with their struggle and resilience on a daily basis. We, as gatekeepers, have the task of creating an environment of extreme ownership in our efforts to change our current system to achieve youth justice.

Why is this project important to you?
I believe that all young people, especially those young people who need assistance, deserve a fair chance at prosperity. This means we have to change the status quo of what our Child Welfare system offers to our youth. I believe this project will help create momentum for youth in transition from care to ultimately find financially stable independence.

What are your hopes and dreams for this project?
My dream for this project is to bring more youth out of poverty, especially in urban communities. We know how important it is to invest in the future. I believe this investment into our youth will increase productivity and revitalize our youth morale and mental stability.

What have been some of your experiences in the project?
One of the most exciting experiences was having a chance to lead a discussion with leaders of thought and fellow advocates at our state level briefing with lawmakers and staff interested in our efforts. It was nerve-racking but fulfilling mainly because I appreciated that platform that was given to our group to put forth our plans to solve a problem in our community.

What are your hopes and dreams for other young people?
I strive so that all young people will have equity in our opportunities. We know many youth have a more arduous journey to success, peace or prosperity. To me, that means we must right the wrongs done by our systems of care and demand change from the entities tasked with supporting our young citizens.

Chidera’s Favorite Things:
Color: Blue
Animal: Panther
Hobbies: Calisthenics, Weightlifting, Basketball, Coaching, Mentoring, Reading
Food: Philly Cheesesteak
Book: The Art of War
Vacation Destination: Cabo, St. Tropez
Activist: Rev. William Barber II
Beverage: Water, Ginger Tea, Lemonade
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius