Welcoming our Summer Fellows to the Elevate Youth Family
The Elevate Youth Summer Fellowship
We are thrilled to announce that Harnaljia Maya and Tova Turner will be joining Elevate Youth this summer as our first Elevate Youth Summer Fellows. Through the generous support of one of our donors, the Elevate Youth Fellowship was created to provide young adults the opportunity to make a direct lasting impact on Boston’s youth through our programs. Additionally, the Fellowship will provide invaluable support to our staff, bring a fresh perspective to our team, and develop the professional skills and interests of these young women before they head to college. This summer, we’re excited to have Maya and Tova help us drive progress in virtually every area of our business. They will have their hands deep in planning fundraising events, performing outreach to our partners, utilizing our website and social media platforms, and supporting our Local Parks Program. We’re very lucky to have them, and so fortunate to introduce them to our greater Elevate Youth community.
Let’s meet our Summer Fellows!
Tova Turner
EY Summer Fellow
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been doing karate for over a decade now. I attended an international boarding school for high school. I like to stay active/workout. I either go to the gym or join a sport like cheerleading. I am in a family of four . I am all about having fun and going on an adventure.
What are you most excited about for the Elevate Youth Summer Fellowship?
I am most excited about learning new techniques that I can use later in my years. Working with people who have the passion for what they are doing for the community. It makes work not feel like work but you are doing the project out of a kind heart.
What is your favorite outdoor space close to home?
My favorite outdoor space close to home is my community park.
Harnaljia Maya
EY Summer Fellow
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Harnaljia, and I am a recent graduate of Cate school who's looking forward to attending Tufts University in the fall. While at Tufts, I hope to major in Computer Science and minor in Entrepreneurship.
While in high school, nature became a bigger part of my life as I went on week-long hikes, weekend kayaking trips, and early morning surf runs. Doing different activities in nature became my way of pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and seeing what I could do. During my time at Cate, I quickly joined the Stream Team organization, which worked with a local non-profit with the mission of protecting Santa Barbara’s waterways. In addition, I was an active member of the International Club, and our goal was to provide a safe space for everyone of every culture on our campus, making sure that everyone’s practices felt represented. Conservation and inclusion are two things I have dedicated my time to over the years and ideals I really value. Lastly, in my spare time, I love to play lacrosse, watch Netflix, and sketch fashion designs.
What are you most excited about for the Elevate Youth Summer Fellowship?
I am excited about this position as an Elevate Youth Summer Fellowship for many different reasons. Firstly, as a city kid who did not get a chance to explore the outdoors until high school, I strongly believe in Elevate Youth's mission. My experiences in the outdoors have definitely shaped the person I am today and given me more confidence in myself and my capabilities. Also, having been spoiled by the natural beauties of California these past four years, I would love to learn more about the beautiful sites Boston has to offer. Lastly, I am interested in the self-development opportunities that Elevate Youth has to offer. Over the course of the next nine weeks, I hope to develop my leadership and networking skills and cannot wait to hear all the advice Mr. Griswold and his team have to offer.
What is your favorite outdoor space close to home?
Sadly, I currently do not have a favorite outdoor space close to home because I have not gotten the chance to explore Boston. However, I love to go stand up paddle-boarding and camping, so I look forward to pursuing more of those hobbies once everything goes back to normal.