Debbie Adekunle

Deborah Adekunle is 16 years old and lives in Providence, Rhode Island. Debbie was selected as one of 7 national Afterschool Youth Ambassadors for the 20-21 school year, serving as a national spokesperson on afterschool programs. She has spoken at a number of large national events with policymakers and education leaders over the past 18 months to share perspectives on the opportunities youth need to thrive. Debbie has participated in two afterschool programs--PVD Young Makers & Youth in Action--throughout her high school experience. Through her two afterschool programs, Debbie has been able to make an incredible impact in her community. Prior to the pandemic, Debbie served as the only student voice in a series of meetings hosted by the Rhode Island Department of Education around implementing an equitable school system for Multilingual Learners and English Language Learners. She advocated for greater incorporation of culturally responsive curricula & greater represent of student voices