Pollyanna Teen Council connects any students with an interest in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work in their school community, and empowers them to make change in whatever ways are possible.

Pollyanna Teen Council consists of 8th-12th graders (13-18 year olds) from across the U.S. who are committed to helping their schools achieve their DEIB goals. We hold interesting and informative monthly programming. Monthly sessions feature a special keynote speaker followed by a themed group discussion centering on ways to improve each member’s individual school community.

Pollyanna Teen Council is led by Destynée Johnson, based in New York, and Josie Hoeber, based in California. We also have three new junior leaders: Ava Azoulay, Emerson Casper and Marcus Lambroza. We’re excited to have their voices with us this year!

Your voice matters! Monthly meetings are not school-related and faculty chaperones are not necessary. We will have an adult from Pollyanna present on all Zooms. 

Please use this form to join us and let us know you’re interested in coming to some or all of our monthly meetings.

Special thanks to our guests during the 2021-22 season. Below is our list of topics and guests:

10/9/21 – Teen Pollyanna Kick-Off – Jason Craige Harris, facilitator 

11/6/21 – Civic Engagement – DeNora Getachew, CEO dosomething.org

12/11/21 – DEIB Work at our Schools – Erica Corbin, Head of School 

1/22/22 – Contributions of Others – Marianne Macrae, Robin Hood Foundation

2/12/22 – Be an Advocate, Ally, Activist – Semeka Smith-Williams, DEI Practitioner

3/5/22 – Having Difficult Conversations – Megan Hogan, Chief Diversity Officer Goldman Sachs

4/9/22 – Pledge Projects –  Scott Warren, Specialist at USAID 

5/14/22 – Reflecting and Planning – Bill Konigsberg, author

We’re excited to post our 2022-23 season! All discussions take place on Zoom from 3PM-4:30PM ET, 12PM-1:30PM PT.