From July 6–13, 17 high school students from across the country took part in SEA’s 11th Changemakers Tour, an immersive, weeklong educational experience. Centered on the theme “Protecting Our Democracy While Protecting Our Peace,” this year’s tour explored the powerful connection between civic engagement and mental health. One of SEA’s most sought-after student opportunities, the tour brought together students from across the country. 

Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to meet with luminaries including U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, former D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado, and the team at Democracy Forward. Students also had the chance to play squash and attend the SEA’s Changemakers Reception at Squash on Fire, which featured an exhibition match between Team USA’s Sabrina Sobhy and CitySquash alum Felipe Pantle. Both athletes shared their personal journeys and offered words of inspiration to the students. They also visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture and took in some local sightseeing before heading to New York City for the second leg of the tour.

In New York, they met with Martin Brennan, State Director for Senator Chuck Schumer, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. The group also visited The New York Times, the New York Stock Exchange, Times Square, and Madison Square Garden. The tour concluded with a Community Health & Wellness Fair in the Bronx, co-hosted by SEA’s New York member programs, StreetSquash and CitySquash. Students led interactive exhibits on holistic health, mental health and well-being.

Changemakers Tour Participants
Daphne Miranda-Gonzalez (Santa Barbara School of Squash)
An Dang (Access Youth Academy, San Diego)
Haniyyah Scott (SquashWise, Baltimore)
Makayla Arambula (First State Squash, Wilmington)
Sofia Arce Franco (StreetSquash, Harlem)
Mariyah Reyes (SquashBusters, Providence)
Michelle Mcphail (Kids on Point, Charleston)
Kimora Conner (Racquet Up Detroit)
Yuliyan Dawit (Cincinnati Squash Academy)
Layla De la Rosa (SquashSmarts, Philadelphia)
Sabreayah Dillard (MetroSquash, Evanston)
Ramaris Crosby  (Urban Squash Cleveland)
Sebastian Granados (Mission Success, Houston)
Brian Luna (Squash Haven, New Haven)
Johan Perez (SquashBusters, Boston)
Jeric Hayden (MetroSquash, Woodlawn)
Dariel Mercado (Capitol Squash, Hartford)