Rubie Coles

Youth Champion

It was Rubie Coles' commitment to social justice and passion for DC youth that was behind the founding of the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates. Rubie brought together leaders from across the DC youth service community to build a coalition of formidable advocates. Her leadership set the groundwork for the strength of the alliance, supported our growth and development and ensured that youth always have a voice. Rubie is currently the Associate Director of the Moriah Fund. Photo Credit: Jack Gordon.

Charmia Carolina

Emerging Leader

Despite her own struggles, Charmia Carolina stepped up and advocated on behalf of her homeless and disconnected peers at multiple DC Council hearings. Charmia shared her story with DCAYA which accompanied the report “Disconnected Young People in Washington, DC: Connecting Youth to Opportunity.” Charmia’s youth voice complimented the research and advocacy which led to the ground-breaking of DC’s first Re-Engagement Center, which will reconnect youth to education and workforce opportunities. Watch her story. Photo Credit: Tina Dela Rosa Photography

Chris Baker

Community Advocate

Washington professional football player, Chris Baker, is the largest and toughest man on the field, but one of the kindest off of it. Through his foundation, Chris is working to improve literacy amongst children across the District, and he is committed to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth through mentorship. Chris will make remarks on the impact of youth service organizations in his own life, and the need for effective policies that will ensure all youth are supported.