WF senior selected for YMCA Youth Advocate Program

 William Floyd High School senior Sia Minhas has been selected to participate in the prestigious YMCA Youth Advocate Program, a four-month experience for students interested in government and public policy, which provides practical real-world experience advocating for policy solutions that help address critical issues in three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Sia is the only student from Long Island selected for this program, one of only two students from New York State, and one of just 72 students from across the nation hailing from 41 states and the District of Columbia. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Youth Advocate, fueled by my passion for serving my community and advocating for issues that matter to those around me,” said Sia, who has been a member of William Floyd High School’s award-winning Youth & Government Program throughout her time in high school. During last year’s conference, she was elected to the statewide position of attorney general and earned an invitation to the Conference on National Affairs, the federal equivalent of the statewide Youth & Government program, and an honor reserved for the best of the best.

In addition to focusing on her academics and Youth & Government, Sia has written for a nonprofit organization focusing on mental and physical health issues. She also works with “The Conversationalist,” a non-partisan educational platform that is dedicated to bridging the political divide among Gen-Z youth, serving as an advisory board member.

“I strive to engage in activities that allow me to support others and spark important conversations on pressing issues,” she said.

After graduation, Sia plans on attending college and majoring in political science, with the goal of attending law school. She also plans on continuing her participation in programs similar to Youth & Government and be of service to others, especially in the social justice sector.  

The 2023 Youth Advocate Program culminates in Washington, D.C., from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15. Youth Advocates have spent the past four months participating in virtual training sessions, networking with their peers from across the nation, and achieving a better understanding of the history, mission, brand, impact, advocacy efforts and legislative priorities of the Y. Youth Advocates have worked together to craft an advocacy plan, advance policy solutions and share their stories and priorities with members of Congress and their staff members.