Amelia Vander May
Seventeen-year-old Amelia Vander May is a dedicated activist with a passion for women’s and children's rights, particularly reducing gun violence. As a Santa Barbara Youth Council member, she led a team in writing and successfully lobbying for an ordinance that requires firearms to be stored in a locked container and disabled by a trigger lock; the law went into effect in April 2024. She thrives in leadership roles and is the founder of a girl’s empowerment summer camp and the editor-in-chief of her school’s yearbook. Amelia is committed to using her activism, journalism, and entrepreneurship to make a positive difference in her community. instagram is @santabarbarayouthcouncil