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Many remarkable teenagers, from coding prodigies to environmental activists, are leaving a mark. They’re reshaping our world through innovation, challenging stereotypes, and redefining teenagehood in the 21st century. Meet the influential teens, proving that age is no barrier to making an impact.
List of Most Influential Young Leaders of 2023
In a dynamic world of innovation and change, leadership continually adapts. As we enter 2023, emerging talents shine with passion and vision, driving global impact. Below, discover the most influential young leaders of 2023, celebrated for their remarkable contributions, groundbreaking initiatives, and profound influence on our evolving world.
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Sophie Cruz
Sophie Cruz’s advocacy stems from her parents’ status as undocumented immigrants from Oaxaca, Mexico. She focuses on preserving the DAPA program, which could grant her parents legal status in the U.S. At just five years old, Sophie joined the crowd welcoming Pope Francis to Washington, D.C., representing undocumented immigrants. In a heartfelt gesture to aid her parents and others, she penned a hopeful letter to the Pope and wore a shirt proclaiming “Papa Rescate DAPA.”
Jordan Reeves
At 17, Jordan Reeves has dedicated much of her life to advocating for young people with physical disabilities worldwide. As the co-founder of Born Just Right, she tirelessly raises awareness and fosters action. Jordan endeavors to reshape perceptions of physical diversity through public speaking and mentoring peers with limb differences.
Additionally, she’s pioneering a 3D-printed prosthetic that enables her alter ego, Glitter Girl, to shoot biodegradable sparkles. Jordan has showcased her innovation on various platforms, including The Rachael Ray Show, MakerFaire, TEDx, AIGA, Parson’s Design School, and numerous national events. Her groundbreaking invention and inspirational message earned her a spot among the most influential teens in 2023.
Marley Dias
Marley Dias, an 18-year-old with purpose, is the founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks and the author of “Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You.” As the Ambassador of the National Educational Association (NEA) and host of Read Across America, she’s a leading voice for literacy. Marley also serves as the Executive Producer of Netflix’s “Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.”
Marley is an esteemed American activist and writer who has left her mark on numerous prestigious platforms. She’s spoken at the White House’s United States of Women alongside Michelle Obama and Oprah, The Forbes Women’s Summit, the United Nations’ Girl Up, Inbound, CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, the Social Innovation Summit, and many more. Her influence as a teen was profound and far-reaching.
Orion Jean
Orion Jean, an American author and philanthropist, earned the title Time Kid of the Year for his impactful work. As the founder of the Race to Kindness program, he dedicates himself to providing meals, books, and toys to children in need. In 2021 alone, he donated 100,000 meals and over 600 toys to the Children’s Hospital in North Texas. Orion firmly believes in the power of every individual to make a difference and strives to inspire kindness across all ages.
Continuously expanding his platform for The Race to Kindness, Orion also authored “A Kid’s Book about Leadership” and embarked on a speaking career. His unwavering dedication has cemented him as one of the most influential teens, significantly impacting the world before his 20th birthday.
Jahkil Jackson
Jahkil Jackson, a young author, advocate, and social entrepreneur, founded Project I Am at age eight. Driven by a deep desire to assist those in need, Jahkil focuses on raising awareness of homelessness. His nonprofit provides Blessing Bags with essentials like masks, wipes, socks, deodorant, and hand sanitizer to support the homeless population. His endeavors have positively impacted nearly 50,000 individuals worldwide in just a few years.
Yola Mgogwana
Yola Mgogwana, a climate activist from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, began her advocacy at eleven in 2019. Concerned about pollution, changing weather patterns, and the impending water crisis in her country, she inspired African youth in the fight for climate justice. Often compared to Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, alongside Kiara Nirghin and Ruby Sampson, Yola has emerged as one of South Africa’s most influential teens.
In 2019, she engaged in a climate action initiative led by the African Climate Alliance and Fridays for Future. Yola utilized this platform to raise awareness about the perils of climate change, reaching over 2,000 students in Cape Town.
Ryan Hickman
At 14, Ryan Hickman has become a global advocate for recycling awareness. His remarkable efforts have led him to recycle over one million cans and bottles, with a mission to inspire worldwide action and mitigate ocean and landfill pollution. Not stopping there, he donates proceeds to marine mammal rescue initiatives and spearheads weekly beach cleanup events in his community. As the president of Ryan’s Recycling Company, he recently launched Project3R, a nonprofit dedicated to global recycling education and awareness. Ryan’s commitment to environmental stewardship is inspiring and impactful, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Mari Copeny
Mari Copeny, known worldwide as Little Miss Flint, is a 16-year-old from Flint, Michigan, and a prominent figure in global advocacy. Her journey to prominence began with a letter to President Obama urging action on the Flint water crisis. This led to his historic visit and the approval of $100 million in relief funds for the city.
Mari’s activism extends beyond Flint. She collaborates with We Vote Next (formerly Eighteenx18) to raise awareness about the water crisis and other issues. Through her Flint Kids projects, she has raised over $700,000, providing essentials like backpacks filled with school supplies to over 19,000 children. Mari’s dedication to her community and unwavering advocacy have made her one of the most influential teens of our time.
Mikaila Ulmer
At just 11 years old, Mikaila Ulmer, hailing from Texas, embarked on a mission to save honey bees while building her lemonade empire. Inspired by her great-grandmother’s cookbook, she founded Me & the Bees Lemonade, infusing her lemonade recipe with honey instead of sugar to raise awareness about the plight of honey bees.
Mikaila tirelessly sells lemonade from her stand almost daily, seizing every opportunity to educate her customers about honey bees’ challenges. What began as a modest venture has blossomed into something significant. BeeSweet is projected to sell nearly 140,000 lemonade bottles annually, marking Mikaila as a young entrepreneur making a difference.
Kamaria Warren
When Kamaria Warren was just seven years old, she and her mom recognized a need, sparking the birth of Brown Girls Stationery. From McDonough, Georgia, Kamaria embarked on a journey to craft parties and school supplies, stationery, vegan purses, and accessories tailored for girls. Her products are available on Shopify, Faire Marketplace, wholesale channels, and local events.
On average, Kamaria sells around 10,000 notebooks, 2,500 notepads, and 1,500 backpacks annually. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to meeting the needs of young girls have positioned her as a standout figure in the industry.
Bana al-Abed
Al-Abed’s Twitter journey began on September 24, 2016. Twitter verified her account, affirming its authenticity as a public-interest platform. Through her tweets, she chronicled the harrowing siege of her city, emerging as one of the most influential teens who left a significant impact before reaching 20.
Her messages on Twitter shed light on various critical issues, including airstrikes, devastation, hunger, displacement, and the looming threat of her family’s demise, all while yearning for a peaceful childhood. Managed by Bana’s mother, Fatemah, her account amassed nearly 370,000 followers, serving as a powerful platform for raising awareness about the realities of conflict and resilience.
Simone Hufana
Simone’s brand was born from her aspiration to amplify the representation of women of color globally. She introduces young girls to the remarkable women who inspired her self-love journey through her coloring books. In 2017, she launched ColorHerstory and won at Shopify’s youth-focused BEASTMODE-A-Business competition, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
Pria Sawhney
Amidst the pandemic, Pria noticed alarmingly low levels of hand hygiene compliance in hospitals, leading to hospital-acquired infections and substantial financial losses exceeding $28 billion annually. In response, she developed Vizuell, a decolorizing verifiable hand sanitizer. The sanitizer initially appears colored upon application of the first component, then rapidly decolorizes upon adding the second component. Pria’s innovative solution earned her the prestigious 2022 Edison Student Innovation Gold Medal, recognizing her impactful work in healthcare innovation.
Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao is multifaceted, excelling as an inventor, author, social activist, and STEM advocate. Her remarkable achievements include winning the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2017 and earning a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her groundbreaking innovations. Renowned for her global workshops and innovative projects, she was also featured on the cover of Time magazine on December 4, 2020, becoming their inaugural Kid of the Year. With her impactful contributions and global influence, Gitanjali is one of the most influential young leaders in 2023.
Gabby Goodwin
Gabby Goodwin and her mother collaborated to create a revolutionary hair clip, the Double-Faced Double Snap Barrette, engineered to withstand vigorous play while ensuring hair stays in place. This innovation led to the establishment of GaBBy Bows, with Goodwin assuming the CEO role. Alongside her distinctive barrettes, she introduced Confidence by GaBBy, a plant-based hair care line simplifying the haircare process for mothers styling their daughters’ hair.
Kenan Pala
At the tender age of 11, Kenan Pala established the nonprofit Kids4Community to inspire children, including those younger than him, to actively engage in community service. His inaugural philanthropic endeavor involved setting a Guinness World Record for the most giant mosaic crafted from cardboard boxes in 2016. This achievement secured a place in history and provided Kenan with a platform to effectively involve his peers, fostering teamwork and community engagement among his fellow students.
Tilak Mehta
Tilak Mehta, the founder of Papers and Parcels, has pioneered an app-based digital courier service offering one-day parcel delivery. Partnering with the Mumbai Dabbawalas, Tilak ensures affordable same-day delivery of goods across Mumbai, solidifying his status as one of the most influential teens. Papers and Parcels cater to diverse needs, providing door-to-door pick-up and delivery services for small items such as pens, crucial paperwork, and more.
Cory Nieves
Cory Nieves, the visionary behind Mr. Cory’s Cookies, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey as a teenager, driven by a quest for the perfect cookie recipe. Together with his mom, they tirelessly shared their cookies everywhere they went. Today, Mr. Cory’s Cookies boasts a diverse range of over 14 flavors and has achieved a remarkable $1 million net worth, showcasing Cory’s entrepreneurial prowess and dedication to his craft.
Kelvin Doe
At just 13 years old, Kelvin Doe embarked on an extraordinary innovation journey, crafting batteries and generators from materials scavenged from rubbish bins to illuminate homes in his neighborhood. Despite numerous setbacks, Doe persevered until he developed a functional battery prototype—a blend of soda, acid, and metal secured with tape. In 2012, he established a one-person radio station, broadcasting news and music to his community under the alias D.J. Focus.
By age 16, Doe was the youngest person invited to MIT’s Visiting Practitioner Program. With MIT’s support, he attended the 2012 World Maker Faire in New York, where he participated in a panel discussion alongside four American inventors as one of the distinguished young makers.
Isra Hirsi
Isra Hirsi is an American environmental activist renowned for co-founding and serving as co-executive director of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike. Her impactful advocacy earned her a spot on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Government and Politics list in 2020. From a young age, Hirsi has been dedicated to improving the world, channeling her passion into advocacy to effect change.
Independently, Hirsi has accomplished numerous things, rallying hundreds of students across the United States to participate in the School Strike for Climate. This movement saw students abstain from school on Fridays to engage in various demonstrations and protests, amplifying the urgency of climate action on a global scale.
Greta Thunberg
Undoubtedly, Greta Thunberg is one of the most influential teens who have reshaped the world before reaching 20. The Swedish environmental activist garnered global attention by fearlessly challenging world leaders to take urgent action against climate change. In September 2018, she initiated the School Strike for Climate by protesting outside Sweden’s parliament, igniting a worldwide movement known as Fridays for Future. This movement inspired countless students to join in and amplify awareness of climate change.
Thunberg’s impact extended beyond protests. She delivered powerful speeches at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and the European Parliament, as well as before the legislatures of Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, she’s been credited with raising awareness about Asperger syndrome and inspiring individuals with the disorder. Thunberg’s unwavering dedication and advocacy have sparked a global movement for climate action and inspired countless individuals worldwide.
Nicholas Lowinger
In 2010, Nicholas embarked on a service project that ignited his passion: providing homeless children with new footwear to protect their feet from harm. This led to the nonprofit Gotta Have Sole Foundation, which is dedicated to making a sustainable impact. Nicholas and his community mobilized, securing donations from footwear manufacturers and collecting new shoes. In the inaugural year, they aided over 400 children in Rhode Island, marking the start of their impactful journey.
Nicholas’s dedication earned him recognition and prestigious awards for the foundation’s remarkable work. Honors like the Nickelodeon HALO Award, a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and a Jefferson Award for Public Service celebrate his commitment and the positive influence of the Gotta Have Sole Foundation on the lives of homeless children.
Dhruv Gupta
Dhruv Gupta leads NorCal Robotics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and mentoring young robotics enthusiasts. In its first year, the organization guided 13 teams to victory, one of which claimed the title of Northern California champion. Amid the pandemic, NorCal swiftly adapted, transitioning to online sessions, offering diverse STEM classes, and ensuring equal access to education for all students.
NorCal Robotics has impacted over 2000 learners, formed 40 robotics teams, and sponsored 500 students for STEM competitions. Dhruv Gupta’s leadership and NorCal Robotics’ dedication highlight their significant role in STEM education and youth development.
Jazz Jennings
Jazz Jennings is a prominent figure in media, recognized for her roles as a YouTube personality, spokesmodel, television personality, and LGBT rights activist. Identified as transgender at a young age, she garnered national attention in 2007 following an interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20. This spotlight led to numerous high-profile interviews and appearances, making her one of the youngest publicly documented transgender individuals to gain widespread recognition.
As an honorary co-founder of the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, established by her parents in 2007, Jazz Jennings advocates for transgender youth. In 2013, she furthered her activism by founding Purple Rainbow Tails, a company that creates rubber mermaid tails to raise funds for transgender children. Jazz’s advocacy and entrepreneurial endeavors continue to positively impact the LGBT community and beyond.
Valkyrie Holmes
Over the past two years, Valkyrie Holmes has made significant strides as the co-founder of Faura, a company tackling challenges within the wildfire industry. With prior internships at SpaceX and NASA in electrical engineering and data science, she brings valuable expertise to her work. Valkyrie actively participates in wildfire prevention and suppression efforts, demonstrating her commitment to addressing environmental issues. Recently named a 776 Climate Fellow, she has dedicated the next two years to combating climate change and expanding Ember Bazaar full-time.
Valkyrie’s academic journey includes attending Ed W Clark High School from 2010 to 2022, where she earned a High School Diploma specializing in AMSAT. From June to September 2021, she was awarded the Women in Tech: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Valkyrie Holmes is recognized as one of the most influential teens who significantly impacted the world before age 20.
Zuriel Oduwole
Zuriel Oduwole is renowned for her impactful development work worldwide, particularly advocating for girls’ education across Africa and the Caribbean. Her remarkable achievements began at 10 when she was featured in Forbes Magazine in 2013. By 2015, ELLE Magazine recognized her among 33 women who had significantly impacted the world.
In January 2017, she was honored as the world’s most powerful girl by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington DC at the State Department for her relentless efforts against child marriages and her advocacy for girls’ education. Zuriel has engaged in one-on-one meetings with over 30 world leaders to address global social development and education challenges children and teenagers face. Her dedication and advocacy have earned her widespread recognition and admiration on the international stage.
Maya Penn
Maya Penn is remarkable, embodying the roles of entrepreneur, philanthropist, animator, artist, and CEO of her eco-friendly fashion company, Maya’s Ideas. Remarkably, she founded her company at the tender age of 8 in 2008. Maya’s impactful ideas and endeavors have earned her recognition and admiration on a global scale.
She has graced the stage of the TEDWomen event in San Francisco, delivering two official TED Talks and one TEDx Talk, all streamed live on TED.com. Maya’s visionary outlook and dedication have propelled her onto the list of the most influential teens who have reshaped the world before turning 20.
Additionally, Maya is the creative mind behind the animated series The Pollinators, which highlights the vital role of bees and other pollinators. She premiered a clip of The Pollinators alongside another animated series, Malicious Dishes, at TEDWomen 2013, further cementing her impact in advocating for environmental awareness and social change.
Asia Newson
At age 5, Asia Newson started her entrepreneurial journey by selling candles she purchased wholesale from a distributor. Today, she holds the title of Detroit’s Youngest Entrepreneur and continues to create and sell candles, showcasing her unwavering dedication. Over the years, her venture has evolved into Super Business Girl, a workshop-centered mentorship program.
As the co-founder and CEO, Asia is committed to giving back to children in similar circumstances, empowering them to explore entrepreneurship. Through the proceeds generated from sales, she purchases school supplies and provides food and clothing for less fortunate kids, embodying her belief in the power of community support and entrepreneurship.
Moziah Bridges
At 18 years old, Moziah Bridges holds the title of President and Creative Director of Mo’s Bows Handmade Bow Ties—renowned for its vibrant bow ties, neckties, pocket squares, and apparel. His entrepreneurial journey began by learning to sew and crafting colorful bow ties from leftover fabric from his grandmother’s sewing projects.
Moziah gained widespread recognition after appearing on Shark Tank, where he showcased his talents and vision. Since then, Mo’s Bows has achieved remarkable success, surpassing $700,000 in handmade men’s ties and accessories sales. He presented then-President Barack Obama with a custom-made tie in Obama Blue and produced bowties and neckties for all 30 National Basketball Association teams. Moziah’s creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire young and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Mihir Garimella
Mihir Garimella specializes in constructing cost-effective flying robots tailored for search and rescue and emergency response missions. The concept revolves around deploying drones swiftly and efficiently in hazardous conditions where human intervention may be impractical. These drones can be considered disposable by ensuring affordability and enhancing utility in challenging scenarios.
One notable creation is the FlyBot, drawing inspiration from the flight patterns of fruit flies. This innovation earned Garimella top honors in the 13-14 age category and the prestigious Google Computer Science Award at the Google Global Science Fair. His success underscores the notion that participating in school science fairs can be a promising starting point for budding entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the most influential teens of 2023?
The most influential teens in 2023 include individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and impact in various fields such as technology, arts, science, sports, and social activism.
What criteria are used to determine the most influential teens?
Criteria for determining the most influential teens often include:
- Accomplishments
- Influence on their respective industries or communities
- Recognition from peers and experts
- Social impact
How are influential teens selected for recognition?
Influential teens are typically selected for recognition based on their demonstrated leadership, innovation, activism, or achievements in their fields. They may also receive nominations from reputable organizations or individuals in their industries.
Can you provide a list of the most influential teens of 2023?
While specific lists may vary depending on the source, influential teens of 2023 may include young individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their work and achievements.
What contributions have the most influential teens made to society?
The most influential teens of 2023 have made contributions to society through various means, including advocating for social justice, advancing scientific research, promoting environmental sustainability, excelling in sports or the arts, and inspiring positive change through activism.
How do influential teens impact their respective fields?
Influential teens impact their fields by pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and driving positive change. They serve as role models for other young people and inspire them to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
Conclusion
The most influential teens of 2023 represent a diverse group of young individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their fields and society as a whole. Through their leadership, innovation, activism, and achievements, they have inspired positive change and been role models for others. These teens have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference. As they continue pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and driving positive change, their impact will undoubtedly be felt for years.