Daniel Pessin & United Way Recognize Fort Lauderdale Youth

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nonprofit iHustle4change, the United Way of Broward County, and the Broward Youth Coalition recognized four young leaders who are actively making strides to create positive change and give back to their communities. Each award winner was presented with an iPad 5 and an award certificate from the iHustle4change president, Daniel Pessin.

Daniel Pessin said, “All of these students have made a positive impact on their peers and the community. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future!”

The award winners are:

Donald Rufus-Raphael, a senior at Nova High School, has shown incredible growth through his involvement with the Broward Youth Coalition (BYC). Initially shy at first, his growth led him to become the vice president of his community-based BYC in addition to being the current president of his school club, called Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders. Donald led a workshop at the 25th Annual Youth Leadership Institute, and it was voted the top workshop by his peers. In 2018, he co-hosted the BYC Alternative Spring Break networking and professional development event. He continues to strive to do better through BYC and the Youth Leadership Institute as a way to have a positive impact on his peers and the community.

Chanice Lee, a senior who was homeschooled, is a natural born activist. She wrote and published her first book at the age of 15 titled, “Young Revolutionary: The Teen’s Guide to Activism.” Chanice also has a blog called “The Melanin Diary,” which she uses to promote social awareness among black teens through discussion of topics centered on social justice, history and politics. Her passion and mission for educating, inspiring and empowering others, shows in everything she does.

Markel Barreau, a senior at Atlantic Technical High School served as the community based secretary for BYC and improved the organizational structure and success of BYC with his focus and hard work. Markel was the driving force behind opening up a BYC at his school and he currently serves as the president. Through his leadership, his high school was the most successful school-based BYC during the 2018 academic year. He recruited the most members and and he leads them with his maturity and strength.

Nhadya Lawes, a freshman at the University of Miami served as the Broward Youth Coalition marketing director. She has done an incredible job managing their social media accounts and raising awareness in the community. She is consistently asked to do public speaking events on behalf of the United Way of Broward County and BYC. Those who work with her note her elegance, confidence and maturity. She serves as a positive role model for her peers.

iHustle4change is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit, with the mission to help bring joy, education and opportunity by opening the world of technology and all of its possibilities to youth and their families with little or no access. Daniel Pessin, founder and president of iHustle4change presented the awards at the event.