Chambana Sun

Seven Illinois teenagers have been selected to join the inaugural Illinois 4-H Influencer Team. The initiative aims to promote 4-H programs across the state and provide experiential marketing support by covering events.

"We're so excited to help youth gain expertise in communications through hands-on experiences," said Carissa Nelson, team co-lead and University of Illinois 4-H media communications manager. "Giving youth a strong portfolio of work will really help them try a future social media career on for size."

The team, comprising youth aged 14-19, will assist with coverage in their home counties as well as at state and national events. They are also expected to maintain a strong presence at the State Fair.

"A youth influencer team is a trendy and innovative way to empower youth voices, develop leadership and promote skill development," stated Latosha Reggans, co-lead and University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. "I am confident that this group of young people will thrive in their roles using their influencer’s platform to promote 4-H and engage the social media community by sharing the 4-H mission, program experiences, and impact."

The members for the 2023-2024 term include Annabelle Schaffnit from Adams County, Bailey Callahan from Rock Island County, Eesha Sukhavasi from Peoria County, Janella Neary from Monroe County, Mackenzie Goff from Knox County, Sophia Schneider from Logan County, and Elaan Bader from Montgomery County.

Team members will be tasked with creating content for state social media pages. Nelson expressed enthusiasm about this aspect: "We're so excited for the passion and energy the team will bring to content creation. The best way to reach youth is through youth-created content, and based on the application materials youth submitted, we have a lot to be excited about."

New members will be selected annually for one-year terms. This team represents the fifth statewide leadership opportunity available for 4-H participants. More information can be found on their Teen Leadership page.

Illinois 4-H is part of the University of Illinois Extension's flagship youth development program within the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. Research indicates that participants are significantly more likely to contribute positively to their communities and engage in STEM activities.