Carnegie Young Leaders

These Gen Zers are fighting misinformation and expanding voting access

October 31, 2025

The next generation of civic problem-solvers is already here.

Young people around the country are taking the lead to make voting fairer and more accessible. From VR headsets to chatbots, their work meets real local needs. They’re removing barriers so everyone can participate and be more informed. Meet the 2025 Carnegie Young Leaders and hear the inspiration behind their bold solutions.

Anushka Kalyan is using virtual reality to help people vote

VRing Democracy
San Francisco, CA (multi-state)

Multilingual VR experiences help immigrants and first-time voters feel more confident at the polls.

Adetayo Kalejaiye made an SMS chatbot to reach more voters

VotePlease
Grambling, LA

The SMS chatbot brings accurate voting info straight to people’s phones who don’t have reliable internet access in rural Louisiana.

Delnaz Kazemi is fighting election misinformation

Improving Civic Engagement and Education Through the Incorporation of Media Literacy
Oklahoma City, OK (multi-state)

Through an 8-week virtual program, high school students learn to spot misinformation and become more informed voters.

Sunny Pu is addressing language barriers in voting

M.E. Voting Database and Guides
Houston, TX

Translated voting guides make candidate info clearer and more accessible for non-English speakers in Houston.

Aditri Balaji is helping patients vote from their hospital beds

VCU Health Votes
Richmond, VA

A volunteer system created by pre-med students lets hospitalized patients cast their ballots on election day.

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