Carli’s Story
Meet Carli
Carli Katz is a senior in high school in Rockville, Maryland. Beginning in the fall of 2023, she will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and political science at Villanova University in preparation for attending law school one day. Later, Carli plans to become a civil rights attorney to defend and advocate for the rights of individuals.
Carli’s Story
When Carli was a freshman in high school, after someone set off a fire alarm, she witnessed her fellow students who used wheelchairs unable to escape from the building safely. Although no actual fire was present then, the incident proved that many students could face grave danger in a real emergency. In addition, Carli discovered that her school and many others nationwide do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, these institutions are missing the vital ramps and other necessary improvements to ensure student safety.
Throughout high school, Carli actively advocated for increased safety measures to benefit the disabled and often marginalized communities in her area. She testified numerous times before the Montgomery County Board of Education and procured the needed funds to make changes at her school. In addition, through the Student Government Association and her school chapter of the International Best Buddies organization, Carli continues to teach incoming students how to develop testimonial speeches to present to leadership groups with the power to help students at large within her community.
The Student Advocacy Alliance Network Concept
After realizing how few resources existed for teaching students how to advocate to create changes in their communities, Carli worked to find solutions. She hopes that this home of the Student Advocacy Alliance Network at Help Them Speak will inspire and help students across America pool their resources and build more robust platforms for new and influential voices in advocacy work. Carli wants you to join her and her team in expanding advocacy student resources that can bridge the gap between the initial ideas and fundamental changes in policies that shape a better world for all.
Passion Projects
Animal Rights, Child Welfare, Civil Liberties, Disability Rights, Environment and Climate Change, Human Rights, Reproductive and Health Rights