826 Boston’s Youth Literary Advisory Board (YLAB) represents students from across Boston. YLAB members apply and are selected in the fall and receive paid stipends for their work during the school year as artist-leaders and peer editors. The students meet weekly, and their work culminates every year in a final project. Past projects have included a podcast and a professionally printed book.

The 2024-2025 YLAB members are:

Daniela (East Boston) is a 18-year-old senior attending John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. She aspires to become an author of a book series marketed for tweens and teens. Aside from writing and reading poetry, she loves to scrapbook, doodle, and play the drums. 

Oriana (she/her, Roxbury) Oriana is 18 years old and attends Boston Latin School where she is senior class president. She was born and raised in Roxbury and is passionate about social justice and improving her community. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, writing, and baking. At school, Oriana loves public speaking, history, and using her strengths to be a leader. She would never miss out on an opportunity to learn, and is currently improving her acting and guitar! 

Muna (she/her, South End) is a 16-year-old student who attends Boston Latin School. She was born and raised in Boston but also spent four years of her life in Somalia and Kenya. She enjoys reading, photography and spending time with her family and friends in her free time. She is a second-year member of YLAB and she is ready to express,create and explore more through her writing.

Maya (she/her, Roxbury) is a 18-year-old Roxbury native who is a senior at Boston Latin School. While juggling the many stresses of high school, she likes to unwind by reading, sleeping, and, of course, writing. Her hobbies include trying new and exotic foods, learning Latin, and scrolling through endless Spotify playlists. She gets most of her inspiration for stories from walks through the city, and everyday conversations with friends.

Joseph (He/Him, Chinatown) is a rising novelist who is currently working on his debut novel, an immersive magical fantasy world led by Takemi, a young talented wizard, learning to appreciate suffering as a gift. At just 16 years old, Joseph is currently honing a writing style marked by deep character development, nuanced emotional struggles, and a focus on personal transformation. His passion for writing has already gained mass attention like his article from Teen In Print, namely “Top five ways to grow in your artistic journey” and “The Boston Comics in Color Festival..”

Evelyn (she/her, Dorchester) is a 17-year-old junior attending Brighton High School, and is an aspiring forensic psychologist and novelist. Although she isn’t a native Bostonian, she has grown to enjoy spending her time here and with her friends. She enjoys creative writing, movies, and problem-solving. As a returning member on YLAB, she is enthusiastic about the year of experiences ahead, and what stories she will create during her time here.

If you have any other questions about the YLAB—please send us an email.

YLAB’s mission—as written by the inaugural cohort of participants—states:

826 Boston’s Youth Literary Advisory Board (YLAB) is a program that exists to inspire youth. It provides a supportive community,  a safe space for teens,  and a place to fulfill self- expression. It’s a transformative experience that encourages students to be comfortable with their self-identity.

YLAB is student-driven. We are a collective providing students support to discover their artistic voice through book publishing, podcasts, and civic engagement opportunities to fuel change. We strive to break the mold, push back against stereotypes about our generation, and take power in society.

YLAB believes that our identity should not be defined by adults or society. Our identity should be defined by us. We believe in ensuring that unheard voices are heard. We believe in limitless expression.