Zamaan Qureshi is an activist and advocate for safer social media for young people. He has been profiled in publications like the Washington Post and written for TIME Magazine advocating for Congressional policy reforms. In 2023, the President invited him to White House events on advancing mental health access and the signing of an executive order on artificial intelligence. He has testified in state legislatures like Vermont and Illinois supporting state-based legislation. Zamaan is the first young person to successfully FOIA and sue the SEC. He is a recent graduate of American University where he earned a B.A. in international studies and political science.

Arielle Geismar is an organizer, advocate, creator, and strategist in human technology interaction. She has experience passing bills for young people on a state and federal level, mentoring technology companies in ethics, and advising the Biden-Harris Transition Team on mental health. She has led essential advocacy campaigns around responsible technology, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights. An advocate since 16, her leadership has been recognized by the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, MTV, and noted in Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 and Forbes 30 Under 30 lists. She has created content for Patagonia, Toms, Meta, and more around progressive issues. Arielle served as Student Body President of George Washington University before she graduated with her B.A. in International Affairs and International Science and Technology Policy. 

Isabel earned her degree from American University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in International Relations and Justice & Law, focusing on human rights and national security. Passionate about responsible technology reform, she specializes in the intersection of social media and democracy both in the U.S. and globally. As a member of the technology reform team at Issue One, a bipartisan democracy reform organization, she works on state and federal policy issues including child safety, platform design, Section 230, data privacy, and national security. Since 2023, she has also been actively involved with Design It For Us, advocating for stronger online protections for children on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

Matthew Allaire is a second-year Political Science student at Macalester College working to ensure emerging technologies serve our collective interests. Previously, he advocated for the 2024 Minnesota Kids Code, testifying before municipal and federal policymakers on digital well-being and technology addiction. Now, as an Encode Justice AI Policy Fellow, he works to integrate youth perspectives into AI governance frameworks that will shape future generations' experiences with AI and other emerging technologies.

Nick is a writer, researcher, and organizer with a simple goal: spreading more happiness in the digital age. He has run behavioral studies on social media use, launched and scaled several responsible tech startups, and consulted on behalf of groups like the Ford Foundation. Lately, he's been organizing events around NYC to experiment with the power of collective attention.

Nathan Ko is a current sophomore at Columbia University and serves as an Organizing Facilitator for External Partnerships & Campaigns. During his freshman year of college, he convinced himself to delete all of his social media accounts, and ever since that moment, he’s been passionate about the effects of social media on our youth. Ever since deleting social media, he has committed more time to reading, health, and his social life. At Columbia, he works as the Speaker Series Initiative Director for Columbia Political Union, writes for Ratrock Magazine, and sometimes participates in student theatre.

Kendall Schrohe is a passionate advocate for technology that enhances humanity rather than diminishes it. Growing up in the digital age, she has experienced the need for tech that fosters authenticity, connection, and real human growth—especially for future generations. Her work reflects this mission, from creating a podcast as a Fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics on belonging in the digital age to designing AI literacy training for municipal governments and researching how social media impacts authenticity in young people.

Kendall recently graduated from Santa Clara University with a BA in Philosophy and is excited to join Design It For Us to drive meaningful change. She is dedicated to spreading awareness, shifting cultural norms around social media, and ensuring these platforms truly serve their users. In her free time, Kendall enjoys trying new foods with friends, camping and hiking in nature, and experiencing live music.

Seán Killingsworth is the 22 year old founder of The Reconnect Movement. Reconnect is a student-led club that hosts phone-free social events at universities. Reconnect is currently established on 3 campuses and expanding. At 17, Seán began speaking about the effect of social media and phones on Gen Z. He has spoken at Virginia Tech, The Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Dopamind, The Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, and guest lectured at Georgetown University. Seán launched the weekly Power Hour to organize citizens and pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Endorsed by the Anxious Generation and Accountable Tech, the Power Hour generated thousands of letters and calls to key legislators. He is an organizing facilitator for Design It for Us where he will continue to advocate for State and Federal legislation. Seán hosts the Be The Oasis Podcast. His first book Be The Oasis will be published Spring 2026.

Matthew Stevens is a youth advocate from Syracuse, New York, studying political science at Le Moyne College. In addition to DIFU, he serves as the Director of Chapter Development at the Log Off Movement. Matthew's focus in the space has been digital literacy and raising awareness about the risks associated with excessive social media usage. He has been consulted by schools looking to develop effective digital policies. Beyond his work in digital wellness, Matthew is also a member of his village's planning board.