Student Advisory Board

My name is Quinlynn Benally, I’m a junior in high school in Southern Utah. I joined the board because I thought it seemed like a great opportunity to help advocate for other students in similar situations as me. I plan to go to college and get a degree in psychology.

I'm Hayden. I’m a 17-year-old living in Tennessee, and currently a junior in a public high school. I aspire to enter the medical field as an X-ray technician. I joined the visual board to raise awareness about visual and other disabilities, helping others understand my experiences and those of others facing similar challenges.

I am Mackenzie Karbash. I am a junior at a public high school in Wisconsin. I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board to help develop a better understanding of blind and visually impaired education. In the future, I want to attend college and get a degree in animals or math.

My name is Milo. I am a senior at a public high school in Northern California. I want to join the board as it gives me a chance to connect with other vision impaired people, share experiences, and advocate for VI students across the country. I have a passion for music and not only play the lead clarinet in my school band, but also have started to play ethnic instruments including the Chinese erhu and suona, connecting me to my Chinese roots on my mother’s side. I also am obsessed with Japanese tokusatsu. Due to my deep interest in Chinese and Japanese culture, I am hoping to go to a four-year college to study music and East Asian Culture.

Hello, my name is Bennett. I attend a public high school in southeastern Wisconsin. I wanted to join the student advisory board to learn more about what other blind and low vision students are doing to prepare for college and share insight and experiences about challenges I've faced in the past. After high school, I plan on attending college to get a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. My hobbies include reading, coding, singing, watching YouTube, and all things technology. I am involved in several organizations at my school, including being on the wrestling team, participating in school musicals, singing in the school choir, and working at events for our school’s auditorium in lighting and sound in our Certified Auditorium Technicians club. I am the president of our school's Coding Club and a member of our student council.

Hello, I am Nomi Maqbool, and I am from Southern California. I am currently a senior in high school as well as a second-year college student, pursuing studies in public health science and policy. My aspiration is to become a physician, despite being blind. Also, I am a musician, proficient in the clarinet, guitar, and piano. I was born with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a degenerative retinal disease and I had the opportunity to be in a clinical trial for the Luxturna, the first FDA approved gene therapy. I firmly believe that disabilities are not road blocks, but are speed bumps. As a board member, I hope to help advocate for equity and inclusivity for individuals with low vision and blindness. Too often, our community is overlooked, and I am committed to shining a light on a lightless people.

My name is Jessica Myers. I am currently in the 11th grade in the state of Wisconsin. I wanted to join the board because I aspire to make an impact on people who share my disability, helping them find their independence and thrive. My career goals are to attend an undergraduate school, double major in sociology and political science, and then pursue graduate studies at Madison Law School to become a lawyer specializing in human rights cases.

My name is Alivia Parks, and I’m an 11th-grade student at a public school in Tennessee. I’m passionate about making a difference in my community, which is why I’m excited about the opportunity to join the Vision Board. As someone who believes in the power of education and inclusion, I want to help create better opportunities for individuals with visual impairments to thrive in all areas of life. I feel that joining the board will allow me to contribute to meaningful changes while learning more about advocacy and leadership. Looking toward my future, I plan to attend nursing school after high school and continue my education to become a Nurse practitioner. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and I believe a career as a Nurse Practitioner will allow me to provide compassionate care to those in need. By combining my dedication to making a difference with the skills I’ll gain as a Nurse practitioner, I hope to not only serve my patients but also continue advocating for greater accessibility and understanding in healthcare and beyond.

I am a second-year part-time college student in the College of DuPage, Illinois. I am also enrolled in my high school’s district transition program. I wanted to join the advisory board to connect with others with visual impairment and learn more about different resources or/and opportunities. I want to be an educator and work at a daycare with young children. I also more specifically want to work at a Montessori school.

Hi! My name is Addison Woebke, I am a Junior at a public school in Oregon. I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because sharing my voice and experiences with others is important and I enjoy advocating for people. I hope to go to a four-year college, and I want to be an Event Planner or a Disney Imagineer.