Amaya DeFlorimonte is an environmentalist and mental health advocate from Oakland, California, who is determined to educate younger generations on the importance of environmental conservation and to de-stigmatize mental health in children and teenagers. She is also diving into sports psychology and how healthy competition and rigorous training affect the human mind. Amaya has remained an avid Girl Scout for seven years, receiving both her Bronze and Silver Award, participating in a variety of community and volunteer events, ranging from building lending libraries to preparing meals at homeless shelters, renovating a school’s garden and outdoor space, and providing for those in need.
She currently attends Bishop O’Dowd High School, where she will start her Senior year in the fall. She will be a part of the Eco Leader Senior Leadership Team, which is an exclusive group of fourteen seniors who actively speak out, raise awareness, and take action to protect and preserve the natural world. This includes championing sustainable practices at school, influencing policy changes, educating students and the broader community about environmental issues, and standing up against activities that harm ecosystems. Amaya will begin her participation as a Class Representative, inputting her ideas on how to create a healthy environment at school. She will continue her involvement as a member of the Black Student Union, where she frequently participates in meetings and assemblies, highlighting the varying issues African Americans face in our society, and as a Dragon Ambassador, who represents Bishop O’Dowd’s charisms. She is also a member and captain of the Track & Field Team and specializes in the 400 Meter Dash, Long Jump, Triple Jump, 4×100 Meter Race, and the 4×400 Meter Race.