NextWave Leadership Participants

Supporting The Next Generation of Justice-impacted Leaders

The NextWave Leadership Program is Canary Impact’s youth-focused initiative, designed to support justice-impacted leaders aged 18-25. This program addresses the unique challenges faced by young people disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and community needed to transform their experiences into leadership and advocacy.

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2026 Participants

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cadon sagendorf

Cadon Sagendorf

He/Him

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siaara pinder

Siaara Pinder

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vaimoana kofutua

Moana Kofotua

She/Her

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swahili rainey

Swahili Rainey

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kay riley

Kay Riley

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sebastian garcia

Sebastian Garcia

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2025 Particpants

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jacob cohen edit

Jacob Cohen

He/Him

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kaylen frank edit

Kaylen Frank

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kayla kessler edited

Kayla Kessler

She/Her

alberto lopez edit

Alberto Lopez

He/Him

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jordan toney edit

Jordan Toney

He/Him

ferre woodmore edit

Ferre Woodmore

She/Her

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cadon sagendorf

Cadon Sagendorf

Cadon Sagendorf is a passionate advocate and student pursuing a degree in psychology. His work centers on the intersection of child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, and law, using research and public policy to drive systemic change. Spanning the state and federal government and nonprofit sectors, his efforts have contributed to legislative initiatives, child welfare and juvenile justice reform, and policy development. He serves on several boards and committees and has advocated at the United States Capitol and the White House. Cadon has also earned recognition from the governor of Utah and the U.S. Congress.
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siaara pinder

Siaara Pinder

Siaara (Cece) Pinder is a community organizer and youth leader dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and formerly incarcerated individuals. She works to build leadership, promote restorative justice, and advocate for policies that strengthen her communities. Through organizing, outreach, and mutual aid efforts, she connects people with the resources and support systems they need. She is passionate about empowering others to use their voices and take action on the issues that affect their lives. Her goal is to help create safer, stronger, and more equitable communities for future generations.
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vaimoana kofutua

Moana Kofotua

Moana is a leader, mentor, and advocate deeply committed to uplifting youth and young adults in her community. Her work centers on youth justice, transforming the carceral system, and amplifying young voices through mentorship and community engagement. She believes meaningful change begins with investing in young people and creating space for them to lead. Through her advocacy, Moana works to build stronger, more just communities for the next generation.
swahili rainey

Swahili Rainey

Swahili Rainey is 23 years old, the second oldest of five siblings, and a father to a 5-year-old son he is learning every day how to show up for and guide. He had early involvement with the justice system, but as he got older he began reflecting on his life and choosing to move differently, grow, and become better than his past choices. Today he is focused on building himself up and giving back to his community, with the goal of being a positive influence for younger people so they can see there’s more out there than the streets. Swahili wants to open doors and create opportunities so others don’t have to walk the same path he did.
kay riley

Kay Riley

Kay Riley is a licensed therapist and advocate for former and emancipated foster youth based in Ohio. She has traveled nationally to speak on the issues facing young people aging out of the foster care system and those impacted by juvenile justice, pairing clinical insight with a deep commitment to the communities she serves. Driven to continually strengthen her expertise and skills, Kay brings both professional training and lived advocacy to her work. Her mission is to ensure that youth navigating foster care and the juvenile justice system are met with informed, compassionate, and effective support.
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sebastian garcia

Sebastian Garcia

Sebastian Garcia is a 24-year-old storyteller and student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Television Arts. Formerly incarcerated and now two years home, he is channeling his perspective and creativity into a career in film and media. Outside of his studies, Sebastian is a poet who finds inspiration in writing and in time spent at the beach. His work reflects a commitment to growth, self-expression, and telling stories that matter.