Spirit of Youth

Emily Brubaker is an exceptional young leader who turns complex ideas into meaningful, lasting policy change at the local, state, and national levels. She led the BioGlitter Initiative, resulting in a unanimous Anchorage School Board vote to end future purchases of plastic glitter and address microplastics as an environmental and public health issue. As Alaska’s State Lead and Advocacy Chair for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), Emily has worked directly with legislators and families, helping advance Alaska Senate Joint Resolution 16 and making Alaska the first state whose full congressional delegation repeatedly cosponsored the bill. Through public speaking, writing, and youth-led civic engagement, including winning the National Civics Bee, Emily empowers others to understand systems, participate in democracy, and believe their voices can create real change.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Discovery