Young Voices for Change Award
The Leigh Crawford Young Voices for Change Award honors students who advocate for food access and equity. This award recognizes young leaders making a tangible impact in their communities. The recipient receives a $1,000 education award to support their future academic endeavors.
Are you a student advocating for food justice and equity? Apply for the Young Voices for Change Award and be part of a movement creating real change. Applications are due by April 15, 2026. Applicants must submit a complete application, including at least one letter of support from a teacher or mentor.
2025 Recipient: Annelle Imbabazi Williams
Annelle Imbabazi Williams, a senior at Franklin Central High School, brings a powerful combination of lived experience and leadership to her work. Adopted from Rwanda at age six and navigating life with a visual impairment, she has cultivated a strong commitment to justice, equity, and youth voice. Annelle served on the Indianapolis Mayor’s Youth Council and the Marion County Commission on Youth. As a youth host for Voices Inc., she created podcast and TV content that elevates youth perspectives.
Her work has included producing episodes on food insecurity and food deserts in Indianapolis, where she interviewed public health advocates and community organizers to spotlight local solutions. Motivated by her own experiences with hunger in childhood, Annelle is passionate about advancing food equity and advocacy. She plans to pursue studies in Politics and History, followed by law school, with the goal of a career in public service.
2024 Recipient: Raina Maiga
Raina Maiga, a senior at Purdue Polytechnic High School at Englewood, received the inaugural award for her leadership in transforming her school’s cafeteria. She led efforts to improve school meals that introduced a student-requested salad bar and reduced waste.
Beyond school, Raina serves on the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and as Co-Executive Director of Confront the Climate Crisis, working with lawmakers to address food justice and environmental sustainability. Her passion and leadership have made a lasting impact. Raina has been accepted to Cornell University and plans to study environmental law.
About Leigh Crawford
Leigh Crawford was a passionate advocate for justice and a beloved member of A Longer Table’s team. She championed causes both within our organization and among her community, bringing people together through her vibrant presence and deep commitment to meaningful conversations. Her legacy continues to inspire our work and will influence future generations of young leaders dedicated to food equity and social justice.
Questions about the Young Voices for Change Award? Please reach out to communicate@alongertable.org.
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