SUNY Oswego students Oghenetega (Tega) Adjoh and Sarah Dorme are among the 12 exceptional young leaders from across New York and Massachusetts named to the National Grid Foundation’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC). 

This groundbreaking initiative aims to amplify the voices of young changemakers and shape the Foundation’s future social impact efforts, particularly in the areas of STEM education and literacy. 

The YAC represents a pioneering step for the National Grid Foundation, providing a platform for youth to influence programs that directly address the needs and aspirations of their local communities. Members will engage in advising on youth initiatives, provide insight into grant-making for organizations focused on energy education and fostering connections with peers who share their commitment to social impact.   

“This accomplished group of 12 young leaders embodies the spirit of philanthropy and community engagement,” said Robert Simmons, National Grid Foundation executive director. “Their insights will be invaluable in shaping our approach to social impact and ensuring that youth have a meaningful voice in the initiatives that affect them and our local communities.”

“I was interested in joining National Grid’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council because I care deeply about community empowerment, energy equity and ensuring that young voices — especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities — have a seat at the table in conversations that shape our future,” Adjoh said. 

“With this position, I know that I can represent what I care about, which is community,” Dorme said. “I would hope to gain more experience in advocacy as a whole. I’ve never advocated in person, and really stayed in the realm of mental health, so I knew it would be good to expand.” 

The YAC will meet virtually, four times a year over a two-year term, participating in sessions designed to enhance their leadership skills in community engagement and philanthropic best practices. These sessions will be facilitated by National Grid Foundation board members, employees, and community leaders, ensuring a rich learning experience. In recognition of their contributions, YAC members will receive a stipend for their time and expertise.

The application process opened in June for candidates aged 18 to 25, and organizers said the committee’s inaugural members demonstrated significant community involvement as they prepare to begin their journey in January 2026. 

Outstanding Oswego advocates

Adjoh, from the Bronx, is a student government leader and civic advocate, committed to inclusive leadership. A double major in finance and in operations management and information systems, she currently serves as president of the Student Association, treasurer of the SUNY Student Assembly and peer leader in the Educational Opportunity Program.

Dorme, from Nanuet, is a student leader and mental health advocate with a passion for equity, wellness and community impact. The psychology major serves as president of the Oswego Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists and youth advisor for the New York State National Alliance for Mental Illness. 

“Growing up, I saw firsthand how access to reliable, affordable energy affects education, opportunity and overall quality of life,” Adjoh noted. “Being part of this council allows me to bring that lived experience forward and contribute meaningfully to solutions.”

“I’m grateful to be in a position to advocate for and help people who may not understand their bill or how to reach out to somebody who can help,” Dorme said. “I feel like a lot of people in my generation don’t know how to use their voice to make an impact. That I can use this position to make an impact is so cool.”

“Through this opportunity, I hope to amplify student and community perspectives, advocate for more equitable energy initiatives and help bridge the gap between large institutions and the people they serve,” Adjoh said. “My goal is to ensure that the council’s work not only informs policy but also uplifts the young people who will inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions.”

“I’m just glad that advocacy is a huge topic,” Dorme said. “It’s one of those professions that is underrated. I look forward to spreading awareness, know my voice can be used to make a difference beyond SUNY Oswego. I’m grateful that it’s centered around something that I love to do.” 

About the National Grid Foundation

The National Grid Foundation is an independent charitable arm of National Grid, established in December 1998. The foundation has a long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in its service areas through grants that support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and literacy education. With the launch of the YAC, the National Grid Foundation is poised to further its mission of creating opportunities for young people to make a lasting social impact. 

The foundation helps advance National Grid’s Grid for Good social impact community engagement initiative, dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities it serves through three guiding pillars – increasing access to affordable energy, developing the energy workforce and supporting community resilience.