Gen Z is Redefining Leadership: 76 Youth-Led Projects Awarded National "Call for Kindness" Fellowship

NEW YORK, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Riley's Way Foundation announced its 2026 Call For Kindness Fellows, recognizing 76 youth-led projects led by individuals ages 13–23. The cohort includes 51 first-time fellows and 25 returning Senior Fellows. Each fellow will participate in a year-long leadership program and receive up to $5,000 to support and expand their project.

Why it matters: As Gen Z increasingly prioritizes purpose, empathy, and social impact, programs like Riley's Way are helping shape a new model of leadership—one rooted not just in achievement, but in community and connection.

"Kindness isn't a soft skill—it's a leadership strategy," said Ian Sandler, Co-Founder of Riley's Way Foundation. "These young leaders aren't waiting for the future; they're building it right now."

Riley's Way empowers young leaders through funding, training, and a national community rooted in compassion and action. Through its Call For Kindness Fellowship, recipients receive up to $5,000 and leadership development support to grow youth-led initiatives driving real-world impact. "Kindness is a leadership advantage," said Christine O'Connell, Executive Director of Riley's Way Foundation. "These young people are proving that empathy and impact go hand in hand."

The 2026 Call For Kindness Cohort is addressing pressing issues in civic engagement, technology & digital literacy, youth mental health, food insecurity, access to education & literacy, and the gender gap in STEM. Selected Fellows Include:

Cindy Qiao (17, Massachusetts) — Founder of The Full Fork Initiative, which collects unused cafeteria food and redistributes it to students in need across 17 schools.

Yana Bijoor (17, New York) — Creator of TruthSpot.ai, a program teaching students how to identify AI-generated misinformation through interactive modules.

Brandon Delcid Rios (18, New Jersey) — Founder of See The World Foundation, expanding access to vision care for children who cannot afford treatment.

View the full list of fellows here.

Contact Information: Ava Mateo, Riley's Way Communication Director
Email: [email protected] Phone: 845-532-9770

SOURCE Riley's Way Foundation