Session: Who Are You Becoming?

A.J. Nielsen is a writer, storyteller, and communications professional who believes in the power of a good story to help people feel seen, understood, and connected. As Director of Communications at VOA, Utah, A.J. uses storytelling to bring attention to the people and experiences behind the issues facing our communities. His background in trauma, human behavior, and life coaching has shaped the way he approaches both his work and the world around him. A.J. is especially passionate about exploring the stories we tell, the assumptions we carry, and the ways authentic human connection can create meaningful change.

Session: So You Wanna Change the World?

Katie Taylor and Natalie Green (better known as Kat n Nat) met in 2018 as Unified Partners at the first-ever Youth Leadership Experience at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle. They became best friends, and since then, their adventures have taken them all the way to Abu Dhabi and Italy, onto Humans of New York, and behind the microphones for their Kat N Nat podcast about inclusion.

Kat n Nat both have a passion for advocacy, fundraising, and making their communities better. Katie studied Special Education at Utah State and now teaches at LEAP Elizabeth Academy, a postsecondary school for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She also volunteers as Assistant Head of Delegation for the Salt Lake Stars Special Olympics team. Natalie works as a ParaEducator at Elk Ridge Middle School and a barista at Lucky Ones coffee shop. She is a Global Messenger for Special Olympics Utah and serves on the Board of Directors.

Session: Fueling the Movement

Ta’Mariah Jenkins is a graduate student at the University of Utah pursuing an M.S. in International Affairs and Global Enterprise. Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and a Utah State alumna, she serves as a Graduate Assistant at the U's Center for Campus Wellness and Youth Program Assistant Specialist for South Salt Lake. With a background in Political Science, Anticipatory Intelligence, and Nonprofit Leadership, she addresses educational inequalities and promotes civic growth. Ta’Mariah aims to translate grassroots service into systemic advocacy, champion inclusive public policy, and eventually run for municipal and state office.

Session: Find Your Path to Community Engagement
Bio coming soon!

Session: Power in People
Chris Abbott is a Utah native with experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Starting as a concert promoter, he quickly rooted himself in customer service and community engagement. Following the music industry, Chris began working in the public sector for the SLC mayor’s office which led to the National League of Cities, where he learned firsthand how local government shapes daily life. Next, as Associate Director for America250 Utah at the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, he fostered statewide patriotic pride. Currently, Chris works on the Connected Communities initiative, bridging state resources directly to local municipalities and individuals.

Session: The Volunteer "Cheat Code"
As the Volunteer Services Manager at the Museum of Utah, Fatima Amjad is passionate about connecting people to local history and museum spaces through robust volunteer, docent, and internship programs. With nearly a decade of museum experience spanning collections care and curation, she brings a well-rounded, holistic perspective that deeply enriches how she approaches volunteer training. Coming off an incredibly busy summer successfully opening the state's one of a kind history museum, she is focused on building an accessible, supportive community for incoming volunteers. Fatima is thrilled to be at the Generation Volunteer Summit this year to share her insights on engaging youth, connecting with the public, and inspiring meaningful community participation.

Session: The Volunteer "Cheat Code"
A lifelong Salt Lake City resident, Taylor Hague got his start in the volunteer world as a teen docent for Utah's Hogle Zoo. After spending several years volunteering with them, he moved on to earn a degree in Anthropology from Utah State University. Upon his return to SLC, he was hired as the zoo's Volunteer Coordinator. Now as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Natural History Museum of Utah, Taylor manages a program of 250+ volunteers. In his free time he enjoys videogames, fishing or just being outdoors, and spending time with his growing family.

Session: The Piece Only You Can Place
Mohan Sudabattula is the Founder and CEO of Project Embrace, a healthcare nonprofit transforming surplus medical resources into access, dignity, and opportunity for communities locally and around the world. Since founding the organization from his college dorm room in 2018, Project Embrace has served more than 17,500 patients across four continents. His work has earned recognition from the United Nations, Congress, TEDx, and institutions including Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and Oxford. Selected as a Maker Fellow among a global community of high-impact founders under 35, Mohan was most recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact.