Introducing the 2026 GIFFORDS Arizona Courage Fellows
Every year, our Courage Fellows inspire and motivate me with their passion to create positive change.
I shouldn’t be shocked anymore, yet I’m always in awe that so many young people are not just prepared, but excited, to join the fight for gun safety. At GIFFORDS, we’ve been in this fight for more than a decade, and we know just how challenging it can be. But we also know how rewarding it is to change policies and save lives.
Together, we’ve passed more than 820 gun safety laws in states across the country. We’ve elected gun safety champions up and down the ballot. We’ve fought the gun lobby’s agenda in court—and won.
And one thing we know without a doubt: Our progress to end gun violence and save lives is only possible because of the young people in the fight with us.
With that in mind, I’m honored to introduce our 2026 class of Arizona Courage Fellows. GIFFORDS launched the Courage Fellows program in 2018, following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Our goal has always been to empower young advocates by connecting them with national leaders and others in the gun violence prevention space, helping them develop the tools and skills they need in this movement, and working alongside them to fight for stronger gun laws.
This year, we recruited students in Arizona, one of our priority states. These Courage Fellows will participate in a variety of trainings and meetings at their state capitol throughout the spring, while also developing and implementing a community engagement project of their choice.
Previous Courage Fellows have gone on to do incredible things, including researching gun violence, running for office, testifying in state legislatures, and more. I can’t wait to see what these powerful leaders will do next.
Bailey Ekstrom is a senior at the University of Arizona studying economics and political science, as well as an aspiring legal professional dedicated to strengthening public safety, democratic participation, and community well-being. Her reporting for the Daily Wildcat—including coverage of campus crime and gun violence on her own campus—ignited her commitment to institutional accountability and evidence-based policy.
She has worked in constituent services for Senator Ruben Gallego, contributed to tech and regulatory policy efforts in Washington DC, and campaigned for gun safety candidates in Arizona. Bailey is completing an honors thesis on political polarization and civic engagement and aims to use reporting, research, and future legal training to help build safer, more informed, and more equitable communities.
Cooper Long is a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying political science and communication. Serving as the vice president of College Democrats of Arizona as well as the political director of the University of Arizona College Democrats, Cooper is passionate about youth organizing and hopes to energize his fellow students in support of gun violence prevention.
Cooper’s introduction to political activism was a school walkout in support of gun violence prevention, and since then, he has been committed to working to prevent gun violence in all forms. He hopes to work with peers, advocates, and elected officials to find solutions for this pressing issue facing our communities.
Solaé Mcafee is a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying undergraduate law with a minor in psychology. She is an aspiring civil rights attorney.
Solaé is from Phoenix, Arizona, and is passionate about community, art, and advocating for human rights. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and experience while helping to improve her community and positively impact the spaces she walks into.
Joe Morrison is a senior at the University of Arizona, majoring in political science and minoring in history. He was born and raised in North Idaho and has spent the last three years in Tucson.
During his last couple of summers home in Idaho, Joe has worked as a field organizer for the Kootenai County Democrats. In this position, he has experienced politics firsthand and intends to utilize his leadership skills as a Courage Fellow. Joe has always believed in the need for gun violence prevention, but recent events in his life have accelerated his advocacy for such measures.
Daniella Quiroz is a student at Northern Arizona University pursuing a degree in psychological sciences. She is on track to attend medical school and is an aspiring child psychiatrist, with a specific interest in trauma-informed care.
Her passion for social advocacy stems from the existence of gun violence in her home state of Arizona and its prevalence across all medical fields. Alongside her academic pursuits, Daniella works closely with the community through weekly volunteer and service work in Flagstaff.
Todd Spencer is a recent graduate of Santa Clara University, where he earned degrees in political science and Spanish. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, his interest in gun violence prevention comes from seeing how deeply it affects everyday life in schools, families, and neighborhoods.
Through his work in public service and legal advocacy, he has developed a strong commitment to public safety, justice, and community-driven solutions. His experience in campaign organizing, immigration legal support, and community outreach continues to shape his interest in civic engagement and public policy. He plans to pursue a career in law and public service focused on strengthening community safety, fairness, and accountability across Arizona.
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