
Welcoming the 2025 Courage Fellows
I am always blown away by the passion and commitment that so many young people have in the fight against gun violence.
We’ve been fighting for stronger gun safety laws and to reduce gun violence at GIFFORDS for more than a decade. We’ve passed more than 700 gun safety laws in states across the country, elected gun safety champions up and down the ballot, and have fought the gun lobby’s agenda at every junction.
But we are well aware that this fight wouldn’t be possible without young people determined to create change.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce our 2025 class of Courage Fellows. GIFFORDS launched the Courage Fellow program in 2018, following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and every year we have helped empower impressive young leaders in the fight to save lives. Our goal has always been to connect young advocates with national leaders and other advocates in the gun violence prevention space, work with them to develop the tools and skills they need to enter the gun safety conversation, and help them fight for stronger gun laws.
The program is a little different this year—we focused on recruiting students in two of our priority states, Arizona and Texas. These Courage Fellows will participate in in-state trainings and meetings at their state capitol throughout the spring while developing and implementing a community engagement project of their choice.
Past Courage Fellows have gone on to research gun violence, run for office, launch new gun safety organizations, testify for stronger gun laws, and so much more. We’re proud to help shape the powerful leaders of tomorrow.
MEDIA REQUESTS
Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.
Contact

Macey Chandler is a student at Trinity University studying sociology and political science. She was raised in Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. Macey first became involved with the gun violence prevention movement in 2018 when she joined March for Our Lives Arizona. As a member of the Lobby Team and Political Committee, she advocated at the Arizona legislature on behalf of school safety bills and later helped organize the 2022 march.
In 2023, Macey joined Arizonans for Gun Safety as a board member and now serves as the vice president. Macey is involved with local organizations in Arizona and Texas and is passionate about youth empowerment and community outreach.

Ellie Faley is a senior at Northern Arizona University studying criminology and criminal justice with minors in intelligence and law, rights, and justice.
Throughout her accelerated masters program, she has been researching school related gun violence and is excited to get to work reducing gun violence in Arizona.

Isabela Gamez is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in Mexican-American studies. Through her work with Voice of America, the Arizona Mirror, and Tucson Spotlight, she has reported on social issues and political stories that impact her community.
Passionate about amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for change, Isabela is committed to addressing critical issues like gun violence prevention. She aims to use journalism and mentorship to create a more just and safer future for all.

Felipe Garcia is a sophomore at the University of Arizona pursuing a dual degree in political science and creative intelligence & innovation.
He is a proud resident of Tucson, Arizona, and a native Spanish speaker. Felipe is passionate about service, civic engagement, and education.

Cameron Lewis Graham is passionate about political activism and working to better his community. He’s in his first year at the University of Arizona, studying political science.
Cameron grew up near Columbine High School in Colorado, participating in local events to remember those lost in the massacre.

Jacob Hunt graduated from the University of Arizona in 2024 with a BA in law, and is currently advancing his education at Arizona State University, where he is pursuing dual master’s degrees in public administration and policy and in Education. In addition to his academic pursuits, Jacob is gaining valuable, hands-on experience as a Title I middle school teacher in central Phoenix, where he is directly engaging with students, families, and educators to better grasp and understand their needs.
Jacob’s background includes Capitol Hill fellowships with Congressman Ruben Gallego and Congressman Raul Grijalva, as well as serving as PAC chairman for a Phoenix-area chapter of the Arizona Education Association. He is passionate about advocating for meaningful change, particularly in the effort to end gun violence across the nation, and is committed to collaborating on solutions that create safer, more equitable communities.

Ricardo G. Longoria is a passionate political organizer and communicator dedicated to sparking change and empowering communities. With years of experience in grassroots campaigns and field operations, Ricardo has worked to mobilize voters, manage volunteers, and craft impactful strategies to elect Democrats and advance progressive causes. He has a deep connection to movements like gun violence prevention and LGBTQ+ equality, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the resilience of advocates.
Known for his innovative ideas, sharp communication skills, and leadership, Ricardo is committed to driving meaningful action and shaping a more just and inclusive future.

Jasir Rahman is a senior at Rice University studying social policy analysis and data science. After a gun was brought onto his Kentucky high school campus, Jasir joined the Team ENOUGH Executive Council to empower young people to advocate for commonsense gun laws.
As a member of the Texas Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Jasir has worked to mobilize young people from all corners of the state to make their voices heard at the Capitol during the legislative session.

Oluwafifunmi Faith Shonuga is a student at the University of Houston, on track to graduate with a political science major and criminology, law, and deviance minor. She is an aspiring lawyer passionate about justice reform, and is hoping to build on her experiences in the legal field while laying a foundation to explore topics like attorney diversity and advocacy—both of which she believes are essential for public service and creating meaningful change within the legal system and society.
Outside of professional work, she spends her time cooking and baking, as she’s able to mix flavors, cultures, and fun to create something special, and hopes to one day combine her passions to connect people and make a positive impact in these unique spaces.

Nahom Sisay is a community organizer and advocate dedicated to transforming young people’s voices into political power through education, technology, and policy. With more than three years of experience, he has worked on legislation and initiatives addressing disparities in education, healthcare, youth mental health, and climate justice.
Working with elected officials, nonprofit organizations, companies, and governmental institutions at various levels, Nahom leverages his passion and lived experience to advocate for a world where change is not just possible, but inevitable.

Bailee Sobnosky is 22 years old and was born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast. Bailee is a survivor of gun violence: She was 16 when her high school in Santa Fe, Texas, was the site of a mass shooting in 2018, which killed 10 people and injured 13. This experience and the aftermath motivated Bailee to get involved in community organizing, and in college at the University of Texas at Austin, she led a student government committee dedicated to educating students about the social issues of the local Austin area through volunteer projects.
Bailee is looking forward to expanding on her community activism skills while learning from those at the forefront of gun violence advocacy in Texas.

Cayla Vient is studying political science with a double minor in justice law and rights and law and society at Northern Arizona University.
She is a passionate student who is constantly looking for ways to be involved in her community.
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The gun safety movement is on the march: Americans from different background are united in standing up for safer schools and communities. Join us to make your voice heard and power our next wave of victories.
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