Prince William County Human Rights Student Leadership Council Empowers New Voices

Hope, courage and a commitment to justice filled the room as a new generation of student leaders joined Cohort 10 of the Prince William County Human Rights Student Leadership Council (HRSLC). 

Recent inductees spoke of connection, collaboration, listening, awareness, respect and integrity as the leadership skills they intend to develop during their yearlong journey to study civil rights. 

Throughout the program, sophomores, juniors, and seniors from public, private, and home schools across Prince William County will explore civics and history, strengthen their leadership and public speaking skills, and learn about community outreach. They will interact with elected officials and county staff to understand how government works, recognize discrimination and learn what to do when they see it. 

Prince William County Human Rights Commission Chairman Curtis Porter told the students and parents attending the council orientation that they were now a part of a milestone year for the successful program.  

“This has been a very exciting project over the last nine cohorts,” Porter said. “We are indeed very excited to kick off Cohort 10 of the Human Rights Student Leadership Council. I really want to thank everyone for being here, starting with the parents for having your young people engaged and the schools for the wonderful partnership we’ve had over the years.”   

Carolyn Custard, Prince William County Public Schools Liaison to the HRSLC, thanked parents for supporting their students and welcomed the 64 new council members and nine returning student ambassadors from Cohort 9. 

“These amazing students will enhance their leadership skills as they engage and dialogue about elevating the culture of their school and their community using their leadership, their education, service and character,” Custard said. “Each session will offer them the opportunity to interact with guest speakers, collaborators and their peers.”  

Guest speaker Dr. Charmelle Ackins, Chief Equity Officer for Prince William County Public Schools, told the audience that the students were joining a tradition of leaders who chose to take action rather than stay on the sidelines. 

“Each of you has demonstrated the courage to speak up, step forward and lead in justice and to imagine something better for those around you,” Ackins said. “That is what leadership is – seeing what can be – not just what is. By committing to this cohort, you have now taken on the responsibility to hold yourselves and others in this role to a higher standard by modeling your words and actions to what it means to be a leader.”  

Prince William Office of Equity and Inclusion Director Maria Burgos echoed Ackins's remarks, emphasizing that leadership is about creating opportunities for others.  

“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room,” Burgos said. “It’s about making space for others to speak, and that’s what you’re charged with. Create a space for someone else to shine.”  

Raul Torres, the Human Rights Office Executive Director, told the new council members that they were embarking on a “remarkable” journey.  

“I hope you will meet this challenge with purpose while applying the knowledge that you will gain from this cohort,” Torres continued. “As you enter this program, carrying forward the torch of justice, believe in the power of peaceful change. Let your voice be strong, your heart be kind and your faith in Democracy unshakable.”  

As these young leaders begin their journey, they carry not only the lessons of history but also the promise of shaping a more just and inclusive future for Prince William County. 

More information about the Human Rights Commission and the HRSLC is available at www.pwcgov.org/humanrights or by calling 703-792-4680.