Elena Richards

Elena Richards is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a double major in International Studies and Political Sciences. Born and raised in New York City, Elena’s journey is rooted in her Hispanic heritage and the legacy of her mother’s family from Peru. Their stories inspired her lifelong commitment to making a positive impact on children’s lives through education and advocacy. During visits to Lima, Elena was struck by how poverty restricted children’s education and their opportunities to develop to their full potential. These experiences compelled her to be an agent of change by advocating for children’s rights to equal access to education at the United Nations.

In 2023, Elena was selected as an in-person advocate at the UN by the “Working Group on Girls,” an international NGO sponsored by UNICEF that empowers girls to be leaders within the UN system. Over the last two years, she has proudly represented the U.S. as an organizer, moderator, and speaker in UN sessions, leadership town halls, and international initiatives to improve the lives of children globally. At just 18 years old, she carries forward her family’s legacy and the voices of countless children whose stories have shaped her life purpose.