“You must always try to justify the space you fill.”
Jaylen beats the odds.
Jaylen became involved with GripTape through her Learning Challenge, which attempted to combat rising suicide rates in her school district. After the conclusion of her Challenge, she followed GripTape’s evolution, waiting for an opportunity to get more involved. When a spot opened on the Youth Leadership Board, she jumped at the chance to apply, and the rest is history! Now, she focuses on developing effective outreach efforts and helps contribute to the organization’s strategic decision-making.
Jaylen was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, a piece of the north in the south. As Puerto Rican and African American, Jaylen is proud of both her cultures. She loves riding horses, writing poetry, and blending way-too-sweet tea. She is currently studying political science and creative writing. Outside of GripTape, Jaylen is an executive fellow for Our Turn, an education reform nonprofit, focused on the implementation of the tuition equity bill, One State One Rate.
When she’s not working, Jaylen finds her sweetest joy in a warm cup of Harney & Sons, a fresh blanket, and a new show/movie/YouTube video.
GripTape team member since 2022
Location: Charlotte, NC
