Youth Council Executive Board

2025-26 State Youth Council Executive Board

We're proud to introduce the 2025-26 State Youth Council (SYC) Executive Board. These students, chosen by their peers, are excited about the new year and the great things the youth of the state will be doing.

2025 Executive Board
Chair - Rylen Mack (she/her) Rylen Mack is part of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council in Cumberland County. She is a senior at Seventy-First High School. In her free time Rylen likes to spend time with family, cook, and watch sports. When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Rylen stated: “SYC means opportunity, growth, and purpose. It’s a place where I get to connect with other driven young people, step up as a leader, and actually make a difference in my community and across the state. It pushes me to be better and reminds me that youth voices matter.” Rylen also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “I’m most looking forward to leading with purpose, uplifting youth voices, and making a real impact across the state. I want to build a strong team and help take SYC to the next level.”
Vice Chair - Veda Sanka (she/her) Veda Sanka is part of the Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council in Forsyth County. She is a junior at Atkins High School and Career Center. In her free time Veda likes to draw, cook, and watch tv. When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Veda stated: “To me, SYC is a space where youth voices are truly valued and amplified. It’s a platform that has helped me grow as a leader, collaborate with peers across the state, and take action on issues that matter. As Historian of the Winston-Salem Youth Council, SYC has inspired me to lead with creativity and purpose. It represents connection, service, and the power of young people to create real change.” Veda also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “As someone who loves making an impact I can’t wait to set foot into the executive board with lots of new ideas. I can’t wait to become closer with my peers and make lifelong friendships. I especially want to increase the impact that the youth council is going to make for the 2025/2026 year.”
Secretary - Philip Adefila (he/him) Philip Adefila is part of the Fuquay-Varina Teen Council in Wake County. He is a sophomore at Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy. In his free time Philip likes programming, studying, and playing video games. When asked what State Youth Council means to him, Philip stated: “A way to impact your community through service and a way to lead others to do the same.” Philip also stated what he looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “Meeting new people and making friends”
Sergeant-at-Arms - Paul Adefila (he/him) Paul Adefila is part of the Fuquay-Varina Teen Council in Wake County. He is a senior at Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy. In his free time Philip likes to read, play video games, and program Python. When asked what State Youth Council means to him, Paul stated: “Personally I believe that, SYC is a space where everyone can express themselves and be their best selves overall. SYC also serves as a channel where youth can directly change the world for the better. It also fosters individual success but also reminds people that everyone is stronger together.” Paul also stated what he looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “I am looking forward to being able to serve the youth of NC more and being the change that I would want to see in my community. I also look forward to collaborating with my fellow Executive Board Members to make NC a better place for everyone.”

2025 Executive Board

Chair - Rylen Mack (she/her)

Rylen Mack is part of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council in Cumberland County. She is a senior at Seventy-First High School. In her free time Rylen likes to spend time with family, cook, and watch sports.

When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Rylen stated: “SYC means opportunity, growth, and purpose. It’s a place where I get to connect with other driven young people, step up as a leader, and actually make a difference in my community and across the state. It pushes me to be better and reminds me that youth voices matter.”

Rylen also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “I’m most looking forward to leading with purpose, uplifting youth voices, and making a real impact across the state. I want to build a strong team and help take SYC to the next level.”

Vice Chair - Veda Sanka (she/her)

Veda Sanka is part of the Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council in Forsyth County. She is a junior at Atkins High School and Career Center. In her free time Veda likes to draw, cook, and watch tv.

When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Veda stated: “To me, SYC is a space where youth voices are truly valued and amplified. It’s a platform that has helped me grow as a leader, collaborate with peers across the state, and take action on issues that matter. As Historian of the Winston-Salem Youth Council, SYC has inspired me to lead with creativity and purpose. It represents connection, service, and the power of young people to create real change.”

Veda also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “As someone who loves making an impact I can’t wait to set foot into the executive board with lots of new ideas. I can’t wait to become closer with my peers and make lifelong friendships. I especially want to increase the impact that the youth council is going to make for the 2025/2026 year.”

Secretary - Philip Adefila (he/him)

Philip Adefila is part of the Fuquay-Varina Teen Council in Wake County. He is a sophomore at Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy. In his free time Philip likes programming, studying, and playing video games.

When asked what State Youth Council means to him, Philip stated: “A way to impact your community through service and a way to lead others to do the same.”

Philip also stated what he looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “Meeting new people and making friends”

Sergeant-at-Arms - Paul Adefila (he/him)

Paul Adefila is part of the Fuquay-Varina Teen Council in Wake County. He is a senior at Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy. In his free time Philip likes to read, play video games, and program Python.

When asked what State Youth Council means to him, Paul stated: “Personally I believe that, SYC is a space where everyone can express themselves and be their best selves overall. SYC also serves as a channel where youth can directly change the world for the better. It also fosters individual success but also reminds people that everyone is stronger together.”

Paul also stated what he looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “I am looking forward to being able to serve the youth of NC more and being the change that I would want to see in my community. I also look forward to collaborating with my fellow Executive Board Members to make NC a better place for everyone.”