Youth Officers
Monmouth/Ocean County
Saniya Davis
President, Rays of Hope Ocean/Monmouth County
Saniya Davis is a 16-year-old honors student at Toms River North High School and the President of Rays of Hope. A devoted member for nearly six years, Saniya leads with passion, empathy, and purpose. She has organized community cleanups, donation drives, and advocacy campaigns addressing social and environmental issues, while mentoring younger members to take initiative as emerging leaders.
Saniya is also a standout scholar-athlete, serving as captain of both her school’s track and basketball teams. Her leadership extends into her roles on the Student Council and Green Team, where she promotes sustainability and school engagement. As a violinist in the Honors Society Orchestra, she demonstrates creativity and discipline.
Through her ability to balance academics, athletics, and service, Saniya continues to exemplify what it means to lead by example. She is committed to strengthening Rays of Hope’s impact, empowering youth, and building bridges that unite communities through service and advocacy.
Selorm Amekudzi
Vice President, Rays of Hope Ocean/Monmouth County
Selorm Amekudzi is the Vice President of Rays of Hope and a passionate advocate for youth leadership and service. A member for over three years, Selorm has led community initiatives that inspire engagement and promote positive change. Her leadership includes organizing outreach programs, coordinating media-based projects, and motivating her peers to embrace advocacy through action.
Outside of Rays of Hope, Selorm’s dedication to learning and community well-being is evident in her participation in the Healthy Running Series, which encourages physical fitness among youth. She has led book drives for students in Ghana and contributes to her school’s National Honor Society and health-focused clubs. Through summer academic programs, she continues to expand her knowledge and leadership skills.
Selorm’s compassion and initiative make her a role model within Rays of Hope. She is committed to expanding the organization’s reach and empowering young people to become thoughtful, impactful leaders in their communities.
Laila Thomas
Secretary, Rays of Hope Ocean/Monmouth County
Laila Thomas is a 16-year-old junior at Colonia High School and the Secretary of Rays of Hope, where she has proudly served for three years. Her involvement has allowed her to contribute to community projects that promote compassion, youth leadership, and empowerment. Laila’s dedication to service reflects her belief that small acts of kindness can spark lasting change.
Outside of Rays of Hope, Laila is a two-year varsity cheerleader, embodying teamwork and school spirit. She is an active member of her school’s Community Service Club and Black Student Union, planning programs that celebrate culture and inclusion. Laila also participates in the Youth Leadership Institute with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® and volunteers with Black Lives Matter New Jersey, assisting with monthly food, PPE, and school supply drives.
Motivated, thoughtful, and driven by purpose, Laila strives to uplift her peers and help shape a more unified and compassionate community.
Sephorah Noisette
Officer of Communications, Rays of Hope
Sephorah Noisette is a high honors student at Howell High School and the Communications Officer for Rays of Hope. Though new to the organization, she quickly made an impact by representing Rays of Hope at an event honoring Congressman John Lewis, where her speech on “Good Trouble” moved the audience and underscored her belief in youth activism. Sephorah’s creativity and initiative shine through her work managing interviews, event coverage, and storytelling for the organization.
Beyond Rays of Hope, Sephorah is deeply involved in advocacy and education. She is part of the Humanities Magnet Program and serves as Founder of the Women’s United Chapter, President of the Black Student Union, and Vice President of her class. She is active in her church as an usher and youth teacher, mentoring Haitian immigrant children. Sephorah has also partnered with organizations such as Brown Kids Read, the World Literacy Foundation, and Reading Across America to promote diverse representation in literature.
Her commitment to justice, service, and youth empowerment continues to inspire her peers and strengthen the mission of Rays of Hope.
Mercer County
Caitlyn Grimes
President, Rays of Hope Mercer County
Caitlyn Grimes is a 15-year-old honors and Advanced Placement student at Lawrence High School and the current President of Rays of Hope Mercer County. Caitlyn has shown exceptional dedication, initiative, and leadership in her role. She has been instrumental in helping establish and strengthen the Mercer County section through her involvement as President of her school’s Black Student Union and participation in other youth organizations. Her professionalism,
consistency, and passion for service have made her a driving force in the group’s development. Caitlyn continues to lead efforts to build community partnerships and create meaningful opportunities for youth engagement.
At Lawrence High School, Caitlyn serves as Co-President of the Black Student Union, a Peer Leader for freshmen, and a Peer Buddy for students with disabilities. She also serves as Chaplain of her school’s award-winning Gospel Choir. Beyond school, Caitlyn participates in the Ivy League Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® and the African Link Initiative for young African-descended scholars. She also writes for local publications and recently co-moderated the Lewisville Road Symposium alongside local dignitaries, including the mayor of her township and other civic leaders.
Caitlyn aspires to become an educator and eventually a superintendent, using her leadership and compassion to empower the next generation of changemakers.
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Courtney Nerestant
Vice President, Rays of Hope Mercer County
Courtney Nerestant is a senior at Lawrence High School and the Vice President of Rays of Hope Mercer County. For the past two years, she has demonstrated strong leadership and a genuine commitment to advocacy, using her platform to amplify youth voices and create meaningful service opportunities. Through Rays of Hope, Courtney has led community outreach efforts and encouraged members to engage in projects that promote equity and empowerment.
At school, Courtney serves as President of the Black Student Union, where she works to build a safe and inclusive environment for students of color. She also advocates for academic transparency, urging her school district to grant students better access to their academic records. Passionate about healthcare and representation, Courtney plans to pursue a degree in nursing and address racial disparities within the medical field.
Driven, ambitious, and compassionate, Courtney continues to use her leadership and determination to make a difference both in her school and her community.