Hi! My name is Darshni Ramesh, and this past year, I had the incredible opportunity to serve on the 10th Cohort of the Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council! Alongside my fellow TAC members, I traveled to Washington, D.C. this past June to lobby for H.R. 1810, the Safe Schools Improvement Act—a bill that would help hold schools accountable for addressing bullying incidents and ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn in a safe, encouraging, and inclusive environment.

Throughout our time on Capitol Hill, we met with the office of Representative Linda T. Sánchez, where we learned more about the bill from the team that originally helped draft it. We also met with the offices of Representative Andrew Garbarino and Representative Laura Gillen to discuss why the Safe Schools Improvement Act matters and how it could positively impact students across the nation. During these meetings, we shared our own deeply personal experiences and spoke about how this bill can help ensure that every incident is officially recorded, followed through on, and that clear anti-bullying policies are implemented and actively enforced. One moment that especially stood out to me was our conversation with a staff member from Representative Garbarino’s office. After listening to our stories, he shared that Representative Garbarino’s values align closely with the goals of the bill and that he would be happy to take a closer look. It was incredibly encouraging to see that our voices were not only being heard but were actively opening doors to even more meaningful conversations and eventual legislative change.

In addition to lobbying, I had the privilege of shadowing the Health Policy team in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office. During my time there, I listened as constituents shared deeply personal stories about the issues they cared most about and the eventual changes they hoped to see. Listening to their stories helped me realize that beyond the mere annual statistics and endless political debates, legislative change is truly driven by people. Every bill represents individuals, families, and communities whose experiences have the power to shape public policy. It is this very voice that serves at the heart of legislative change.

Beyond the unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C., the baseball game I never fully understood, the lifelong friendships, and the countless memories I made, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of my own voice. This experience showed me that change starts when people choose to speak up for what they believe in. I had the privilege of standing alongside incredible young advocates who were just as passionate about creating change, and together we were empowered to bring our voices into conversations at the highest levels of government. I am incredibly excited to continue advocating for safer, more equitable communities, and I hope my experience inspires other young women to recognize the power of their own voices and use them to create change.

The trip through my eyes: