About Us

"Civics is more than a school subject taught from a textbook,
it is a way of life."

Virtutem Populo is a movement built by students, for students.

Founded by a high school freshman in June of 2022, we are committed to empowering youth through:

Advocating

Advocating for youth representation in government, community involvement, and active civic education.

Programming

Programming a variety of events and workshops to enhance student understanding and engagement in local government and civics.

Educating

Educating students on the processes of government and the importance of being involved civically in one’s community.

3 years. Over $115,000 raised. Over 40 corporate sponsors. 4,000+ students impacted. Dozens of programs. A growing network of young leaders.

Our Leadership

Meet the dedicated team driving this mission forward:

Executive Committee:

By the students, for the students. Virtutem Populo prides itself on being 100% student-led. 

Miami Gardens Events
Clint A. John, Jr., Executive Director
c78d6a83-fa65-48eb-9253-7046d554df71
Lya Quintana, Deputy Director
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.35 PM (2)
Sofia Hernandez, Director of Outreach
IMG_2055
Santiago Rodriguez Del Valle, Director of Innovation and People
Screenshot 2025-09-04 at 21.16.30
Clara Strassnig, Deputy Director of Operations
Kylie Sowers, Director of Advocacy
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.34 PM
Alexa Pla, Assistant Deputy Director
Screenshot 2025-09-04 at 18.09.05
Alexa Valverde, Assistant Deputy Director
Ray Garcia, Deputy Director of Communications
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.35 PM
Sydney Carr, Director of Programming
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.34 PM (1)
Mateo Cisneros, Director of Flagship Initiatives
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.34 PM (2)
Christopher McClindon, Director of Education
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.35 PM (1)
Gianna Michel, Director of Organization
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.36 PM (2)
Lucia Bring, Administrative Director
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.36 PM (3)
Grace Mazzorana, Administrative Assistant
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.35 PM (3)
Isaura Valdes, Administrative Assistant
Screenshot 2025-09-04 at 20.22.17
Miranda Gonzalez, Digital Engagement Manager
Untitled design-11
Carolina Cuba, Assistant Digital Engagement Manager
IMG_5144
Sofia Thomas, Communications Coordinator
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.36 PM (1)
Jose Sojo, Executive Team Member
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-28 at 1.52.36 PM (3)
Robert Rojas, Executive Team Member

Board of Directors:

While Virtutem Populo prides itself on being 100% student-led, our organization would not be possible without these outstanding individuals who have helped us every step of the way.

Maurits E. Acosta, Founder and Chairman of the Board
Hailie Prieto, Vice Chair of the Board
Roberto Carmona, Director
Alyssa Leon, Director
Allyson Diaz-Rubio, Director
Daniel Nunez, Director
Roselyn Navarro, Director
Emma Sotero, Director