Taylor Gleeson, co-founder of Students United Against Gun Violence, has been awarded $36,000 in a nationwide search for young Jewish community leaders.
The 19-year-old Lafayette woman was recognized by the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards for her work in preventing gun violence and promoting youth activism by encouraging young people to have a voice in gun violence legislation.
The award, which is given to 15 young people every year, recognizes Jewish leaders who take initiative and are working toward “tikkun olam”— or repairing the world.
Erica Aren, program director of the awards, said Gleeson stood out due to her dedication and the scope of the group.
“We’re really looking for teens that step up,” Aren said.”Gun violence is a very complex, fraught issue that is difficult to broach and she has approached it head on, engaging her peers and other students.”
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