OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Russ Lang recently traveled to DC with the Forum for Youth Investment to participate in Youth Development Policy Table.

Russ came into the room carrying both his lived experience and the academic grounding to put that experience into numbers. He didn’t just want to share what he went through; he wanted people to understand that the data behind those stories - and that these patterns are bigger than any one person.

A published photographer known for his cityscape work across Cleveland, Russ brings a distinct lens to policy spaces by showing how lived experience adds depth to data and why true belonging matters in decision-making.

Russ has also been working behind-the-scenes to:

• Review and share his insights regarding Positive Youth Development Curriculum through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program

• Help design a future webinar for Youth Advisory Board adult supporters

All three of these opportunities underscore Russ' ongoing commitment to demonstrate how intentional support can uplift disadvantaged populations as they step into advocacy and leadership roles.