Hi, I’m Gabby Matzus and currently I am a Sophomore at Shadyside Academy located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the years I have participated in various charity events through my school, church and other organizations. However, the events were primarily chosen by adults and managed by adults yet staffed with teenagers like me. So, it caused me to think: what if teenagers could choose the charities and charitable projects that they support or volunteer at and coordinate and communicate directly with the adults who run the charity to help the charity fulfill its mission? That’s the inspiration behind Teen Impact Now. I wanted to create a teenage-led and driven charity designed by teenagers, for teenagers. I wanted to create a teen charity platform managed by teenagers that can make a meaningful impact and difference in our local communities. And a platform that will also afford us the opportunity to learn valuable leadership, organization and communication skills and interact with likeminded teens. I sincerely hope that you will join Teen Impact Now. Together, we can and will make a difference in our local communities and show the world that teenagers can be changemakers.