AUSD students Kevin Tang and Keiko Rakin (second and third from the left) represented California youth advocates at the National Lifesavers Conference, held in March 2025 in Long Beach.
Alhambra Unified School District students Keiko Rakin and Kevin Tang took center stage at this year’s Lifesavers Conference, the largest annual traffic safety conference in the nation. As panelists in the featured session Student Changemakers: Leading the Charge for Safer Schools and Communities, they joined students from three other states to showcase their projects and advocacy efforts aimed at creating safer schools and communities.
Both Keiko and Kevin are two-year members of AUSD’s Student Advisory Council (SAC), with Keiko currently serving as the district’s student board member. Last year, SAC and nearly 100 San Gabriel High School students participated in Impact Teen Drivers, Be The Change Fellowship Summit.
Since then, students have continued their advocacy by launching follow-up outreach activities at their respective schools and promoted student-led initiatives focused on safety and civic engagement. Selected to represent both AUSD and youth leaders across California, Keiko and Kevin impressed attendees with their professionalism, critical thinking, and advocacy for safer roadways and inclusive mobility policies.
Keiko Rakin, a junior at Alhambra High School, spoke passionately about human rights advocacy, particularly in regards to mobility safety. She emphasized the need for equitable and inclusive safety measures, ensuring that all individuals (regardless of background or ability) have access to safe transportation. Her leadership and confidence reinforced the crucial role young voices play in shaping community policies and fostering change.
“Working with Impact Teen Drivers and AUSD has been a transformative experience in the education of traffic safety, public health, and youth advocacy,” Keiko reflected. “The panel was an inspiration as youth from across the nation spoke on our advocacy and impact on a local, state, and even national level. I am truly honored to be a speaker and continue my work in public health and policy.”
Kevin Tang, a sophomore at San Gabriel High School, shared his experiences in civic engagement and the challenges of implementing his Be The Change project. His candid reflections on leadership obstacles and perseverance resonated with the audience, inspiring other students and stakeholders to push forward in their advocacy efforts despite difficulties. The event was a learning experience for Kevin as well. In addition to being a panelist, Kevin attended the entire three-day conference to deepen his knowledge and understanding, and to strengthen his leadership and advocacy skills for future projects.
“Attending Lifesavers 2025 was a phenomenal experience…an opportunity I never imagined I’d have,” Kevin said. “Meeting so many professionals, learning from their experiences, and hearing their insights on how I can, not only continue, but also scale up my advocacy was truly eye-opening. Beyond that, it was incredible to connect with new people while also strengthening my relationships with those I already knew, like Keiko and the team at Impact Teen Drivers.”
Their selection to participate alongside students from across the country was reflective of their impact and dedication. “Keiko and Kevin represented Alhambra Unified School District and the state of California with the highest level of professionalism, critical thinking, and dedication to public safety,” said Dr. Kelly Browning, Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers. “Their contributions were widely recognized and praised by stakeholders nationwide.”
Keiko, Kevin, and other SAC members also took on leadership roles in this year’s Be The Change Fellowship Summit, which was held on April 8 at East Los Angeles College. At this year’s summit, they mentored and guided the next cohort of student changemakers, most of whom came from Mark Keppel High School this year.
Kevin Tang and Keiko Rakin proudly show off their Lifesavers Conference presenter badges.
