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On December 6, 2025, members of the UC San Diego Youth Advancement Collective (YAC)—formerly known as the Youth Advisory Council—partnered with the San Diego chapter of MadHatter Knits for a hands-on knitting workshop benefiting the Miracle Babies Foundation. During the workshop, YAC members followed a live demonstration using circle looms, yarn needles, and loom hooks to craft beanies that would directly support premature newborns and their families.

The event blended skill-building with service, creating space for reflection, connection, and meaningful community impact. One participant shared, “I loved learning a new skill I can use in the future,” while another noted, “Making the hats was relaxing.” Moments like these highlight how YAC cultivates leadership, creativity, and compassion—demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can strengthen community health while building lasting connections.

Youth Leadership in Action

YAC members Aadhya Adusumilli and Aarya Adusumilli, who serve as MadHatter Knits’ California and San Diego Chapter Presidents, played an integral role in bringing this event to life. Over the past several years, they have helped expand the organization’s reach locally and globally by hosting workshops at schools, libraries, and senior centers—teaching community members how to knit beanies for babies in need.

Through these collective efforts, the San Diego chapter has contributed more than 3,000 handmade beanies toward MadHatter Knits’ global milestone of over 230,000 donations—showcasing the powerful impact of youth leadership in action. 

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YAC remains committed to uplifting youth voices and creating opportunities for young people to design and lead community-centered public health initiatives. If you are interested in hosting similar youth-led events or exploring opportunities to collaborate with YAC, please reach out to Program Manager Segen Zeray (szeray@health.ucsd.edu).

To learn more about MadHatter Knits and their mission, visit their website at:  https://www.madhatterknits.org/