New Leaders Council’s Capstone Clash is back for our third year! Cast your vote to help an NLC alum win $500 to go toward their capstone project.
Meet our 2025 Capstone Clash participants.
Instagram Voting Schedule:
Round 1:
Voting Period: March 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET – March 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Top 4 capstones with the most votes (comments) advance to Round 2.
Round 2:
Voting Period: March 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET – March 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Top 2 capstones with the most votes (comments) advance to Round 3.
Instagram Live Event:
April 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET – 8:30 PM ET
The final 2 capstones will be interviewed about their projects on Instagram Live.
Round 3 – The Final Showdown:
Voting Period: April 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET – April 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Grand Prize: The capstone with the most votes (comments) wins $500.
Runner-up Prize: Second place receives $250.
Championship round
Skylar Davis – Period Y’all – 2025 Winner
She/Her
Kentucky 2024
At Period Y’all, we fight period poverty in Kentucky’s Appalachian region and beyond. Founded by Skylar Davis in 2022. We focus on three things, Stock the Schools, delivering period products to schools, advocacy work, empowering communities to use their voice for legislation, and direct service.
Edgar Villasenor – Southside Kayaking Adventures – 2025 Runner-Up
He/Him
South TX Frontera 2024
My Capstone provided fun activities for the South, giving youth access to enriching outdoor experiences. Inspired by my New Leaders Council training, it offered a free opportunity to connect with nature through kayaking, exploring ecosystems, and building community while learning and staying active.
Fearless Four
Belle Townsend – Backwoods Media Project: Utilizing Multi-Disciplinary Media to Fight the Isolative Effects of Misinformation Both in and About Rural Communities
They/Them
Kentucky 2022
My Capstone project covered anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Kentucky on social media and TikTok, culminating in a Teen Vogue interview. Through viral videos and educational content, I shared personal insights and highlighted the importance of including the South in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Jazmine Johnson – Empowering Confidence Through Beauty: A Makeup Class for Young Black Women
She/Her
Detroit 2024
For my capstone, I hosted a makeup class at University Prep Science and Math High School to address societal pressures on young Black women and promote self-love. I taught makeup techniques, products, and discount on services for their upcoming prom. The event led to a six-week mentorship program.
Great Eight
Andrew Moreira – The Future of Work: Redefining Work-Life Balance
He/Him
New Jersey 2022
Through my capstone project and 2022 Spark! Talk, I conducted a data-driven study on redefining work-life balance. I uncovered strategies that enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and drive cost efficiencies—forming the blueprint behind AMoreira Consulting.
G Miller – Bridging Brooklyn’s Digital Divide
He/Him
New York City 2024
My Capstone project is a fundraiser and digital device donation drive to collect & refurbish smartphones, tablets, and laptops before distributing them to community centers in my neighborhood of Brooklyn—where the digital divide is higher than the national average.
Jessica Elliott – The C.A.T.C.H. Project
She/Her
Arkansas 2023
We provide cleaning, laundry, and shower products to children and families through school nurses to promote equitable access to household cleaning supplies, improve the health and wellness of Arkansas families and allow household funds to be reallocated towards food, housing, and utilities.
Missy Goss-Coln – Justflo Wellness
She/Her
Atlanta 2021
During NLC, I developed a business plan for a social enterprise aimed at making yoga more accessible and affirming.
At Justflo Wellness, we hold space for healing and liberation through culturally-relevant yoga—reducing stress and anxiety, regulating the nervous system, cultivating inner peace.