Meet Emerging Leader Aliza Kopans

Global Citizens Circle Emerging Leader Aliza Kopans is the Early Childhood Policy Pathways Fellow at East Boston Social Centers. She’s dedicated to bridging community needs and legislative action, empowering people to shape policies that support children and families.

In her role, Aliza has launched the Policy Corner newsletter—which reaches over 1,000 readers weekly, created the Policy Action Hub to put policy advocacy into people’s hands, developed Su Voz es Poder—an initiative that elevates community members’ lived experiences to inform policy change, testified for legislation supporting the East Boston community, and led advocacy workshops for groups of 100 people.

Originally from Arlington, Massachusetts, Aliza graduated from Brown University in 2025 with a BA in Public Health and a certificate in Intercultural Competence focused on Spanish. Her work in digital wellness advocacy, interreligious community-building, and youth mentorship informs her commitment to systems-level change in early childhood policy. Aliza believes that through community-rooted action, we can build a more just and joyful world.

What led you to pursue a degree in public health?

Starting college, I hoped to find a path of study that encompassed my wide-ranging interests and equipped me with skills to work with people and make the world a better place.

I took my first public health class my freshman spring. Every guest speaker, from criminal justice to educational equity, opened my eyes to the breadth and impact of public health. At the same time, I was filming a mini-docuseries to bring youth voices into legislative conversations around technology regulation. I realized my digital wellness work was part of a broader public health movement, and I became eager to pursue a field of study that aligned with my interests, pushed me to grow, and strengthened my ability to contribute to positive change.

Aliza with the East Boston Social Centers Walk for Hunger team

Can you tell us a bit about your current role as an Early Childhood Policy Pathways Fellow?

My job is an immense gift and privilege. For years, the East Boston community asked for someone who could help bridge their experiences with policy change. My role as an Early Childhood Policy Pathways Fellow was created in direct response to this need.

My work is rooted in creating systems change that supports children and families in East Boston and beyond. In my first year, I have worked to make policy more accessible to our community, elevate residents’ experiences to policymakers, and empower people to help shape the systems that affect their lives.

Whether I am engaging with community members, testifying at the State House, facilitating focus groups with early childhood educators, or organizing with coalitions working on food access and economic mobility, my day-to-day varies greatly and the heart of my role remains anchored in action responsive to community needs.

Whenever I see a young child, I smile and say to myself, “You don’t know it, but you’re my boss! I’m working to make the world a better place for you.”

Aliza and Katie White, Director of Every Child Shines at East Boston Social Centers, testifying in support of the ENOUGH Act

How did you learn about Global Citizens Circle?

Alexa Clay, a fellow Brown alum and the executive director of the U.S. branch of the Royal Society of Arts, shared information about GCC's December event, “America 250: How Can Boston's Citizens Lead Democracy Forward?” I was struck by the warmth and care speakers and audience members brought to the event. Theo (Dunfey) and I talked afterwards, and I was moved by her story and kindness. The rest is history!

When did you become involved as one of GCC’s Emerging Leaders and what is your goal in participating in this program?

I met with Theo and Phoebe in early 2026 and was excited to join GCC as an Emerging Leader. During a time of division and hurt, it is inspiring to hear other young people's visions for the future and learn about different ways to create social change. My goal is to build resilience and hope alongside fellow young adults who are thinking deeply about our world and taking meaningful action to make it better for the next generation.

What would you tell someone who has an interest in becoming an Emerging Leader?

Welcome to the Emerging Leaders community! It is a special space to share your work, learn with others, and build relationships with thoughtful young people from across the globe. GCC builds a platform for Emerging Leaders’ stories and voices. If you are excited to join a community that will inspire and uplift you, I encourage you to join.

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Pamme Boutselis is an award-winning writer and content producer, currently serving as a senior director of content marketing and a communication adjunct at Southern New Hampshire University. She loves hearing and sharing stories. As a writer spanning a 25-plus-year career, her work has been featured in print and online via news media, career and education-focused blogs, regional magazines, technology publications and more.

A serial volunteer, Boutselis has been a TEDx organizer since 2013 and a speaker coach. She’s been fortunate to work with dozens of nonprofits throughout the years and serves as a communication advisor for Global Citizens Circle. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Please note: We invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

Whenever I see a young child, I smile and say to myself, 'You don’t know it, but you’re my boss! I’m working to make the world a better place for you.' - Aliza Kopans