OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is proud to announce the Washington state recipients of the 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, Kiprey Kalume and Luna Esmeralda Perez. The award recognizes these outstanding youth for their commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and community empowerment.
“Both of these individuals are doing fantastic work supporting their communities,” Secretary Hobbs said. “Their hard work and leadership ensure that more people feel empowered to participate in democracy and exercise their civic rights. It is an honor to present this award and celebrate their accomplishments.”
Kiprey Kalume, a high school senior, cares deeply about justice in her community. She works for her school community in many ways, but her work for the Black Student Union and more widely in the Seattle Congolese community shine brightly. Acting in a leadership role in her school’s BSU, Kiprey has been active in seeking ways to counter microaggressions toward all students.
Kiprey’s work has increased awareness around immigrant communities from African nations. Having moved from Kinshasa to Seattle at age five, Kiprey maintains a connection to and an appreciation for the culture of Congo. Kiprey founded Bana ya Congo Seattle (BCYS), or Kids of Congo Seattle, to both celebrate Congolese culture and raise awareness about injustices in Congo.
Luna Esmeralda Perez, 16, is an involved member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights organization with both adult and youth councils. Luna assisted the adult LULAC council with advocacy days surrounding immigration topics, has fundraised alongside the adult LULAC council for those impacted by immigration policies, and has traveled to the state capital with fellow LULAC youth to tour and speak with representatives from their area.
Luna is dedicated to knowing her rights as a student and community member, and she uses that knowledge to educate her family members as well. She encourages her classmates to engage with her culture and learn more about others through the youth LULAC council and club activities.
The Office of the Secretary of State hosted a formal ceremony recognizing the recipients alongside their families. Recipients across the country were also highlighted in the annual John Lewis Youth Leadership Award video shared at the National Association of Secretaries of State Winter Conference.
For more information about the award and its recipients, visit nass.org.