Makynzie Russ

Makynzie Russ, far right, at the 2025 AYC summer celebration.

What’s your name, age and placement site?

My name is Makynzie Russ. I’m 18 and placed at the Milwaukee Parks Department. I’m also currently attending Xavier University of Louisiana. I’m a psychology major on the pre-med track. 

Could you briefly describe what project(s) you have been working on at your placement? 

At the Milwaukee Parks Department, we’ve helped brainstorm plans on how to incorporate youth ideas to create a space where they would feel comfortable and safe. 

What decisions have you made so far at your placement org? What ideas or suggestions have you contributed to that influenced how something was done? 

We haven’t taken off with many ideas. I’m pretty sure the project is on hold, but initially I was the organizer. My group was in charge of renaming the space and incorporate youth voices.  

In what ways has your placement changed how you see yourself as a leader? 

Since we are starting off rocky, I learned to adapt as a leader and take initiative. 

How would you describe your overall AYC and placement experience? 

At the AYC everything felt organized, welcoming and supportive. My placement at the Milwaukee Parks Department is starting off slowly, but the meetings we did have were productive, and I look forward to seeing what our project could become.