Meet the Team

The Faces of the Youth Success Project.

Ariel Hayes, Director

Ariel Hayes (she/her) is 24 years old and the Director of the Youth Success Project. She grew up in Arizona and has degrees in Gender and Women’s Studies and Public Health from the University of Arizona. Ariel is passionate about grassroots advocacy work, community building, social justice, and youth empowerment. She was a voting member of the Youth Success Project before stepping into the Director role.

Kadyja Harris, Assistant Director

I am a former homeless youth and alumni for the Youth Success Project. I experienced homelessness at the age of 17 for a total of two years before I became connected with waypoint to secure stable housing. I now am a mother of a three year old and hold two degrees, an associates degree in Addiction Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Human Services. I am now pursing my last and final degree for a masters in Criminal Justice and working my dream job as a substance abuse counselor working with criminal offenders in reentry.

Madison, Member

My name is Maddie. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a former youth in care and have experienced homelessness through out my life. I am attending school for a bachelors degree in Human Services and i'm excited to see what my future holds.

Brianna, Member

Hi my name is Brianna. I’m 21 and a former homeless youth in care. I understand the struggle of being a homeless teen and want to make a difference for the future.