Eighth Grader Ny’lah Nwaneri is Building her Confidence One New Experience at a Time

Baltimore City middle schools are filled with gifted students who are not only excelling academically, but also pursuing their goals with determination and pride. One student in particular, eighth grader Ny’lah Nwaneri, combines her creative interests with her ambition, building her confidence and shaping her future along the way.

Ny’lah describes herself as ambitious, open-minded, and professional. As a school leader in Sandtown-Wincester, she takes pride in planning school events that showcase the heart of the school and its unique contributions to the community. She balances her school leadership with a deep love for reading and a passion for creative projects, notably modeling and podcasting. These interests have helped build her confidence in media and public speaking, both of which have proved useful as she began a new venture as a panel moderator for GreenLight Fund Baltimore.

In September 2025, Ny’lah took her talents beyond the walls of her classroom to serve as a panel host for GreenLight Fund Baltimore’s 3rd Annual Charming Nights celebration. This event brought the community together to celebrate literacy and the charm of Baltimore. Ny’lah thoughtfully led a discussion with community leaders on the connection between literacy, education, and workforce opportunities for youth in Baltimore. As an African American student, she connected with the panel discussion on the importance of Black representation in children’s books and textbooks.

While Ny’lah was initially nervous and excited about the opportunity, she eventually began to feel more confident in her abilities. When she reflected on her experience on the panel, she stated, “It was exciting to engage with the audience. I felt proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and gaining a new experience. I was nervous, but I took a deep breath in and as I exhaled, I gave all more fear and worry to God and I felt more free.” 

When asked what advice she would give to other middle school students hoping to step into the spotlight as panel hosts and public speakers, Ny’lah gave a memorable tip: “Look at it as if you are a balloon and you are blown up with fear, but you didn’t tie the knot [at the end] which causes the balloon aka you to release all of your worries.” 

Following the celebration, Ny’lah received an outpouring of praise from the event attendees and the Baltimore community. One attendee even remarked that eighth graders should be panel hosts moving forward. Dr. Nia Imani Fields, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Baltimore shared the sentiment, “there’s power in the voices of young people. I proudly pass them the mic every chance I get!”

Ny’lah hopes to continue her educational journey at Cristal Rey High School next school year. She’s most excited about connecting with new people and conquering challenges that will guide her to academic and professional excellence, particularly as a future Pediatric Neurosurgeon. 

Ny’lah, without a doubt, will continue to inspire confidence in her peers, while also opening doors for her future self. GreenLight Fund Baltimore and the Baltimore community are excited to follow along with her on her journey, as this is only the beginning of her story.