John,

Meet Cynthia Loesch-Johnson.

Cynthia gained valuable experience and forged connections with other youth advocates across the country as a three-time Tobacco-Free Kids Youth Advocate of the Year – recognized for her work in 2001, 2002 and with her organization, the Bold Teens, in 2005. While fighting for tobacco prevention policies in Massachusetts, Cynthia saw how she could use her advocacy skills to have nationwide impact, later fighting for FDA regulation of tobacco products. Today, she continues to fight for health and equity, working to increase access to healthy food in her community and beyond.

“To all the youth advocates out there: We need you. We need your energy. We need your passion. We need your commitment.”

As part of our year-long 25th anniversary celebration, our Voices in the Fight profile series showcases the incredible power of advocates we've worked with over the years. Look out for a new profile every other Wednesday through May 2022.

–The Tobacco-Free Kids team