Shayna Blumenfeld, age 16, has lived her entire life in Port Washington. She has always been interested in the political landscape, and became actively engaged as early as 4th grade, when she started attending protests and rallies.
Shayna first became involved with Kyra’s Champions in August 2020, after hearing the founder of the organization speak about the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter to domestic violence.
She was inspired to take action and immediately got to work on behalf of the mission: focusing on legislative initiatives on the state and federal levels to ensure children and their safety are top priorities in the family court system.
The role of youth ambassador was created for Shayna after she successfully planned, promoted, and executed the organization’s first Pinwheels in the Parks Event in April of 2021.
This now annual event aims to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Kyra’s birthday. In addition to planting 750 pinwheels in two parks, Kyra’s Champions distributes pinwheels for community members to display throughout Long Island.
Shayna has devoted herself to spreading the word about the important work of Kyra’s Champions in many ways.
She served as the emcee and facilitator at a rally in 2021, as well as a press conference for local news outlets and community members the following year. Shayna has been interviewed by Newsday, the Port Washington Patch, Manhasset Press, The Island Now, and The Island 360.
She has appeared on Pix 11 News, News 12, and she is featured in articles on the New York State Senate and the Town of North Hempstead websites.
She seizes every opportunity to speak out about legislative initiatives aimed at combating child abuse, and in the process, she has developed relationships with numerous local and state representatives.
In September of 2021, Shayna testified before the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations.
This came about as a result of the push for changes in NYS Family Court’s forensic evaluator training, giving Shayna the chance to speak about the real-world and tragic impact the lack of training has on child custody cases.
Although it is uncommon for a teenager to testify, she did so because of her passion for the issue and her deep desire to create lasting change.
Shayna was recognized with a Youth Community Stewardship award from the Town of North Hempstead for “exhibiting outstanding dedication to the local community and the residents of the town” in June of 2021.
As a result of her work with Kyra’s Champions, Shayna has expanded the scope of her advocacy and leadership. In June of 2021, she received a full scholarship to attend Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within conference as one of 15 Youth Leaders.
Additionally, she was nominated to join the National Women’s Political Caucus’ inaugural class of the Young Women’s Leadership Network program. Collaborating with young leaders throughout the country has helped Shayna with her goal of putting Kyra’s Champions in the national spotlight.
On the water, Shayna assumes a leadership position as a coxswain for the Port rowing varsity men’s team.
She has been rowing since 7th grade, and as a freshman on the men’s team, became the 2nd varsity coxswain, bringing the boat to the 2022 Youth National Championship.
The following year, she became the top varsity coxswain in the program. In addition, she has raced as a freshman, sophomore, and junior at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston.
Last summer, she led her team to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Her success in her sport is yet another example of the devotion, dedication, and commitment she brings to every endeavor.
Shayna is eager to continue her efforts to make a lasting impact on the world.
