Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), is pleased to announce the selection of the fifth annual U.S. Youth Observer to the United Nations. The Youth Observer, Ms. Nicol Perez, from California, was chosen from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants. An advocate of improving socio-economic opportunities for underprivileged groups, in particular in the Hispanic and Latino communities domestically and abroad, Ms. Perez currently works in product marketing and communications at Facebook. She is a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville.

The Youth Observer position was inaugurated as part of the Obama Administration’s wide-ranging efforts to increase youth interest and participation in international relations. As the Observer, Ms. Perez will be a prominent youth voice at the 71st UN General Assembly in New York, and other UN events throughout the next year. She will participate in public activities and engage with youth representatives from other nations and young people from around the globe. As part of her tenure as Youth Observer, Ms. Perez will also travel within the United States to share her impressions and experiences with UNA-USA Chapters, and will engage with young Americans via social media.

Ms. Perez replaces Ms. Donya Nasser, who served as U.S. Youth Observer to the 70th UN General Assembly.