Francesco Tena
Scholar Francesco Tena from Columbia University Scholars 2021-2022.
Founder, Pipeline to Power
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Francesco Tena is the founder of Pipeline to Power, working to develop meaningful civic engagement habits in young people, ensuring that they have the access and knowledge to remain active and informed residents for life. Francesco recently directed the Participatory Budgeting Youth Fellowship at Coro New York where he trained young people in participatory democracy and leadership development, equipping them with skills to understand, engage with, and take leadership in the governmental decision-making process in their communities. Francesco also partnered with the New York City Civic Engagement Commission to facilitate remote youth-led participatory budgeting processes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, Francesco led youth civic engagement for the Mayor’s Youth Council in the City of Boston. Francesco also oversaw the first three cycles of Youth Lead the Change, the nation’s first youth-exclusive participatory budget process, and received the 2016 Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation.
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More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
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