Mari Copeny
2007–
Amariyanna “Mari” Copeny became known as Little Miss Flint during the 2016 water crisis in Michigan. She wrote a letter to then-President Barack Obama bringing international attention to lead-tainted drinking water in her hometown. She was only eight at the time. Obama wrote back and also went to Michigan to meet Copeny and her parents. Following the visit, Obama got Congress to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016
Her time as an activist includes raising over $400,000 to produce and distribute water filters to lower the dependency on single-use bottled water in Flint. She raised another $500,000 for her Flint Kids projects which distributed over 17,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.
Among her other accomplishments, Mari is dedicated to preventing bullying and works with the anti-bullying group Trendsetters Productions. This group, founded by Tracy Palmer, helps bring the community together with local youth, including special needs children. Most recently they hosted a Fashion Show with Special Needs performers to raise awareness about bullying.