An Oklahoma City student who is a member a youth-led program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust’s (TSET) Healthy Youth Initiative has received national honors for her work to prevent tobacco use and promote health among Oklahoma teens.
Carina Chen, 17, was named the 2025 Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids . Chen participates in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) at Classen SAS High School. Chen was recognized for her efforts to educate on the harms of tobacco, including vapes and nicotine-only products, and promote healthy policies in her community.
“Carina’s recognition reflects the impact youth can have when given the tools to lead,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Her work, and that of her fellow YAHL participants, supports TSET’s mission to improve the health of all Oklahomans by preventing tobacco use and creating healthier communities. We know lasting change starts by empowering young people to make a difference with their peers at school, in their communities and across the state.”
Chen leads education efforts in her school and community, organizes local events and speaks directly to policymakers about the importance of tobacco prevention. Her work is possible because of TSET’s commitment to creating a healthier Oklahoma by funding programs that empower youth to drive generational change.
“I want to be part of the solution,” Chen said. “YAHL gave me the tools and confidence to speak out about issues that matter to my generation. I’m grateful to TSET for making programs like this possible and for believing in the power of youth to lead change.”
YAHL equips youth ages 13 to 18 with tools to lead change in their communities, with a focus on reducing tobacco use and improving nutrition and physical activity. The program builds leadership and advocacy skills while promoting healthy lifestyles.
Visit TSETHealthyYouth.com to learn more about YAHL and other programs and services from the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative.
###
The TSET Healthy Youth Initiative empowers Oklahoma youth to improve health outcomes for themselves and future generations. The initiative includes statewide public health education messaging, a youth-led advocacy program and character-building to reduce tobacco use and obesity. The initiative also gives parents resources to support their children in maintaining or developing healthy habits for a lifetime. Visit TSETHealthyYouth.com to learn more.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health