At just six years old, during his parents’ custody battle, Cayden experienced how children’s voices are too often ignored in the legal system. That injustice became his lifelong mission: to ensure no child’s rights are treated as secondary. Now 17, Cayden serves as a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Oakland County’s Teen Court, where he maintains an undefeated record in restorative justice cases. He founded The Trespass Project, a nonprofit building legal literacy among youth worldwide, so children know their rights before anyone attempts to take them away. His advocacy has taken him to the United Nations Headquarters, the U.S. Department of Justice, and national platforms like TIME and Forbes.

Cayden’s impact is both systemic and deeply personal. Through The Trespass Project, he has educated thousands of young people globally on legal rights and juvenile justice, while his workshops and policy advocacy have shaped reforms in the U.S. His Teen Court work has contributed to a 90% reduction in recidivism by prioritizing restorative solutions over punishment. With more than 30,000 followers engaging in his digital campaigns, Cayden is building a generation of informed youth advocates. His vision is clear: justice is not complete until every child’s voice is heard.