04/25/2026
✨ We are still feeling the impact… ✨
The NEPA Youth-Led Leadership Conference was more than an event—it was a movement of youth voice, courage, and connection.
We are deeply inspired by every young person who showed up, leaned in, and led. When we support our youth, when we create safe spaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued, and when we give them the opportunity to lead… extraordinary things happen.
Our students didn’t just attend—they showcased powerful service-learning projects that brought awareness to real issues in our communities, including:
💬 Mental health & mental health advocacy
💬 An impactful Ending the Silence presentation led by Maria Martinez and Kadriana Martinez, a powerful mother-daughter duo from NAMI
💬 A courageous, student-led breakout on immigration led by Kimoni Nieves and Jaritza Caytuiro, with support from Fernando Ramirez, Dr. Damary Bonilla Rodriguez, and Task Force Mentor Neyda Serrano-Biggs
💬 A powerful Financial Literacy session led by our partners at People’s Security Bank & Trust, equipping students with real-life tools for their financial futures
💬 Critical conversations around community challenges and solutions
They stepped outside their comfort zones during speed networking, building connections across schools—proving that growth happens when we are willing to be uncomfortable. For many, this was a highlight of the day.
They thought boldly during our Sustainable Development Goals Workshop, guided by Dr. Bill Hunter, where they collaborated to imagine what an 18th SDG could look like—demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to shaping a better future.
And as the evening unfolded, we witnessed a beautiful culmination of their work, voices, and impact—a true celebration of youth leadership.
A meaningful moment during the evening came from Shayna Canty, who spoke about America 250, reflecting on her journey and sharing the story of how Arielle Biggs stepped into her role as a Pennsylvania Youth Commissioner.
We were also inspired by Ava Biskup, who shared her story of leadership, courage, and growth. Through YLAB and her role as a Student Ambassador, Ava highlighted how these opportunities can truly transform a young person’s path. Having visited 21 countries before the age of 20, she is a powerful example of what’s possible.
This experience would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our mentors—Cheryl Adams, Neyda Serrano-Biggs, and Roma Bajaj Kohli—who worked side-by-side with students all year.
We are also so grateful to the individuals who showed up and made this experience meaningful for our youth, including Dr. Damary Bonilla Rodriguez, Fernando Ramirez, and Scott Ganske, along with his daughter Kaia Ganske, who had a special moment on stage sharing her service-learning project.
A special thank you to Lawrence Harris, who returned for his second year to open Day One, sharing his personal story in a way that truly resonated with our students.
A special thank you to our incredible Career Panel, whose honesty, insight, and stories inspired our youth:
✨ Scott Ganske
✨ James S. McDonald
✨ Nasaiah Hoskins
✨ Jeannie Ruiz
✨ Samira Sankaran
✨ Matthew Philistine
✨ Samantha Washington
✨ David Heayn-Menendez
And a heartfelt thank you to Gena Campbell for serving as moderator, alongside YLAB Student Ambassador Aaliyah Allen.
We also want to extend our sincere thanks to the elected officials who showed up and supported our youth, including Maureen Madden, Tarah Probst, Rosemary Brown’s office represented by Kristine Bush, and David Parker.
A heartfelt thank you to our intern, Chae Heyon, and to our talented young artist, Karina DaSilva, for designing our new Youth Voice Matters logo.
And a huge thank you to our media partner, We See Productions, for capturing the heart of this experience and helping us amplify youth voices beyond the conference. 🎥
We are incredibly thankful for our volunteers—including our student volunteers—and our partners at Camelback Resort, especially Ashley Shroba and her team.
💡 To our community and parents:
What you witnessed—and what these young people experienced—is just the beginning.
When young people are given the space to lead, they rise.
When they are listened to, they find their voice.
When they are supported, they discover their purpose.
But this doesn’t stop at a conference.
It continues at home, in our schools, and in our communities.
➡️ Encourage them to keep going
➡️ Ask them about their ideas
➡️ Support their passions
➡️ Remind them that their voice matters
Because the future isn’t something we wait for…
it’s something we build—with them.
Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep creating spaces where youth belong. Let’s keep building a future—together.
