The Power of Young People
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This show is perfect for youth who want to change the world and for adults who want to foster youth innovation and imagination through real-world education. Youth listeners gain a connection to other young people who are passionate about making the world a better place by addressing issues like climate change, education equity, poverty, mental health, and more. Adult listeners are inspired by stories of youth as change agents and gain practical advice on how to partner with youth and how to incorporate service-learning into their classrooms, afterschool programs or homes.
136 Episodes
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Unlock the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship in this week's episode with Fenley and Jason, teenage co-authors of Down to Business. They share their journey, lessons from interviewing industry leaders, and how young people can harness innovation, leadership, and social impact to drive positive change. Discover practical tips, debunk myths about success, and learn why diversity, resilience, and a growth mindset are vital for young entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student or a young changemaker, this episode empowers you to start your entrepreneurial journey today and make a difference in the world.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Tune into this week’s episode of "The Power of Young People," where we sit down with Serah Alamer, a passionate youth leader behind the JustUs initiative. Discover how Serah is transforming legal education—from reactive rule-following to proactive empowerment—by helping young people understand their rights and navigate systems of power. Through real stories and bold visions, she highlights the importance of youth voices in reshaping justice and building a future where legal literacy is a tool for agency, democracy, and change. Perfect for anyone passionate about youth leadership, civic engagement, and social justice!Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Discover how young people are driving social change through technology, mentorship, and community service in this week's episode of The Power of Young People. We sit down with Nikki Kothapalli, founder of ApplyIT, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide by connecting students with local businesses. Explore Nikki’s journey into technology and her passion for empowering youth through skills-based volunteering and real-world projects. Learn how mentorship plays a vital role in building confidence, fostering leadership, and transforming community support. This episode highlights the challenges and opportunities of youth-led initiatives, demonstrating how young leaders can create meaningful social impact and shape a more equitable future. Tune in for actionable insights, compelling stories, and a call to empower the next generation to lead with technology and purpose.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
When trusted with the right tools, young people lead, innovate, and inspire real change. This episode reveals how a groundbreaking program is reshaping the future by empowering students to become protectors and advocates in their communities. Listen in to discover why youth-led action is the key to ending exploitation for good.Together, we break down the core pillars that make Project Protect Our Children a success: Engage, Educate, Empower. Sheila, Charlotte, and Will illustrate how these principles foster leadership, compassion, and lasting impact. From Will’s personal story to Charlotte’s reflections on strengthening community bonds, you'll see young leaders transforming uncertainty into empowerment and hope.Perfect for educators, parents, community advocates, and young leaders alike, this episode shows how trusting and supporting youth in leadership roles unlocks unstoppable momentum for social change. Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Join host Amy Meuers in this week's episode of The Power of Young People as she chats with high school senior and AYUDA volunteer Alida Cuttriss. Discover how youth-led storytelling and empathy are transforming global health, especially for young people with diabetes across Latin America. Alida shares her journey of advocacy, the importance of education over supplies, and how empowering youth leads to lasting community change. This episode highlights that leadership isn’t about age—it's about courage, collaboration, and believing in the power of young voices to drive social transformation. Tune in to be inspired by the collective strength and impact of youth leadership worldwide.Watch Alida's documentary, learn more about Aprendiendo a vivir, and explore Ashoka!Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Join us as we sit down with Natalie, Mathew, and Clarissa—members of NYLC's Youth Advisory Council—to discuss the upcoming 2026 Youth Leadership Summit, themed "Finding Hope in the History, Past, Present, and Future." In this episode, they share their personal journeys, reflect on the significance of MLK Day, and highlight the power of youth-led activism and community service. Learn how young leaders are shaping social change, why every act of service matters, and how the summit is designed to empower youth voices. With insights on fostering diversity, collaboration, and hope, this conversation encourages all young people to take ownership of their role in creating a more just and equitable future. Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or looking for motivation to get involved, this episode is a powerful reminder that no act is too small when it comes to building community and driving social change.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Register for the Youth Leadership Summit!
Join host in spotlighting three inspiring young leaders recognized by the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Meet Vivian Liu, Srihan Sankepalle, and Anisha Dhoot as they share their innovative projects. From art-based mental health support and microplastic solutions to sustainable agriculture, these changemakers prove that young people have the power to change the world. Discover how small ideas can create big change, the importance of accessible solutions, and the power of youth-driven impact on global challenges like climate change and environmental conservation. Empowered and motivated, these young heroes prove that age is no barrier to making a difference.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Register for the Youth Leadership Summit!
In this week’s episode, we dive into the importance of youth empowerment and resilience, emphasizing that meaningful transformation begins at the grassroots level. Featuring insights from Janiyah Lockwood, the founder of Lake Michigan Roots, we learn how young people from Gary, despite being overlooked and underestimated, are standing up, leading, and driving change. Janiyah’s story reminds us that meaningful transformation starts small and that every young person’s voice and resilience can shape a brighter future. Join us to discover why your voice matters, how resilience fuels growth, and why you are not your environment.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Register for the Youth Leadership Summit!
Join host Amy Meuers in celebrating women in business with youth leader and gender equity advocate Naina Raju, a member of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council. Inspired by her research essay, “Women CEOs: Still a Unicorn? Takeaways for the Next Generation,” Naina dives into the challenges women face in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and how young voices can help bridge the gender gap at the top.Discover stories of perseverance and empowerment, learn actionable ways to support aspiring women leaders, and explore how community and mentorship can turn rare “unicorns” into the norm. Tune in to be inspired and see how small actions can spark lasting change.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Register for the Youth Leadership Summit!
Discover the inspiring journey of Nora Pearson, a high school junior and founder of Roots and Grounds, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth and seniors through hands-on plant propagation workshops. In this episode of The Power of Young People, Nora discusses how intergenerational programming helps bridge the gap between generations, fosters community bonds, and promotes mutual learning. She shares how her experiences in Girl Scouts motivated her to create meaningful connections with seniors, and offers valuable insights on balancing nonprofit leadership with school life. Tune in to learn how plants serve as a creative medium for relationship-building, the importance of mentorship, and practical advice for young changemakers eager to make a positive social impact.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Enter the Write Strong, Drive Safe Essay Contest!
Join us as we sit down with Sharonda Allen, an inspiring adult leader and founder of Operation Grow—a 2025 Youth as Solutions® 9/11 Day Team and an innovative youth-led initiative in East Orange, NJ dedicated to addressing food deserts through sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. Sharonda shares her journey of creating spaces where young people’s voices can be heard, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and empathy in fostering leadership. She discusses how systemic issues like food insecurity are connected to broader historical contexts and highlights the transformative power of youth engagement. Tune in to learn how Operation Grow is inspiring the next generation of changemakers and demonstrating that with guidance and compassion, young leaders can create lasting community impact.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Tune into this episode featuring 17-year-old youth leader Anshul Nadendla, as he shares his inspiring journey of driving social impact through youth initiatives like YES, Youth Global, and NICE. Discover how empathy, resilience, and a global mindset empower young leaders to foster community engagement, bridge cultural divides, and champion youth voices on the international stage. Perfect for aspiring youth changemakers, this conversation highlights the importance of small wins, passion-driven leadership, and the power of youth collaboration to create meaningful global change.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
In this special episode, we honor 9/11 Day by reflecting on the enduring values of service, compassion, and community connection. We sit down with Raymond Cardona and his mentor Lori Patton from Youth Revive’s Ignite Me Youth Team to discuss how young leaders are making a difference in Dallas by tackling homelessness through empathy and action. They share powerful insights on peacemaking, the importance of recognizing shared humanity, and how youth-led initiatives can spark real social change. This conversation highlights the impact of small acts of kindness, the necessity of community involvement, and the vital role of nurturing youth leadership for a more compassionate society. Whether you're interested in community service, social impact, or empowering young people, this episode offers inspiration and practical ideas to engage and uplift your community. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of service and explore how collective efforts and youth empowerment can create a brighter, more unified future!Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
In this week's episode of The Power of Young People, we sit down with Nethanya Fonseka, a passionate young environmental leader and founder of Plant It Forward. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Nethanya shares her journey into youth-led activism, highlighting projects like creating a micro forest in Warren, Michigan, and establishing a Native American Honor Garden to honor Indigenous heritage and promote environmental justice. They explore the vital role of community engagement, science, and innovation in tackling climate change, emphasizing that optimism and collaboration are key to building a sustainable future. Join us to discover how young leaders are making a meaningful impact and how everyone, regardless of age, can contribute to a healthier planet.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Join host Amy Meuers as she sits down with inspiring young leaders Natalie and Madelyn, members of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council, to explore their journeys in youth advocacy. They share powerful personal stories that have shaped their passions, focusing on critical issues such as financial literacy, eating disorder prevention, and digital wellbeing. Through their experiences, they highlight the importance of storytelling and public speaking as tools to inspire change and connect with diverse audiences. Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible potential young people have to lead, advocate, and create meaningful impact. Tune in for motivating insights and empowering messages that encourage young listeners to embrace their unique voices and take action in their communities.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org !Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Join guest host and Youth Advisory Council member Natalie in this inspiring episode as she chats with Ashten Jones, a passionate advocate for community service and youth engagement through Inspire GOOD. Discover how volunteering can be a powerful tool for personal growth and social impact, often in ways you might not expect. Ashten shares her journey, emphasizing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can transform communities and individuals alike. Learn creative ways to get involved, harness the power of storytelling to inspire others, and find your own voice in service. Whether you're new to volunteering or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation will motivate you to see service as a vital, impactful part of life—because, as Ashten says, “if you see a need, fill it.”Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Join us as we celebrate the inspiring stories of the 2025 Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes—Aadi Kulkarni, Matthew Vila, and Alaina Zhang. These remarkable young leaders are making a tangible difference in their communities through innovative initiatives focused on digital literacy, music therapy, and environmental advocacy. In this episode, they share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of believing in your cause, the power of collaboration, and taking action without needing formal qualifications. From bridging the digital divide to promoting environmental sustainability, their stories demonstrate how youth can drive meaningful social change. Whether you're an aspiring change-maker or simply inspired by young leaders making a difference, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, impact, and the future of youth-led advocacy. Tune in to be inspired by the next generation of community heroes shaping a better world!Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Register for the Youth Leadership Summit!
Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with youth leader and NYLC Youth Advisory Council member, Feven Tesfaye! Together, we explore how young people across the country are driving advocacy, environmental justice, and community change. This episode highlights the power of youth voices in decision-making, the impact of service learning, and the importance of civic engagement. Discover how youth-led initiatives and platforms like the Minnesota Youth Council are shaping a more just and sustainable future—and learn how adults can support and elevate youth leadership. Whether you're a young leader or an advocate for youth empowerment, this episode offers insights and inspiration to amplify youth voices and foster meaningful change.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
Join us as we dive into the powerful world of youth activism, storytelling, and music in this episode of The Power of Young People. Featuring conversations with Portia Kamons and Tre Bosley—creators and young activists behind the transformative musical SEVENTEEN—discover how Gen Z is using art to confront urgent issues like gun violence and climate change. Through heartfelt stories and raw conversations, explore how youth voices are shaping social justice movements, inspiring hope, and forging connections across communities. Tune in to hear how the power of music and storytelling can ignite change and amplify the voices of a generation determined to make a difference.Learn more at nylc.org!Follow NYLC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Follow SEVENTEEN on Instagram and Facebook!
Join us in this episode of The Power of Young People as we speak with trailblazing youth leaders Pooja Tilvawala and Jacob Weissman. Discover how organizations like the Youth Climate Collaborative and Young Planet Leaders are harnessing creativity, storytelling, and innovative technology to empower young changemakers. Dive into candid conversations about mental health, intergenerational collaboration, and the challenges faced by youth activists. Whether you're passionate about climate justice, community engagement, or leadership development, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a call to action for the next generation shaping a sustainable future.Learn more at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!
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