Thrive with Youth Event: Building Brighter Futures for Our Communities

Today, I had the privilege of attending the “Thrive with Youth” event hosted by UFCS for College and Career Success. Special Thanks to Yvonne Eype M.M.C., CAEL for extending the invitation and moderating an amazing event. The experience was an inspiring journey focused on empowering young people, particularly those from underserved Black and Brown communities, with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to achieve their dreams.

From the opening remarks by Dr. Destry Dokes to the practical insights shared during the InspireTank sessions, the event reinforced the importance of collective effort in education and career readiness. The interactive activities, AI Lounge, and conversations about topics like mental health support, neurodiversity, and career-ready pathways highlighted innovative strategies and new possibilities for addressing critical challenges in education.

The speakers, including educators, founders, and community leaders, shared transformative stories and actionable solutions that reminded me why this work is so crucial. The Code Switching session with Charli Lennon and @khaliahguillory dropped nugget after nugget as they explored the balance between authenticity and adaptation in professional spaces. The finding Balance: Navigating Mental Health in a Fast-Paced World moderated by Chantelle George, Ph.D. discussed community center approaches and creating safe and inclusive spaces for youth with Dr. Felicia Martin, Director Academic Programs Texas Region.

At Level Up Education Consultancy, we are deeply aligned with the mission of creating equitable opportunities for all learners. This event has inspired me to double down on our commitment to supporting leaders, educators, and communities as they build the systems and practices needed to create sustainable change.

A huge thank you to the organizers and speakers for such a powerful event. Let’s continue to thrive together as we shape a future where every young person has access to the opportunities they deserve.