The Power of Young People

Join us in this insightful episode of “Power of Young People” as we sit down with Sam Giles, a high school junior and the founder of the Maggie Walker Project. Diving into the pressing need for financial literacy in vulnerable communities, with a spotlight on the African-American experience, Sam shares his personal journey, the motivation behind his nonprofit, and the transformative impact of financial education.
In this episode, discover why financial literacy is not just a skill, but a crucial stepping stone for success and empowerment. From overcoming self-doubt to taking initiative, learn how young leaders like Sam are redefining representation in the financial world and driving meaningful change. This conversation underscores the importance of accessible financial education for all and emphasizes that community engagement can lead to personal and collective growth.
Whether you're a student, educator, or simply curious about financial literacy, this episode will motivate you to empower yourself and others!

Join us on this inspiring episode of The Power of Young People podcast as we dive into the world of sustainability with Yalini Gopalswamy, the visionary founder of EnVi Crochet. Discover how Yalini is weaving art and environmental action together by selling crochet flowers and pet hats to fund tree planting in deforested regions. She shares her personal journey, influenced by her mother and nurtured by her passion for sustainability, to highlight the critical role young people play in tackling climate change.

Join us for an enlightening episode with Jahnavi Rao, the president and founder of New Voters, a youth-led organization dedicated to comprehensive civic engagement for young people across America. Jahnavi shares her personal story of how the 2016 election sparked her passion for political engagement and led her to create an organization that inspires and equips high school students to register and vote. Listeners will gain insights into the barriers young people face in the voting process and discover the vital role research and grassroots organization play in dismantling these challenges.

In this episode of The Power of Young People, we chat with Zara, the inspiring young founder of Lemons Learn, a youth-led multinational nonprofit dedicated to empowering adolescent girls through education. Discover how Lemons Learn is breaking barriers, fostering leadership, and making a global impact, one girl at a time. Listen in as Zara discusses the importance of educating girls, the challenges she faced as a young founder, and her vision for a world where every girl has the opportunity to lead. This episode is a powerful testament to the impact of youth leadership and the transformative power of education.

In this episode, we sit down with Anusha Upadhyayula, a rising senior from San Jose, California, who turned her passion for South Asian dance into a platform for cultural celebration and education. Anusha shares how she founded BollyBE, an organization dedicated to bringing the vibrancy of South Asian culture to her community through dance. Learn how she tackled the lack of representation, honed essential life skills, and inspired others to embrace their cultural heritage. Tune in to hear Anusha's advice for young changemakers on pursuing their passions and staying resilient in the face of challenges!

The NOMOS Project is a student-led nonprofit organization that aims to provide financial literacy education to young students. The inspirational co-founders, Sindhuja, Aarya, and Aarav, started the project to explore and gain experience in the world of business and finance. Hear about their work with different elementary and after-school education programs, helping young people understand basic money management skills through interactive activities!

Join us for an inspiring episode with Mary, a remarkable young person who is making waves in environmental activism. At just 16 years old, Mary was honored as the youngest Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, and her dedication to the planet is nothing short of extraordinary. From tackling harmful algae blooms in the Great Lakes to championing reforestation with Tree Plenish, Mary's innovative spirit shines through every project she undertakes.

Discover how Mary leverages creativity to address pressing environmental issues, including her role in the Teen Eco Summit and the creation of a vibrant pollinator garden at her school. Whether she’s beekeeping, planting trees, or fighting algae, Mary’s multifaceted approach to environmental advocacy offers valuable insights for young changemakers and educators alike.

Learn about AmeriCorps VISTA program - a program that encourages national service by connecting service-minded individuals with nonprofit organizations around the country! Hear from NYLC’s own AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, Nadia Kruzel and Becky Cole, on what drove them to this work, the impact they’ve had on NYLC in their time with us, and why they believe in the work of service, volunteering, and the power of young people!

Join us in this inspiring episode as we dive into the world of service learning with Gemfest, a youth-led initiative empowering young leaders. Hear from Riley, Anne, and Lauren as they share their experiences, challenges, and advice for young people and educators looking to make a difference through service learning. Learn how listening, community involvement, and modeling empowerment can create lasting impact and change the world.

Join us as we delve into the challenges and pressures faced by young athletes when it comes to mental health. Our guest, Anya, founder of Mental Health Awareness in Young Athletes (Maya), shares her personal journey and sheds light on red flags and signs to watch out for. Don't miss this important conversation on the power of supporting young athletes in their mental health journey.

In this captivating episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of Nathan, Rafi, and Rishabh, winners of the 2023 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. These remarkable individuals are at the forefront of driving positive change in their communities and beyond. Nathan shares his journey with Invasive AI, a groundbreaking app tackling the spread of invasive species. Rafi opens up about Operation Verde, a climate justice initiative addressing urban America's environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Rishabh discusses his pioneering work in neuroscience and its potential impact on society. Get ready to be inspired by the passion and dedication of these young leaders as they discuss their innovative solutions and their vision for a better world.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Power of Young People, Amy and Kaleb dive deep into the significance of Civic Learning Week and the broader landscape of civic engagement. Hear about Kaleb's compelling personal journey into politics and civic participation, underscoring the necessity of unwavering dedication. Together, they illuminate the pivotal role of education in nurturing active citizenship and the profound impact of an informed electorate on our collective decision-making. Delving into pressing issues, they confront the looming threats to democracy, including disinformation and voter suppression, while advocating for robust civic education as a bulwark against misinformation. With a stirring call to action, Amy and Kaleb inspire listeners to take an active stance in their communities and exercise their fundamental right to vote. Tune in to ignite your passion for civic involvement and drive positive change in society.

Join us today, where we unravel the inspiring journey of Giuliana, a 13-year-old dynamo creating waves of positivity. We dive deep into the heartwarming tale of G's Giving Gowns, Giuliana's nonprofit revolutionizing pediatric care. From bright hospital gowns to colorful pillows, discover how this young Girl Scout cadette is spreading smiles across 35 states. Be ready to be inspired and learn how even the smallest acts can weave a tapestry of joy in the lives of those fighting pediatric cancer. Tune in and witness the power of young people making a difference!

Join us as we dive into the powerful intersection of youth, mental health, and the therapeutic world of fishing. In this episode, we chat with Vic Tan, the 15-year-old president and co-founder of Fish Hut, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting positive mental health among youth through fishing. Discover how Vic's passion for fishing has turned into a mission to make a difference. Learn about Fish Hut's innovative approach, including fish huts, events, and contests, and explore the profound impact of connecting young people with the outdoors. Get inspired to cast away stress and reel in the benefits of embracing nature. Don't miss this episode full of insights, stories, and the simple joy of fishing!

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journeys of young individuals who are making a significant impact on the world. From cultivating mushroom farms to combating food insecurity, leading music therapy initiatives to solving homelessness, these young minds share their stories, challenges, and valuable lessons. Get ready to be motivated, as these remarkable individuals prove that age is just a number when it comes to creating positive change. Tune in to explore the stories of Te’Lario, Grace, and Armando as they unleash their passion and make a difference, one initiative at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Purvi Shenoy, the founder and CEO of Global Girls Convergence. At just sixteen years old, Purvi is crafting a TED talk on the paradox of progress, leading initiatives on nature education for low-income children, and addressing the refugee crisis in Asia. Discover how Global Girls Convergence is igniting change, one girl at a time, and tackling the widespread issue of period poverty. Get ready for a conversation filled with passion, empathy, and the unstoppable power of young changemakers.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sydnie Collins, a dynamic teenage leader, and the force behind the Perfect Timing podcast. Aspiring motivational speaker, community advocate, and founder of the nonprofit Live Your Future Educated, Sydnie shares her story of transforming challenges into opportunities. Tune in to discover her insights on youth leadership, the power of empathy, and the importance of creating positive change in communities. Don't miss this empowering episode with a remarkable young voice shaping the future.

Join Abby Wolfe, Director of School Programs, and youth leaders Josh and David in a compelling episode shedding light on their journeys battling the global water crisis through the Thirst Project. Abby shares her transformation from high school awareness to full-time commitment. Josh unveils how a biology project led him to spearhead a campaign in Pennsylvania, while David discusses their unique approaches in water-challenged Arizona.

Explore the Thirst Project's mission to end the global water crisis by cultivating a socially conscious generation. Learn about students worldwide actively participating, organizing events, and fundraising for clean water. Discover the skills and personal growth fostered through Thirst Project involvement.

The team shares impactful stories, emphasizing empathy and selflessness, and reveals how simple actions, like starting clubs or creating TikToks, make a tangible difference. In the episode's close, listeners are invited to join the cause, underlining that anyone can contribute, regardless of age or background. Don't miss this empowering episode urging us all to be part of the solution!

Join us as we delve into the power of young leaders with special guest Rachel Labi. Rachel, the co-founder of BFF Building Financial Freedom, is not your average finance student at Purdue University. At the age of 17, she founded a global financial literacy organization, aiming to make a significant impact. Tune in to learn about Rachel's passion for financial literacy and anti-trafficking advocacy, the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way. Discover how Rachel is using her skills to empower others and why she believes that everyone has something to offer for the betterment of our world. Get ready for a conversation that will inspire and motivate you to take action!

In this episode , we are joined by an incredible guest, Jordyn Wright. At just 15 years old, Jordan is the CEO of Passion to Purpose, an initiative fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurship among middle and high school students. Award-winning founder of J Brielle Handmade Goods, an author, and a youth mentor, Jordyn shares her journey from battling eczema to creating a thriving business. Tune in as she discusses the mission of Passion to Purpose, the importance of financial literacy, and the barriers she overcame as a youth entrepreneur. Jordyn's story is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the power of youth voices and their ability to create meaningful change in their communities. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

Join us as we delve into the dynamic journey of Nysa Khanna, the awe-inspiring founder of Pink Portfolio and a UNESCO fellow. With a mission to drive change in the fields of STEM, gender equality, and health, Nysa shares her incredible story of transformation and her relentless pursuit of a better world. From her remarkable projects like combating the pink tax to advocating for gender equality in STEM, her experiences are an inspiring testament to the power of youth leadership and unwavering determination. Tune in for an insightful conversation on resilience, empathy, and the impact of nurturing inclusive communities.

Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Lillian Hertel, a 2023 Prudential Emerging Visionary and the Executive Director at Student Stand Up. Discover how Lillian's passion for activism and youth empowerment led her to create a streamlined pathway for young people to engage in their communities. From her experiences in organizing the March for Our Lives to shaping the future through her nonprofit, Lillian shares valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of youth activism. Learn about the crucial skills young leaders need, the importance of genuine youth representation in organizations, and the ways in which we can foster a culture of youth empowerment. Hear firsthand the incredible impact of Student Stand Up and how it's nurturing a generation of change-makers worldwide.

In this episode of "The Power of Young People," we have the privilege of speaking with Ratna Singh, a remarkable young author and environmentalist from Delhi, India. She is the founder of Earth Safety Valve, an international youth-led organization that has educated 50,000 people worldwide and mobilized young minds from 15 countries and five continents. Ratna's journey, from being recognized as the youngest research paper author to receiving prestigious awards, such as The Kalam Ratna Award and the Indian Inspiration Award, is truly inspirational. Join us as we dive into her mission of bridging the climate conversation gap and empowering the next generation to take action for a sustainable future. Ratna's passion, dedication, and commitment to environmental causes serve as a beacon of hope for us all.

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion on climate change, her unique approach using a climate comic book, and the important message that all of us, as Earthlings, have a role to play in saving our planet.

In this inspiring episode we meet with Cash Daniels, also known as the Conservation Kid. Cash co-founded the Clean Up Kids nonprofit, dedicated to engaging youth in environmental action campaigns, speeches, and film screenings to protect our environment and natural resources. Discover how Cash's passion for conservation started, his mission to clean up rivers, and his remarkable achievements, including removing over 25,000 pounds of trash from the Tennessee River. Join us as Cash shares his journey, the strangest things he's found during cleanups, and how he's inspiring young people worldwide to take action and become stewards of the planet. Don't miss this empowering conversation with a young environmental hero who reminds us that kids are 100% of the future.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the inspiring work of the non-profit organization, the Opportunity League. We welcome the passionate team from the Opportunity League, including Shenee, Eric, and Amina. Discover how they're harnessing the power of service learning to combat food insecurity in their community and beyond. From innovative initiatives like the Villages Community Marketplace to insightful discussions on food justice, this episode highlights the incredible journey of young change makers working together to create a healthier, more equitable world. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with insights and actionable ideas that empower every listener to become a force for positive change.

Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with Allie, Nema, Aiden, and Itzel – the trailblazing minds behind Youth in Action. Discover what started this initiative, navigate the hurdles they've overcome, and witness the profound impact they've left in their wake. Uncover firsthand narratives detailing their journey to amplify youth voices, cultivate leadership, and ignite action on critical matters. This episode is a beacon of guidance for empowering the next generation of catalysts for change. If you're a young individual seeking to make your mark or an adult yearning to bolster and resonate with youthful voices, this discussion is a wellspring of insights and counsel for co-creating a brighter tomorrow.

Join us as we dive into the world of empowered youth voices with Zeke Jackson, the Executive Director of People for PSEO. Discover the incredible journey of this passionate advocate as he shares his experience leading a youth-led nonprofit that promotes access and opportunities for high school students through the PSEO program. Get inspired by Zeke's insights on amplifying vs. empowering student voices, understanding the challenges of change, and unleashing the potential of young minds to shape a brighter future. Tune in to learn how to turn your ideas into impactful change and embark on a journey of innovation and empowerment.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we introduce you to Sunook , the co-founder of Environmental Droners, an organization using technology to save the environment and raise awareness about plastic pollution. From South Korea, where he just delivered a drone, Sunook shares how they use drones to film highly polluted areas, post it on social media, and collaborate globally to make a difference. Learn about their incredible app, the Litter Locator, and how it's empowering citizens worldwide to document litter and take action. Discover the challenges they've faced, the successes they've achieved, and how Sunook passion for helping the environment has transformed his life. Get ready to be inspired to make a positive impact in your community and the world!

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Stephanie Akinfolarin, a 16-year-old Nigerian American student from Long Beach. Stephanie created a video on environmental racism and won second place in a contest thus sparking her journey to create change. We explore her experiences, her nonprofit Young Ocean Advocates, and the importance of youth voices in addressing environmental issues. Discover how Stephanie's passion and determination are making a significant impact on her community and inspiring others to take action.

In this episode, we introduce Kean Dao, a remarkable youth leader and co-founder of the Environmental Drones and Litter Locator application. Kean shares his journey with Love a Sea Turtle (LAST), a nonprofit organization focused on youth leadership and environmental education. Discover how Kean's passion for cleaning up his community led to the creation of innovative projects using technology and collaboration. Through his experiences, Kean highlights the importance of youth engagement and the power of small actions to make a big difference.