Episodes
Join us in this inspiring episode of The Power of Young People as we sit down with Milan Varma, the president of Food4Philly—a student-led nonprofit combating food insecurity in Philadelphia and around the country. Milan shares his empowering journey into activism, detailing how Food4Philly encourages young people to make a difference in their communities through organized food distribution events and increased awareness of food waste. Discover the challenges faced by student-led...
Published 11/20/24
Published 11/20/24
Join host Amy Meuers in this episode of the Power of Young People podcast as she sits down with four remarkable young leaders who have been honored with the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. These inspiring individuals are on the frontlines of innovation and change, tackling issues that range from cancer research and environmental sustainability to food security and youth empowerment. Hear from Ekansh, who is transforming cancer treatment outcomes; Genshu, combining recycling with...
Published 11/13/24
In this episode, we dive into the transformative work of the DASH program in Duluth, Minnesota, where youth are celebrating 9/11 Day with NYLC's Youth as Solutions program by stepping into leadership roles and creating a sense of community within their schools. Join us as we engage with passionate guests from the program, who share their personal journeys navigating the challenges of high school and the vital role mentorship plays in their growth. Discover how DASH cultivates a supportive...
Published 10/30/24
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...
Published 10/16/24
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...
Published 10/02/24
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...
Published 09/18/24
In this inspiring episode of "The Power of Young People," we welcome Maren, a passionate student from Roosevelt High School and a member of the Minnesota Civics Crew, a group funded by NYLC's Youth as Solutions program. With the upcoming elections generating buzz, Maren shares her journey into civic engagement, sparked by a simple classroom poster encouraging students to become election judges. From organizing voting registration events with the League of Women Voters to fostering...
Published 09/17/24
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...
Published 09/04/24
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...
Published 08/28/24
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!
Published 08/21/24
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...
Published 08/07/24
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!
Published 07/23/24
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.
Published 05/22/24
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.
Published 05/09/24
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...
Published 03/22/24
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....
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/06/24
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...
Published 02/21/24
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,...
Published 02/07/24
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...
Published 01/24/24
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...
Published 01/10/24
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...
Published 12/20/23
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...
Published 12/13/23
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,...
Published 11/29/23