2025 Youth Leadership Development Workshop

"IF YOU CAN'T FIND THE CHANGE: bE THE CHANGE"

This year’s Youth Leadership Development Workshop (YLDW) took place on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at the MCC-Penn Valley campus. We had approximately 160 attendees, including 126 students, 23 institutions, 7 speakers, 9 BAS mentors, and 10 school chaperones. We successfully increased the total number of participants by 33%, with 23 metro schools involved. Additionally, our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) membership grew from 10 to 15 students. 

The YAC began planning for this year’s event in October 2024, with the theme “If you can’t find the change: Be the Change.” The Youth Leadership Development Workshop highlighted the power of community and the importance of nurturing future leaders.

yldw higHLIGHTS

Engaging Icebreaker and Morning Activities: The day started with registration and breakfast, accompanied by uplifting music from Mr. Frazier. Participants enjoyed activities such as word searches and the Marshmallow Challenge, where teams built the tallest freestanding structure using spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow, fostering teamwork and creativity.

YLDW AGENDA

      Breakfast Speaker: Dr. Alicia Renee, an author and entrepreneur, kicked off the day with a motivating presentation that engaged and energized the students.

      Insight Sessions:

      Money Talks: Angelique Cheatem

      Mental Health: T.D. Edwards

      Professional Networking: Terrence Frazier

      College and Career Showcase: New this year, our first College and Career

Showcase was a success, hosting 23 institutions. This allowed students to network and explore various opportunities for their future.

      Lunch Speaker: Jo Macklin, a multi-platinum Grammy award-nominated music producer, gave a closing presentation and took pictures with the students, providing a memorable end to the event.

      Leah Denson designed graphics for this year’s T-Shirt.

      Malachi Cole designed this year’s poster.

      Briana and Ariana Edwards created the 2025 Theme.

YLDW advisory council students

     President- Evann Nelson, North Kansas City High School 

     Vice-President-Jaylen Hughley, Lee’s Summit North

     Secretary – Amina Kabuya, Park Hill South

     Assistance Secretary – Malachi Cole, Mar’s Hill Academy

     Chaplain- Briana Edwards, Prudence Academy 

     Timekeeper – Ariana Edwards, Prudence Academy 

    Sergeant of Arms – Paiton Hughley, Lee’s Summit North

    Social Media – Skye Watson, Lee’s Summit

YLDW members

     Leah Denson, Allen Village 

     Carter Lewis, Staley High

     Kalvary Riley, St.Teresa’s Academy

     Noelle Thompson, Park Hill South

     Chamberlain Webster, Park Hill

     Garrett Webster, Park Hill

     Tre’On Hamp, Allen Village

black achievers mentors

     Arlana J. Coleman – A Joy Event Planning, LLC

     Heather Rollins – Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska

     Dr. Marisa Gray – Intentionally Design Solutions, LLC

     Wendell Cole – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

     Terrence Frazier – Raytown South High School

     Khara Hughley – Educator

     Grant Lewis -Honeywell FM&T

     C. J. Warrick -Honeywell FM&T (retired)