Marin 9 to 25 December Steering Committee Meeting: Inspiring Youth Voices

On December 12, 2023, we held our Quarterly Steering Committee meeting themed "Inspiring Youth Voices," featuring a variety of vibrant and inspiring stories that left a lasting impression on all attendees.

The keynote speaker of the meeting was Antonio Zavala, Director of Programs at Youth Transforming Justice, who shared his journey from a troubled teenager to a beacon of hope for many. Antonio's life story is a testament to the power of resilience. Born to a traditional immigrant family, Antonio's early life was marked by turmoil and rebellion, particularly after being forced to live with his father. Despite gravitating towards gangs and drugs, Antonio emerged as a symbol of change. He highlighted the importance of not being defined by one's thoughts or circumstances. His belief in perseverance and the ability to adapt rapidly transformed his life, leading him to become the first college graduate in his family, with significant roles in various organizations. Antonio's message was clear: trauma can be a powerful teacher, and every individual possesses the innate ability to change their life's trajectory.

The meeting also shone a spotlight on remarkable youths from Marin County, each narrating their unique stories and contributions to the community.

Find Your Way members, Dhanya Subramanian and Marcos Vega, shared updates about the scholarship program and the youth resource guide. Their efforts in bridging awareness gaps in schools through tabling were particularly noteworthy. They also announced upcoming events such as the Art & Film Showcase and Find Your Way and Friends networking event. To learn more visit our homepage.

Surgeon General’s Medallion for Public Health Recipient: Alysha Lee, a senior at Novato High and a national teen board member at Beyond Differences, was recognized for her remarkable contributions, especially during the rise in Asian hate crimes. Her art project based on the 1000 paper crane tradition was a highlight, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality and ethnicity.

Marin Teen's Children's Book: Leyla Winton, a student from San Rafael, shared her journey of authoring "Underwater Drama Class," a children's book inspired by her own experiences with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The book, resonating with many young readers, underscores the importance of addressing mental health from a young age.

Project 1 Life: Cate Logan, head of social media for Project 1 Life, discussed the nonprofit’s mission to educate young people about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl. Her personal story and commitment to raising awareness about opioid overdose prevention were deeply moving.

The meeting concluded with a resounding message: the power of youth voices in shaping a better future is undeniable. Each story, each effort, contributes to a larger narrative of hope, resilience, and community transformation. Marin 9 to 25's December Steering Committee Meeting was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of young voices echoing change and a reminder that we are all agents of change.

Click here to review the meeting slides.

Click here to watch the meeting recording.

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