Sullivan Anderson 
The culture is changing in Chicago – for the better. The Youth Leader Activation Summit recently occurred on the West Side of Chicago. It featured youth speakers, interactive activities, and an opportunity to network with like-minded peers. Intended for Chicago’s youth ages 14-19, the summit empowered participants to identify community problems, take actions to solve them, and ultimately impact their communities in a positive way.
The atmosphere in the room was invigorating and ignited a fire for change, and, most importantly, hope that the future is in good hands. The renowned Q&A panel about how to solve community issues featured inspiring youth: Makayla Acevedo, a representative for Southside Together Organizing for Power (STOP); Davonte Dudley, a representative of Root2Fruit, an Austin community organization; Lee Nah, a Healing Arts Chicago Fellow, and Devine Valdez, a CPS Local School Council representative. Together, these powerful youth highlighted their missions behind their work, which encouraged the audience to be agents of change in their own respective communities.
“There’s a lack of collaboration, and in our communities, everyone fends for themselves,” Dudley stated. “If we all had a community mindset, we would be able to help each other a lot more.” His words ring true indeed, and youth such as himself will continue to make a change in their respective neighborhoods, working to create a better Chicago.
The panel followed a breathtaking introduction speech by Carolina Carchi, 2024-2025 Honorary Student Board Member and Heroes of the Heart Award Recipient. During her speech, Carchi recalled her childhood battle with leukemia, and remembers her first seeds of community activism being planted as she witnessed some of her peers not being able to afford treatments. Her activism continues now as a high schooler, where she acknowledges the power of education, advocacy, and being a voice for the voiceless. “Broaden your horizons, and believe that you have a purpose,” she encouraged the audience. “Young people like myself have the power to make a change.”
Among the audience members were Mayor Brandon Johnson and other community leaders. Overall, this was an amazing experience, and it ignited ample hope for the future. We are truly the foundation of society, and it felt good to know that we are heading in the right direction.
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
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