Youth Summit 2024
Empowering Youth, Weaving Futures
The theme of this year’ Summit is inspired by the idea that working together to create a brighter future for youth is a lot like weaving a colorful tapestry. Our agenda is organized into three threads that represent three different ways we can all contribute to this art of weaving futures: Quilt of Care, Tapestry of Change, and Stitching Youth Empowerment. Check out our workshops below to learn more about each thread!
Map of The Beehive
Agenda
Doors Open for Registration and Breakfast
9:00AM
Community Roundtable
9:15AM
Welcoming Remarks
10:00AM
Youth Panel
10:45AM
Morning Workshops: Choose Your Thread
11:30AM
Lunch and Resource Fair
12:15PM
Raffle
12:45PM
Keynote Speech
1:00PM
Youth Town Hall
1:20PM
Wellness Break
2:00PM
Afternoon Workshops: Choose Your Thread
2:30PM
Closing Remarks
3:30 PM
Quilt of Care
Healing and wellness rooted in mental health, self-expression, art, and culture.
Building Community with Restorative Practices
California Conference for Equality and Justice
Join us as we explore how building relationships through dialogue and play can help us create stronger communities and work through conflict. In this interactive session, we’ll explore and try on different activities and games that help us share, listen and connect with other people. We’ll also explore what Restorative Justice means and why building connections is so important to practicing it. Come ready to jump in and try on!
11:30am-12:15PM
HEALING LOUNGE
Youth-Led Community Art Showcase
LA County Department of Youth Development
Youth artwork will be curated and displayed in The Depot, bringing together individual canvases to represent the community. Create and contribute new works to the gallery installations, while gaining insights on cultivating community through the arts from the young Los Angeles art scene perspective.
11:30am-12:15PM
depot
Colorful Dreams: Create Your Healing Plan
Flourish Agenda
Join Flourish Agenda for an interactive workshop that uses multiple art mediums to reflect on your healing journey and imagine a healing plan for your future.
2:30pm-3:30PM
healing lounge
Tapestry of Change
Building a youth development continuum of care in Los Angeles County by learning about strategies for prevention, diversion, and decarceration.
Connecting Youth with Local Youth Development Networks
Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development
This is an opportunity for youth and youth-serving providers to learn about DYD’s regional Youth Development Networks and the local resources available such as the Heart of Youth Justice Reimagined (a youth-focused & youth co-led monthly community group), as well as unique community organizations offering youth programs (such as expressive arts, workshops on a wolf sanctuary, paid fellowships, wellness activities and much more). Youth are highly encouraged to join!
11:30am-12:15PM
depot
Introducing DYD’s Strategic Plan
Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development
Join the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development (DYD) to explore and help shape our new strategic plan! This interactive session invites young people, families, and community members to learn about DYD’s vision for advancing youth development and public safety across LA County. We’re excited to hear your insights and feedback, which will help guide our priorities and programs as we work together to support youth development.
2:30pm-3:30PM
depot
Stitching Youth Empowerment
Uplifting youth by directly connecting them with resources and opportunities that build their skills, empower their voices, and nurture their overall development.
Creating the Future with AI Art
Black Girls Code
In this workshop, you’ll explore artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts our world. You’ll learn about the good and bad sides of AI and have the chance to create art with it. The session will also include fun activities to help you think about how AI works and its effects on society.
11:30AM-12:15PM
TECH CENTER
DJing and Beatmaking Workshop
Give a Beat
Want to learn how to DJ or make your own beats? Join this workshop and discover how music can help you express yourself, build confidence, and have fun! Whether you’re into creating your own tracks or just curious about DJing, this workshop gives you the chance to explore your creativity and learn new skills. No experience needed—just bring your passion for music!
11:30AM-12:15PM
RADIAN
Amplify Your Voice: Podcasting & Audio Storytelling for All
Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the world of podcasting and audio journalism. You will learn how to conduct interviews, edit/splice recordings on the spot, and amplify your own narrative. Open to all experience levels, participants will leave ready to craft meaningful audio content.
2:30PM-3:30PM
RADIAN
Speakers
Xolo Maridueña, Keynote Speaker
LA native actor, recording artist, and advocate, known for his roles in Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle uses his platform to engage and inspire in ways that motivate others to find their authentic selves. His work is informed by his focus on creating characters and stories that reflect the experiences and change he wants to see in our communities. Xolo deeply supports DYD’s goals to keep our young folks safe and free and in creating pathways for resilience and growth.
Isabella Suleiman, Co-MC
Isabella is an Advocacy and Community Organizing Fellow at the Anti Recidivism Coalition. She is a passionate advocate dedicated to defending the rights of young people in the juvenile justice system. As a formerly incarcerated youth and now aspiring juvenile criminal defense attorney, she believes in the power of every voice, especially those that often go unheard. Her commitment to justice drives me to ensure that every child has access to fair representation and the support they need to build a brighter future.
Jerry Yang, Co-MC
Jerry is a high school student with a passion for environmental science, public policy, and government. In School, he serves as the Chairperson of the School Site Council and collects input on how Title 1 school funding should be allocated. He is the Secretary of the Associated School Body, in addition to being the founder of the Environmental Leadership Club and the Captain of the Speech and Debate team. He is also actively involved in communities outside school. He currently serves on the Olivia Mitchell Youth Council of the City of Los Angeles.
David J. Carroll, Director of DYD
David J. Carroll is the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development. David brings 15 years of experience in youth development through his work with community-based organizations in LA County and across the USA. He holds a deep personal commitment to creating opportunities for youth to thrive, having benefitted from such opportunities himself.
Danielle Butler Vappie, Chief Deputy Director of DYD
Danielle Butler Vappie, Esq. is the Chief Deputy of the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development. Prior to her role at DYD, Danielle served as the Interim Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission.
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor Solis represents the First Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County, driving bold change in public safety. She champions innovative approaches to youth justice that prioritize youth empowerment, community-led solutions, and a vision of safety rooted in care and opportunity.
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
Supervisor Horvath represents the Third Supervisorial District of LA County. Her commitment to serving others was shaped by her family and faith, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and made her a tireless advocate in addressing the complex problems facing Angelenos throughout LA County.
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell represents the Second Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County. As the daughter of parents who were public servants and a third-generation Angeleno, she leads with a deep understanding of the vital safety net LA County provides to millions of families and is committed to ensuring that all residents can thrive.
Christina Jill, Panel Moderator
Christy is a undergraduate student who will soon be completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree. She is an active advocate of youth development in the areas of work and education, and she is especially interested in bringing more of these opportunities to the Service Planning Area of the Antelope Valley.
Soraya Leonard, Panelist
Soraya Leonard is a multimedia artist and youth advocate pursuing Sociological studies as a senior at UCLA. Being from Germany and living in between continents, her stories as a former foster youth internationally and in the U.S. compelled her to pursue education. She has dedicated her work to supporting current and former foster youth in understanding their rights and benefits as system-impacted youth through education and opportunity expansion.
Michael Yusef, Panelist
Michael Yusef is a high school junior and former vice president of E&E Love foundation. He has been working in the community since he was around 6 years old and has seen the ups and downs of the Antelope Valley and LA County as a whole. He is a youth community leader and entrepreneur.