The Power of Young People

What happens when a young person sees a problem in their community and decides to do something about it?

In this episode of The Power of Young People, high school senior Pradyu shares the story behind ElderEase, an AI-powered app designed to help older adults navigate technology more safely and confidently. Inspired by his own grandparents’ experiences with technology, Pradyu turned a personal observation into an opportunity to bridge the digital divide and bring generations together.

He discusses how patience, listening, and curiosity have shaped his approach to leadership, why responsible AI education matters, and how young people can make a difference without having all the answers. He also shares advice for aspiring young innovators: start with the problem you want to solve, take initiative, and don’t underestimate what you can accomplish.

Tune in to discover how one young leader is making technology more accessible and why the next big idea might start with you.

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In this episode of The Power of Young People, host Amy Meuers sits down with Saanvi and Siri, co-founders of CureCo, a youth-led nonprofit working to expand access to essential medical supplies in underserved communities.

Inspired by healthcare disparities they witnessed in India, Saanvi and Siri turned their concern into a mission-driven organization. They share what it takes to build a nonprofit, the role of community partnerships in creating lasting impact, and why even basic medical supplies can make a meaningful difference.

Tune in for a conversation about turning ideas into action, building community-driven solutions, and recognizing the power of young people to lead.

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How can one young person turn a personal experience into a global movement? In this week's episode, we meet Charithra, a high school student, global health advocate, and founder of TB Kids Central. Inspired by her own experience with tuberculosis, Charithra has worked to make health education more accessible to children while building partnerships and mobilizing young people to address global health challenges.

Charithra shares the story behind TB Kids Central, the challenges of leading a youth-founded nonprofit, and the importance of creating solutions that account for systemic inequality. She also reflects on how chess has shaped her approach to problem-solving and leadership, and offers advice for young people who want to turn their ideas into meaningful action.

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When Valeria, Joahaan, and Crystal of Watsonville High School noticed classmates struggling with grief and disconnection, they didn't wait for adults to fix it.

They built Hope Club, a student-led space centered on remembrance, mental wellness, and community. In this episode, the students share how a peace pole project and cultural memorials became catalysts for school-wide change, what hope means to them personally, and why young people are uniquely positioned to lead on mental health.

Their story is a reminder that youth aren't just the leaders of tomorrow; they're already leading today.

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Literacy is not a privilege—it’s a right, and 16-year-old founder Sonia Daptardar is proving young people can lead the fight for it now. From a childhood trip to India that changed her perspective to a globally reaching youth-led literacy movement, Sonia shares how she turned a moment of injustice into Seeds of Reading.

If you care about youth leadership, education equity, student activism, or the future of literacy, this episode is a powerful reminder that young people aren’t waiting for permission to create change, they’re already doing it.

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Join us on this week's episode of The Power of Young People, as we sit down with Amber Wang, founder of Arts for All.

Discover how Amber's passion for art and compassion led her to transform hospital experiences, helping patients cope with stress and emotional challenges through creative expression.

From her early volunteering days to leading a community-driven initiative, Amber shares insights on the healing power of art, the importance of empathy in leadership, and how young people can make a meaningful difference in mental health and holistic care.

Tune in to learn how creativity and compassion are shaping the future of community care, and find out how you can get involved in re-imagining healing through art.

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In this episode, youth leader Nidhi Veerendra shares how her younger brother’s experiences navigating behavioral challenges inspired her passion for advocacy, youth leadership, and creating more inclusive communities through The Spectrum of Support.

Through a conversation rooted in empathy and action, Nidhi reflects on the importance of elevating youth voices in decision-making and building stronger partnerships between young people and adults. She discusses how lived experience can fuel meaningful social change and why young people deserve to be seen not just as future leaders, but as leaders making an impact right now.

From resilience and community support to civic engagement and systems change, this episode is a powerful reminder that creating a more compassionate and equitable world starts by listening to and empowering young people.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Zoe Oli, a trailblazing young entrepreneur and CEO of Beautiful Curly Me.

From a six-year-old girl inspired to create representation in toys, Zoe has grown into a leader impacting thousands of girls' confidence and identity. In this episode, she shares her incredible journey, the importance of representation in media and toys, and her vision for empowering youth to make a difference in their communities.

Discover how Zoe overcame challenges as a young entrepreneur, the power of building confidence, and how support systems can elevate young leaders.

Whether you're an aspiring teen entrepreneur or a supporter of youth empowerment, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to ignite your own journey. Listen now and learn how young people are shaping the future—because confidence and representation should be accessible to all!

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Join us as we explore resilience, youth leadership, and peer support in the aftermath of disasters.

In this episode, Hurricane Ian survivors and young leaders from Kids4Kids Relief share their personal experiences navigating emotional challenges, restoring normalcy, and leading community recovery efforts.

We discuss the vital role of trusting young voices during crises, the importance of peer support for mental health, and how youth-led initiatives foster resilience, empathy, and hope in the face of climate change and adversity.

Tune in to learn how young people are shaping emotional recovery and building stronger, more resilient communities.

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Discover how empathy, community, and creativity shape impactful youth leadership in this inspiring episode of The Power of Young People.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Jissa George from ENGin Psychology Community about overcoming language barriers, fostering safe spaces, and empowering young voices. Learn how mental health literacy, active listening, and shared decision-making can transform communities and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Tune in to explore the profound impact of connection and care in leadership. Because sometimes, the strongest influence begins with a simple act of listening.

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Join us as we delve into the impactful work of Scholar Readiness, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrant and underserved students. This episode explores how Avery, Oliver, and Ethan are teaching essential life skills, fostering near peer mentorship, and leveraging social media to help students navigate educational challenges and advocate for themselves.

Listen in to hear their insights and strategies for building visibility, community support, and sustainable youth-led initiatives. These three changemakers prove that empowering youth with the right tools and support can create lasting change and open doors to new opportunities.

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Unlock the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship in this week's episode with Fenley and Jason, teenage co-authors of Down to Business.

They share their journey, lessons from interviewing industry leaders, and how young people can harness innovation, leadership, and social impact to drive positive change.

Discover practical tips, debunk myths about success, and learn why diversity, resilience, and a growth mindset are vital for young entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student or a young changemaker, this episode empowers you to start your entrepreneurial journey today and make a difference in the world.

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Tune into this week’s episode of "The Power of Young People," where we sit down with Serah Alamer, a passionate youth leader behind the JustUs initiative.

Discover how Serah is transforming legal education—from reactive rule-following to proactive empowerment—by helping young people understand their rights and navigate systems of power. Through real stories and bold visions, she highlights the importance of youth voices in reshaping justice and building a future where legal literacy is a tool for agency, democracy, and change.

Perfect for anyone passionate about youth leadership, civic engagement, and social justice!

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Discover how young people are driving social change through technology, mentorship, and community service in this week's episode of The Power of Young People. We sit down with Nikki Kothapalli, founder of ApplyIT, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide by connecting students with local businesses.

Explore Nikki’s journey into technology and her passion for empowering youth through skills-based volunteering and real-world projects. Learn how mentorship plays a vital role in building confidence, fostering leadership, and transforming community support. This episode highlights the challenges and opportunities of youth-led initiatives, demonstrating how young leaders can create meaningful social impact and shape a more equitable future.

Tune in for actionable insights, compelling stories, and a call to empower the next generation to lead with technology and purpose.

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When trusted with the right tools, young people lead, innovate, and inspire real change. This episode reveals how a groundbreaking program is reshaping the future by empowering students to become protectors and advocates in their communities. Listen in to discover why youth-led action is the key to ending exploitation for good.

Together, we break down the core pillars that make Project Protect Our Children a success: Engage, Educate, Empower. Sheila, Charlotte, and Will illustrate how these principles foster leadership, compassion, and lasting impact. From Will’s personal story to Charlotte’s reflections on strengthening community bonds, you'll see young leaders transforming uncertainty into empowerment and hope.

Perfect for educators, parents, community advocates, and young leaders alike, this episode shows how trusting and supporting youth in leadership roles unlocks unstoppable momentum for social change.

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Join host Amy Meuers in this week's episode of The Power of Young People as she chats with high school senior and AYUDA volunteer Alida Cuttriss.

Discover how youth-led storytelling and empathy are transforming global health, especially for young people with diabetes across Latin America. Alida shares her journey of advocacy, the importance of education over supplies, and how empowering youth leads to lasting community change.

This episode highlights that leadership isn’t about age—it's about courage, collaboration, and believing in the power of young voices to drive social transformation. Tune in to be inspired by the collective strength and impact of youth leadership worldwide.

Watch Alida's documentary, learn more about Aprendiendo a vivir, and explore Ashoka!

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Join us as we sit down with Natalie, Mathew, and Clarissa—members of NYLC's Youth Advisory Council—to discuss the upcoming 2026 Youth Leadership Summit, themed "Finding Hope in the History, Past, Present, and Future."

In this episode, they share their personal journeys, reflect on the significance of MLK Day, and highlight the power of youth-led activism and community service.

Learn how young leaders are shaping social change, why every act of service matters, and how the summit is designed to empower youth voices. With insights on fostering diversity, collaboration, and hope, this conversation encourages all young people to take ownership of their role in creating a more just and equitable future.

Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or looking for motivation to get involved, this episode is a powerful reminder that no act is too small when it comes to building community and driving social change.

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Join host in spotlighting three inspiring young leaders recognized by the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Meet Vivian Liu, Srihan Sankepalle, and Anisha Dhoot as they share their innovative projects.

From art-based mental health support and microplastic solutions to sustainable agriculture, these changemakers prove that young people have the power to change the world.

Discover how small ideas can create big change, the importance of accessible solutions, and the power of youth-driven impact on global challenges like climate change and environmental conservation. Empowered and motivated, these young heroes prove that age is no barrier to making a difference.

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Join us as we celebrate the inspiring stories of the 2025 Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes—Aadi Kulkarni, Matthew Vila, and Alaina Zhang. These remarkable young leaders are making a tangible difference in their communities through innovative initiatives focused on digital literacy, music therapy, and environmental advocacy.

In this episode, they share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of believing in your cause, the power of collaboration, and taking action without needing formal qualifications. From bridging the digital divide to promoting environmental sustainability, their stories demonstrate how youth can drive meaningful social change.

Whether you're an aspiring change-maker or simply inspired by young leaders making a difference, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, impact, and the future of youth-led advocacy. Tune in to be inspired by the next generation of community heroes shaping a better world!

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In this week’s episode, we dive into the importance of youth empowerment and resilience, emphasizing that meaningful transformation begins at the grassroots level. Featuring insights from Janiyah Lockwood, the founder of Lake Michigan Roots, we learn how young people from Gary, despite being overlooked and underestimated, are standing up, leading, and driving change.

Janiyah’s story reminds us that meaningful transformation starts small and that every young person’s voice and resilience can shape a brighter future. Join us to discover why your voice matters, how resilience fuels growth, and why you are not your environment.

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Register for the ⁠Youth Leadership Summit⁠!