Through my experience as an educator and growing up on the east side, I've learned something important: When you give young people real responsibility, they rise to it. That is the standard I believe in. Youth advocacy, to me, means creating a city where young people have a voice in decisions that affect them and a real pathway into the future we are building.

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That starts with representation. Young people deserve a seat at the table, as active participants shaping policy, priorities, and solutions. Their perspective is valuable and necessary.

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Further, we must create opportunity. Our young people should be able to see a future for themselves right here in Kansas City. That means clear pathways into careers, access to mentorship, and exposure to opportunities that allow them to build stable, successful lives.

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And it means investing in environments where they can grow. We always hear people talking about where young people shouldn't be. Instead, we need to focus on creating safe, engaging, and productive spaces for them to be. Places where young people can spend time, develop skills, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging in their own community.

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When we do this right, the impact goes far beyond any single program. We build confidence. We build leadership. We build a generation that is prepared, connected, and ready to contribute.