Young People Lead Podcast

Young People Lead is a podcast series featuring youth and young adults in Children’s Defense Fund programs whose lived experiences fuel their leadership. Season 2, “Bridging LA,” features the inaugural cohort of the Radical Imagination Fellowship. Across six conversations, fellows and community leaders reflect on foster care, youth homelessness, and healing and imagination as tools for systems change. This series invites listeners into a vision of leadership rooted in truth, resilience, and collective care. 

“Young People Lead” is a sister series to the Credible Messenger Podcast, released in 2022-2023. If you loved the Credible Messenger Podcast, care about the well-being of all young people, or are excited about young people leading the way to a brighter future, check out “Young People Lead” wherever you get your podcasts!

Available on your favorite podcast streaming service

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Meet the Team

Nike Taylor, Masters Graduate, University of Southern California

“I hope to see more accessible resources, systemic support, and intentional opportunities created for foster youth and transition-age youth (FY/TAY), ensuring their well-being and long-term success.”

Kawika Smith, Student, Morehouse College of Medicine

“I want to be part of work that actively decarcerates systems that punish and instead builds up networks of family care, healing, and possibility for young people.”

Karina Ortiz, Student, Pasadena City College

“I hope to see systems that actually meet youth where they are providing stable housing, mental health support, and opportunities for growth without unnecessary barriers.”

Florencia Valenzuela, Student, UCLA

“I hope accessibility barriers will continuously be removed for the betterment of supporting transitional-age foster youth. Difficulty accessing resources and receiving support should not be the reality for young people who don’t have the privilege of receiving traditional familial support.”

Dwayne Gill, Graduate, California State University Dominguez Hills

“I hope to see greater systemic investment in transitional support for foster youth and transition-age youth (TAY), particularly in areas of stable housing, mental health services, and career pathways.”

Clarissa Pena, Advocate, Social Impact Consultant & Researcher

Clarissa specializes in Youth Advocacy, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, and intersecting systems. With a strong background in leadership development and youth advocacy, Clarissa has established a proven track record of driving policy initiatives and empowering youth-led advocacy efforts.

Aromelle Sawyer, Student at Morgan State University

“No idea that helps foster and transition age youth should be put down because of what it entails but instead should be celebrated for how radical it is and then given the time and attention to see that idea come to life.”