In this special episode of Youth Voice Amplified, host Gennessa sits down with Alyssa and Siena—two incredible student leaders behind Kern County’s Leaders In Life Conference, a groundbreaking event created by teens, for teens. Now in its 25th year, Leaders In Life is one of California’s largest youth-led conferences and has empowered over 85,000 students through powerful workshops, meaningful leadership experiences, and a planning process driven entirely by youth.
Alyssa and Siena pull back the curtain on what it really takes to plan a major event as students. They open up about the challenges they've faced, the skills they’ve gained, and the lessons they’ve learned about leadership, teamwork, and the impact of youth voice. They also talk candidly about why student-led events matter and how any student—with support—can create something powerful in their own community.
Whether you're a student, educator, or community leader, this episode will remind you of the power of youth voice—and why it’s more important than ever.
Resources & information mentioned in the episode:
- Leaders In Life Conference
- How to join the Leaders In Life Planning Committee
- General enquiries about Leaders in Life, please email chhumphrey@kern.org
Connect with Youth Voice Amplified - Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
- Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
- Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook
If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com.
Credits:
Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer
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