Youth Leadership Institute Helps Teens Find Their Voice

NORTH WALES, PA – Sixteen high school students from across the Greater Philadelphia region gathered last week at the Jaisohn Community Wellness Plaza for the Youth Leadership Institute, an intensive two-day program designed to help teens build leadership skills, find their voice, and make a positive impact in their communities.

“Opening our presentation at the Youth Leadership Institute allowed me and our group to share stories that tied our journeys to the challenges our communities face,” said Grace Jiao, a student from North Penn High School. “This program showed me that leadership is not simply about being the most outgoing or talkative, but about listening, understanding, and leading with empathy and purpose.”

Hosted by the Jaisohn Center and the AAPI Coalition, the Institute offered interactive workshops, peer-led presentations, and a leadership panel featuring local changemakers. Students explored key issues facing youth today, developed innovative solutions, and shared their ideas directly with community leaders.

“The Institute empowers youth to see the unique strengths they bring to all communities and gives them the tools to lead with confidence, empathy, and purpose,” said program facilitator Nancy Walsh. “They embraced the challenge to be courageously vulnerable—and in doing so, inspired the adults in the room as well.”

Reflecting on the event, panelist George Whitehair said, “Our future is bright—just spend time listening to young people. Let’s keep our focus on uplifting the leaders of tomorrow.”