Voices of the Future: Youth Empowerment Summit
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Through Education, Wellness, Leadership & Opportunity
Hosted by: Carrington Carter II Charity, Inc. (CC2C) & Community Advocates for Family & Youth (CAFY)
Theme: Empowering Youth Today to Lead Tomorrow
Welcome to Voices of the Future!
It is our sincere pleasure to welcome you to the First Annual Voices of the Future: Youth Empowerment Summit!
Today, we celebrate the power, potential, creativity, and voices of our young people. Your presence represents a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation, creating meaningful opportunities, and empowering youth to lead with confidence, purpose, and vision.
Thank you for joining us as we launch this important and inspiring journey. May this summit encourage you to dream boldly, speak courageously, lead purposefully, and believe in the difference you can make.
With gratitude and warmest regards,
Carrington R. Carter, Sr. & Shernell D. Carter
Co-Founders
Carrington Carter II Charity, Inc.
Arlene Joell
President / CEO
Community Advocates for Family and Youth: CAFY
Event Schedule
Scroll down to view Session Summaries
Workshop Summaries
Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00–8:30 a.m.
Participants check in, receive conference materials, enjoy a continental breakfast, and begin networking with fellow attendees, speakers, colleges, employers, and community organizations. Families will have an opportunity to visit exhibitor tables, explore community resources, and prepare for an engaging day focused on leadership, education, wellness, and personal growth.
Opening Prayer, Welcome & Summit Overview
8:30–8:40 a.m.
Presenters
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Carrington R. Carter, Sr. & Shernell D. Carter, Co-Founders Carrington Carter II Charity, Inc.
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Arleen Joell, CEO/President, Community Advocates for Family & Youth
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Riverdale Baptist Church & School Representative, Pastor or Assistant Pastor
The summit officially begins with welcoming remarks, an opening prayer, and an overview of the day's objectives. Speakers will introduce the mission of the summit, recognize sponsors and community partners, and encourage participants to embrace the day's opportunities for learning, networking, leadership development, and personal transformation.
Inspirational Keynote Address: Discover Your Purpose
8:40–9:05 a.m.
Speaker: Keon Hill, M.ED., Faith Leader & Content Creator
Through authentic storytelling and personal experiences, Keon Hill inspires young people to recognize their unique gifts, overcome adversity, embrace resilience, and pursue lives of purpose. His message challenges students to become servant leaders who positively impact their families, schools, and communities while remaining committed to excellence and perseverance.
Gun Violence Prevention Workshop
Choosing Life: Breaking the Cycle of Violence
9:05–9:30 a.m.
Presenter: Jarriel Jordan, Sr., Executive Director Jacob’s Ladder Youth Foundation
Participants examine the devastating impact of gun violence while learning practical strategies for prevention through communication, emotional regulation, conflict management, and responsible decision-making. Personal testimony reinforces the importance of making positive choices and becoming advocates for safer schools and communities.
Break
9:30–9:40 a.m.
Attendees transition to the next learning experience.
Youth Empowerment Panel
Many Paths, One Purpose
9:40–10:25 a.m.
Moderator: Rami Holloway
A diverse panel representing higher education, military service, entrepreneurship, public service, skilled trades, and corporate leadership shares insights on overcoming obstacles, achieving success, building resilience, and preparing for future careers. Students participate in an interactive question-and-answer session with professionals representing multiple career pathways.
Concurrent Mental Health Workshops
10:30–11:15 a.m.
Leading with Heart: Empowering Parents Through Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Development, and Mental Wellness (Parent Workshop)
Presenter: Tony Morgan
Parents are a child's first and most influential leaders. This interactive workshop equips parents and caregivers with practical strategies for strengthening emotional intelligence, fostering healthy communication, recognizing signs of emotional distress, and supporting their children's mental wellness.
Participants will learn how emotionally intelligent parenting builds stronger relationships, creates emotionally safe home environments, and develops resilient, confident children prepared to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Parents will also receive valuable resources for supporting mental health, reducing stigma, and cultivating leadership within their families.
Strong Minds, Bright Futures (Youth Workshop)
Presenter: Dr. Shanice McTear
Students participate in an engaging discussion focused on emotional wellness, stress management, resilience, healthy coping strategies, self-esteem, and recognizing when to seek help. Interactive activities normalize conversations surrounding mental health while equipping youth with practical tools for maintaining emotional well-being throughout adolescence.
Concurrent Financial Literacy Workshops
11:20 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Building Wealth: Making Smart Money Moves (Youth Workshop)
Presenters: Brad Ryant, Jr. & Malcolm Ryant
Students learn budgeting, saving, banking, investing, entrepreneurship, credit management, avoiding financial scams, and creating long-term financial goals that build lifelong financial security.
Raising Financially Empowered Children (Parent Workshop)
Presenter: Brad Ryant, Sr.Parents receive practical guidance on teaching financial responsibility, budgeting, college savings, investing, debt management, estate planning, and preparing children for lifelong financial independence.
Lunch, Mini College & Career Fair & Community Resource Expo
12:00–1:00 p.m.
During lunch, participants network with representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, military branches, scholarship organizations, and community partners. Students and families explore educational opportunities, mentoring programs, career pathways, and valuable community resources.
Conflict Resolution & De-escalation Workshop (Parents & Youth)
1:05–1:45 p.m.
Turning Conflict into Opportunity
Presenters: Lemuel Howard & NaTasha Jean-Pierre
Families learn practical conflict resolution skills through engaging demonstrations, role-playing activities, and real-world scenarios. Participants strengthen communication, emotional regulation, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving skills that foster healthier relationships and safer schools and communities.
College & Career Readiness Workshop (Parents & Youth)
Planning Today for Tomorrow's Success
1:50–2:25 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Millicent Edgar & Ian Sloan
Families explore the many pathways available after high school, including college, military service, apprenticeships, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and workforce opportunities. Participants gain valuable information regarding admissions, scholarships, financial aid, résumé preparation, interviewing, networking, internships, and career planning while developing a personalized roadmap for future success.
Closing Remarks and Survey
2:25–2:30 p.m.
Mini College Fair, Resource Expo & Closing Networking (continue)
2:30–3:30 p.m.
The summit concludes with an expanded opportunity for participants to revisit college representatives, employers, apprenticeship programs, and community organizations. Attendees complete summit evaluations, exchange contact information, explore available resources, and identify next steps for continued educational, personal, and professional growth.
Students and parents will leave inspired, connected, and equipped with the knowledge, relationships, and resources necessary to continue their journey toward leadership, academic success, emotional wellness, and lifelong achievement.
