Bridging the Digital Divide: How Nikki is Building Community

Tune into this week’s episode of "The Power of Young People," where we sit down with Serah Alamer, a passionate youth leader behind the JustUs initiative. Discover how Serah is transforming legal education—from reactive rule-following to proactive empowerment—by helping young people understand their rights and navigate systems of power. Through real stories and bold visions, she highlights the importance of youth voices in reshaping justice and building a future where legal literacy is a tool for agency, democracy, and change. Perfect for anyone passionate about youth leadership, civic engagement, and social justice!Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Discover how young people are driving social change through technology, mentorship, and community service in this week's episode of The Power of Young People. We sit down with Nikki Kothapalli, founder of ApplyIT, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide by connecting students with local businesses. Explore Nikki’s journey into technology and her passion for empowering youth through skills-based volunteering and real-world projects. Learn how mentorship plays a vital role in building confidence, fostering leadership, and transforming community support. This episode highlights the challenges and opportunities of youth-led initiatives, demonstrating how young leaders can create meaningful social impact and shape a more equitable future. Tune in for actionable insights, compelling stories, and a call to empower the next generation to lead with technology and purpose.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

When trusted with the right tools, young people lead, innovate, and inspire real change. This episode reveals how a groundbreaking program is reshaping the future by empowering students to become protectors and advocates in their communities. Listen in to discover why youth-led action is the key to ending exploitation for good.Together, we break down the core pillars that make Project Protect Our Children a success: Engage, Educate, Empower. Sheila, Charlotte, and Will illustrate how these principles foster leadership, compassion, and lasting impact. From Will’s personal story to Charlotte’s reflections on strengthening community bonds, you'll see young leaders transforming uncertainty into empowerment and hope.Perfect for educators, parents, community advocates, and young leaders alike, this episode shows how trusting and supporting youth in leadership roles unlocks unstoppable momentum for social change. Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Join host Amy Meuers in this week's episode of The Power of Young People as she chats with high school senior and AYUDA volunteer Alida Cuttriss. Discover how youth-led storytelling and empathy are transforming global health, especially for young people with diabetes across Latin America. Alida shares her journey of advocacy, the importance of education over supplies, and how empowering youth leads to lasting community change. This episode highlights that leadership isn’t about age—it's about courage, collaboration, and believing in the power of young voices to drive social transformation. Tune in to be inspired by the collective strength and impact of youth leadership worldwide.Watch Alida's documentary, learn more about Aprendiendo a vivir, and explore Ashoka!Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Join us as we sit down with Natalie, Mathew, and Clarissa—members of NYLC's Youth Advisory Council—to discuss the upcoming 2026 Youth Leadership Summit, themed "Finding Hope in the History, Past, Present, and Future." In this episode, they share their personal journeys, reflect on the significance of MLK Day, and highlight the power of youth-led activism and community service. Learn how young leaders are shaping social change, why every act of service matters, and how the summit is designed to empower youth voices. With insights on fostering diversity, collaboration, and hope, this conversation encourages all young people to take ownership of their role in creating a more just and equitable future. Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or looking for motivation to get involved, this episode is a powerful reminder that no act is too small when it comes to building community and driving social change.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠!Register for the ⁠⁠⁠Youth Leadership Summit⁠⁠⁠!

Join host in spotlighting three inspiring young leaders recognized by the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Meet Vivian Liu, Srihan Sankepalle, and Anisha Dhoot as they share their innovative projects. From art-based mental health support and microplastic solutions to sustainable agriculture, these changemakers prove that young people have the power to change the world. Discover how small ideas can create big change, the importance of accessible solutions, and the power of youth-driven impact on global challenges like climate change and environmental conservation. Empowered and motivated, these young heroes prove that age is no barrier to making a difference.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠!Register for the ⁠⁠Youth Leadership Summit⁠⁠!

Join us as we celebrate the inspiring stories of the 2025 Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes—Aadi Kulkarni, Matthew Vila, and Alaina Zhang. These remarkable young leaders are making a tangible difference in their communities through innovative initiatives focused on digital literacy, music therapy, and environmental advocacy. In this episode, they share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of believing in your cause, the power of collaboration, and taking action without needing formal qualifications. From bridging the digital divide to promoting environmental sustainability, their stories demonstrate how youth can drive meaningful social change. Whether you're an aspiring change-maker or simply inspired by young leaders making a difference, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, impact, and the future of youth-led advocacy. Tune in to be inspired by the next generation of community heroes shaping a better world!Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠!Register for the ⁠⁠Youth Leadership Summit⁠⁠!

In this week’s episode, we dive into the importance of youth empowerment and resilience, emphasizing that meaningful transformation begins at the grassroots level. Featuring insights from Janiyah Lockwood, the founder of Lake Michigan Roots, we learn how young people from Gary, despite being overlooked and underestimated, are standing up, leading, and driving change. Janiyah’s story reminds us that meaningful transformation starts small and that every young person’s voice and resilience can shape a brighter future. Join us to discover why your voice matters, how resilience fuels growth, and why you are not your environment.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠nylc.org⁠!Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!Register for the ⁠Youth Leadership Summit⁠!

Join host Amy Meuers in celebrating women in business with youth leader and gender equity advocate Naina Raju, a member of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council. Inspired by her research essay, “Women CEOs: Still a Unicorn? Takeaways for the Next Generation,” Naina dives into the challenges women face in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and how young voices can help bridge the gender gap at the top.Discover stories of perseverance and empowerment, learn actionable ways to support aspiring women leaders, and explore how community and mentorship can turn rare “unicorns” into the norm. Tune in to be inspired and see how small actions can spark lasting change.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Register for the Youth Leadership Summit!

Discover the inspiring journey of Nora Pearson, a high school junior and founder of Roots and Grounds, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth and seniors through hands-on plant propagation workshops. In this episode of The Power of Young People, Nora discusses how intergenerational programming helps bridge the gap between generations, fosters community bonds, and promotes mutual learning. She shares how her experiences in Girl Scouts motivated her to create meaningful connections with seniors, and offers valuable insights on balancing nonprofit leadership with school life. Tune in to learn how plants serve as a creative medium for relationship-building, the importance of mentorship, and practical advice for young changemakers eager to make a positive social impact.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!Enter the Write Strong, Drive Safe Essay Contest!