This year, we held a networking event instead of our traditional levelUP Youth Leadership Conference. The levelUP Youth Leadership Lunch & Mixer aimed to provide our local youth with the opportunity to learn and connect with local leaders and peers who share similar interests and aspirations.

The event consisted of short introductions followed by lunch and mingling. Each guest speaker demonstrated leadership qualities, community involvement, and a commitment to empowering youth. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences contributed to a rich conversation, enabling students to learn from a wide range of unique perspectives to help develop a broader understanding of leadership and community engagement.

Below are some photos from the mixer as well as the names of our guest speakers.

Guest Speakers:

Robert Aceves (Senior Community Advocate – John Muir High School Early College Magnet)

Miranda Diaz (Program Coordinator for the Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health Program – Pasadena Public Health Department)

Juanita Davalos (Retired Federal Employee)

Firefighters (Pasadena Fire Department)

Susana Porras (Program Coordinator – Pasadena Police Department)

Gretchen Ramos (Certified Flight Instructor)

Glenn C. Thompson (Retired Pasadena Police Sergeant)

Isalia Zumaya (Digital Communications Associate – Trade Company of the West [TCW])