Inclusive Communities Hosts Youth Impact Summit at UNO
Inclusive Communities today kicked off the Youth Impact Summit at the Milo Bail Student Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus, bringing together high school students from across the region for a day of leadership development, mental health conversations, belonging, and youth empowerment. The summit runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a full schedule of breakout sessions, keynote speakers, student-led discussions, and hands-on learning.
Presented in partnership with The Lozier Foundation, this year’s summit is guided by the theme “Reflect. Grow. Act.” Students were invited to look inward, expand their perspectives, and use their voices to create more inclusive and compassionate communities.
The day was developed by young people, for young people, with the support of the event’s Youth Advisory Committee, who shaped content centered on identity, leadership, sustainability, mental health, coping strategies, and social impact. The summit is designed as “a day created by young people, for young people… where your voice matters.”
Keynote Speaker: Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers
At the heart of today’s agenda is keynote speaker Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska’s State Poet, who shared her journey as a spoken word artist, community advocate, and development professional. Her talk encouraged students to embrace their personal stories and find confidence in their voice.
Breakout Sessions Led by Community Leaders and Youth Experts
Students are participating in a wide range of interactive breakout sessions, including:
“Bracelets & Balance: Turning Stress into Strength” with Alejandra Wells of GoShopHiya.com
“Building Power Online & Beyond” with Johnny Redd of Strongly Worded Letters
“No Perfect Path: Finding Power in Your Story” with Mikaela Marshall of Share My Smile
“DBT Skills for Everyday Life” with Alexis Mary Peak of Little Flower Counseling
“Sustainability Is Easy, Actually” with Steven Dickerson of Students for Sustainability
“I Am You: Finding Belonging & Power” with Candi Jones of Girls Inc.
Youth-led “Real Talk: Fishbowl” discussions about the realities of being a teen in 2025
Throughout the day, students explore topics such as self-worth, community, environmental sustainability, coping strategies, and real-world advocacy.
A Student Voice From Today’s Summit
One student shared a message that reflects the spirit of the event:
“We’re all figuring things out, but hearing each other’s stories makes it clear we’re not alone. Today feels like a place where we can finally be honest and feel seen.”
A Celebration of Belonging and Community
The summit also emphasizes joy, belonging, and connection. Inclusive Communities outlines four goals for the day:
Gain knowledge & tools
Build connections
Empower action
Foster belonging & joy
The day concludes with a Closing Circle, featuring affirmations and reflections led by Inclusive Communities Executive Director Cammy Watkins, grounding students in self-acceptance, courage, and community.
About Inclusive Communities
Inclusive Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting prejudice and building just, equitable communities through education and advocacy. Through youth programs like IncluCity, leadership development initiatives, and community partnerships, Inclusive Communities empowers people of all ages to lead with empathy and inclusion.
Learn more at inclusive-communities.org.