Youth Voice Amplified

This month on Youth Voice Amplified, Gennessa takes the mic for a special episode highlighting one of her favorite themes—human kindness. She revisits some of the most moving moments from past youth storytellers and the adult allies who walked alongside them, weaving together a powerful compilation of real-life experiences where kindness changed the course of someone’s day… or even their life. 

From neighbors who stepped in to protect a child to mentors who believed in someone before they believed in themselves, these moments—shared by youth and the allies who stood by them—show how even the sm...

After surviving a car crash that nearly ended her life, Angela faced even more challenges. But Angela didn’t just survive—she found her voice. In this powerful conclusion of her story, Angela reflects on forgiveness, healing from trauma, and the quiet strength it takes to rewrite your future. From walking again after her accident to walking into classrooms as a future educator, Angela shares how faith, love, and community helped her believe that she matters—and that others do too.

Warning: This episode contains discussions of topics that may be difficult for some listeners, including addiction, trauma...

 In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Angela reflects on her journey through childhood trauma, navigating life in the streets, and the time she spent in juvenile detention. As a teenager searching for connection and safety, she found herself pulled into a world that made survival feel like the only option. But a near-death experience changed everything—forcing her to confront her past and begin a new path forward.

Raw, honest, and deeply moving, Angela’s story reminds us of the strength and resilience young people carry, even in the face of overwhelming odds. You won’t...

In honor of National Foster Care Month, this special Youth Voice Amplified episode brings you a powerful live panel from the 10th Annual YES! (Youth Empowering Success) Conference. Host Gennessa joins fellow foster youth alumni Cynthia and Rubi to share raw, real stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Moderated by award-winning speaker and former foster youth Kevon Lee, this conversation dives into the challenges of foster care, aging out, education, parenting, and finding your voice. Whether you're in foster care, working with youth, or just want to understand more—this episode will stay with you. 💙

Resources & information menti...

In this special episode of Youth Voice Amplified, host Gennessa sits down with Alyssa and Siena—two incredible student leaders behind Kern County’s Leaders In Life Conference, a groundbreaking event created by teens, for teens. Now in its 25th year, Leaders In Life is one of California’s largest youth-led conferences and has empowered over 85,000 students through powerful workshops, meaningful leadership experiences, and a planning process driven entirely by youth.

Alyssa and Siena pull back the curtain on what it really takes to plan a major event as students. They open up about the challenges they've faced...

In this uplifting episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we sit down with Jordynn, a young mom who turned her experience with homelessness into a powerful voice for change. As a dedicated youth advocate, Jordynn shares how she balances the challenges of parenting, school, and work—all while using her story to support and uplift young parents in her community.

Jordynn’s journey is all about resilience and hope. She opens up about creating a safe and nurturing home for her children, building a strong community when traditional support isn't there, and using gentle parenting to break generational cycl...

In this special episode celebrating Youth Voice Amplified's 2nd anniversary, we’re honored to feature Dakota, a high school senior navigating life as an unaccompanied homeless youth. Dakota shares his incredible journey of resilience and determination, from losing both parents to finding stability through his school’s McKinney-Vento program. His openness about overcoming stigma, reclaiming his education, and creating a brighter future offers a powerful reminder of the strength within us all.

Dakota reflects on his challenges and triumphs while charting "the good road ahead"—a path filled with purpose, hope, and a clear plan for success. Whethe...

Kick off 2025 with an inspiring story of youth leadership! Tita, the first-ever Student Champion on the Kern County Board of Education, joins us to share how she’s amplifying student voices and making an impact for over 200,000 students.

From leading as ASB President to balancing her passion for filmmaking, Tita opens up about her journey, the pressures of leadership, and how she stays “humbly excellent” while advocating for change. She also shares powerful insights into the unique challenges faced by children of immigrant parents—drawing from her own experiences to inspire and uplift.

Tune in for an u...

In this special holiday episode of Youth Voice Amplified, Kristy Torres from Kern County Department of Human Services and Bryanna Wood from the Kern County Dream Center share how they bring joy, support, and hope to foster and homeless youth during the holiday season.

Learn how programs like the Holiday Cottage and Dream Center create safe spaces, provide essential resources, and help youth feel seen and cared for. Kristy and Bryanna open up about the unique challenges these youth face during the holidays and offer simple ways we can all pitch in—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or s...

This special holiday bonus episode of Youth Voice Amplified  wraps up Homeless Youth Awareness Month with a heartfelt roundtable discussion featuring members of the Youth Action Board (YAB), part of Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative. These inspiring young advocates, with lived experiences of homelessness, share the challenges faced by homeless youth, the critical role of community support, and practical ways we can all help.

From personal stories to impactful advice, the YAB members discuss the importance of compassion, advocacy, and programs like the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and the Purple Pie Challenge. As we celebrate the holidays, t...

 🎙️ In this special episode for Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Youth Voice Amplified features Cynthia, a youth advocate with lived experience of youth homelessness. Through the Project I Am From poetry exercise, Cynthia shares a raw and moving piece reflecting on her roots, resilience, and growth. She opens up about her journey as a homeless high school student, the support systems that helped her, and her ongoing mission to uplift others in her community.  She also offers profound insights into how communities can support homeless youth, the resources that make the biggest impact, and how to...

 In this moving episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we welcome back Melie, a dedicated advocate for homeless youth, to kick off our special focus on Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Through Project "I Am From," we dive deep into the power of lived experience and poetry, uncovering unique stories of youth who have experienced homelessness and the places they come from. Listen as Melie shares her own powerful piece, "I Am From," and reflects on resilience, family traditions, and what it truly means to find strength amidst adversity. Join us all throughout November as we lift up the voices of h...

In this special live-recorded episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we bring you an inspiring Open Mic night at the Dream Center 🎤 , where youth who've faced adversity share their stories through powerful spoken word, poetry, and music. 💪 🗣️🎶  Alongside their adult supporters, these young voices open up about their experiences, creativity, and resilience in a safe and empowering space. Tune in to hear the raw, heartfelt performances that highlight the importance of open mic events for homeless and foster youth, creating a platform for them to be heard, seen, and connected to their community.

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In this episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we’re bringing you James’s powerful story. He talks about what it was like to face homelessness at a young age, bouncing from place to place, and how it affected his time in school. James doesn't hold back as he shares the tough realities of trying to keep up with his education while dealing with constant instability.

James doesn’t hold back—he shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to overcome adversity and the importance of havin...

Carter Beardsley, is not just a student—he's a changemaker! As the Region 8 President of the California Association of Student Councils, Chairman of the Kern Literacy Council's Youth Literacy Committee, and a Bakersfield Youth Commissioner, Carter is at the forefront of uplifting student voices in his school and the community.

Join us as Carter shares his personal journey into leadership, fueled by a passion for equity and student advocacy. He opens up about the challenges he faced, the motivations that drive him, and the accomplishments he's most proud of, including spearheading innovative literacy initiatives. Through his story, Ca...

In the powerful conclusion of our two-part series, we pick up where we left off, diving deeper into Rico's transformative journey. After being harshly judged by his community and witnessing friends succumb to drug use, Rico made the life-changing decision to shift his mindset and, ultimately, his destiny. Now, as a peer support specialist, Rico dedicates his life to helping homeless and foster youth navigate their own difficult paths.

He also shares his remarkable story of personal growth and offers invaluable advice for anyone facing similar struggles. Rico’s journey is a testament to the power of a...

Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life! Join us for an inspiring two-part series on Youth Voice Amplified as we delve into Rico's incredible journey of resilience and transformation. In part one, Rico opens up about his challenging early life, where survival was the only goal. He shares vivid stories of his childhood struggles, from navigating difficult circumstances like homelessness and gang violence to making tough choices just to get by. Despite the hardships, Rico's story is a testament to the power of transformative thinking to overcome adversity. Tune in to hear how he faced these challenges head-on and the...

Join us for the powerful conclusion of Himothy's journey on Youth Voice Amplified.🌟  After the birth of his daughter, Himothy made a complete turnaround, dedicating himself to community service, full-time work, and pursuing higher education. 🎓 In this episode, Himothy reflects on his life after overcoming years of hardship, sharing what he's most proud of and how he's found fulfillment in fatherhood and his commitment to giving back.

As Himothy looks back on his journey, he also addresses common misconceptions about youth involved in the juvenile justice system and offers valuable words of wisdom to those facing similar challen...

 🌟 Join us on a special two-part episode as we dive into the remarkable story of Himothy on Youth Voice Amplified.  From a young age, Himothy faced adversity and challenges head-on, including entering the juvenile detention system at just 12 years old. Despite facing instability in his early years, Himothy discovered a sense of belonging and purpose in sports, which became a guiding force in his young life.  🏈 🏀  However, when sports seasons ended, Himothy found found himself getting into trouble, leading to a cycle of returning to the juvenile justice system.

In this first part of a two-part episode, Himothy share...

In this gripping conclusion to Horus's story on Rising Phoenix, he reveals the profound impact of COVID-19 on his life, detailing the challenges he faced in securing stable housing and employment. Living along the Kern River, he recounts a harrowing near-death experience after being attacked by a group targeting homeless individuals. A chance encounter leads him to a remarkable discovery about his past as a foster youth, unlocking resources that would ultimately help him rebuild his life.

Join us as Horus shares his journey of resilience and perseverance, highlighting the importance of self-care and mental health. He...

Join us for part one of 'Rising Phoenix: Horus' Unbreakable Sprit,' where we delve into Horus' courageous journey through childhood challenges and homelessness. From a young age, Horus faced the daunting reality of being on his own, constantly shifting from one school to another, and feeling the weight of loneliness. In this raw and honest conversation,  he also opens up about the mental health struggles he encountered as a result and offers valuable insights into how schools and the court system can better support unhoused youth.

Tune in to discover Horus' resilience and determination in the f...

Get ready to be inspired as we dive into 2024 with Jo’s remarkable story on Youth Voice Amplified! Jo's story resonates with the struggles many of us encounter. In this candid conversation, she bares it all, sharing her experiences being homelessness at a young age to facing tough times and foster care in her teenage years. 

Discover how her connection to her family and her time in foster care became pivotal turning points, reshaping Jo's life for the better. She also addresses the stigma attached to foster care and homelessness, offering firsthand accounts that shed light on the...

We have a special gift for our listeners this holiday season!  🎁🎉🎙️ In September 2023, we had the honor of moderating the Voices of Resilience student panel at the 2023 EMBRACE Equity Symposium, where educators from across California converged to champion equity and inclusion in schools.

In this episode, you'll hear the uplifting conversation we led with an exceptional group of youth who've conquered adversities like homelessness, foster care, and the juvenile justice system. But this wasn’t just about their stories—it's a discussion into the influential force of student voice. These resilient students share insights into how student voices can shape...

In honor of Homeless Youth Awareness Month, "Youth Voice Amplified" brings you an inspiring episode featuring Michelle Blalock, the Homeless Education Liaison, and Gabby Britt, a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, both dedicated to making a difference in the lives of homeless students. They are on the front lines, tackling the pressing needs and challenges often overlooked in schools. Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into their tireless work, highlighting the vital role they play in the well-being and success of these students in California's largest high school district. Don't miss this must-listen episode for those passionate about...

In celebration of our 10th episode, we have a special guest who brings a unique perspective on the intersection of student voice and equity in education, especially for students facing adversity like those experiencing homelessness and foster care. Join us as we welcome Dr. John Mendiburu, the Superintendent of Kern County Schools, to the "Youth Voice Amplified" podcast!

In this milestone episode, we hear about Dr. Mendiburu's early years in Kern County and his journey to his current leadership position. We uncover with him key moments and mentors that ignited his passion for education, and how his...

In this special back-to-school episode, we're diving headfirst into the inspiring story of Tom, a former foster youth who defied the odds to pursue higher education. Join hosts Gennessa and Brian as they unravel the challenges, triumphs, and insights that shaped Tom’s journey to and through college. From navigating the complexities of foster care placements to conquering the unexpected hurdles of the pandemic, this is a tale of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.Join us as he shares invaluable insights, and listen closely as Tom offers heartfelt advice to fellow foster youth who are walking a...

❤️ In the heartfelt conclusion to our captivating two-part series, Evelette shares her experiences as a teen parent, overcoming challenges during high school, and dealing with homelessness.  She reveals the sacrifices she made to provide a stable home for her daughter and her unwavering commitment to being there for her child every step of the way. Join us for this inspiring episode as Evelette, now a youth advocate, draws from her own journey to offer hope and guidance to other youth facing similar struggles. Witness her advocacy for homeless youth and the debunking of misconceptions, making a significant impact on polic...

Ever since she could remember, Evelette has battled extraordinary circumstances, made tough decisions, and overcome difficult challenges…all while on her own. In this inspiring two-part series, Evelette takes us on an unforgettable journey through her experiences in foster care, becoming a teen parent, and completing high school despite homelessness. With the support of caring adults, her love for her children, and unwavering hope, Evelette defied the odds and found the strength to persevere. Brace yourself for an extraordinary story of resilience and determination!

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