Youth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry

In this episode of the Youth Power Podcast, we speak with Geno Abney, founder of AYG Athletics, about his work with youth in Texas. Geno discusses his background and how his experiences led him to create a program that uses basketball to teach values like discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He explains the structure of AYG Athletics, including how often participants meet and the range of activit...

In this episode of the  Youth Power Podcast , host Kirk Berry is joined by Adam F.C. Fletcher—speaker, consultant, and author of  Steps to Youth Leadership in Modern Times . Together, they explore what it means to truly empower the adults who work with youth and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful way to help young people step forward. Adam shares his personal journey from a young the...

Kelly Fair, Founder and Executive Director of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, joins the program to discuss her organization's mission to help girls become effective communicators at home, school, and in the workplace. She shares the origins of Polished Pebbles, which began with monthly Saturday sessions and has grown to serve over 50 communities in schools each year. The conversation exp...

In this episode, we welcome Gila Kurtz, co-founder of The BOLO Project, who shares how her innovative dog-centric program helps teens develop emotional resilience, positive mindsets, and essential life skills through the transformative power of the dog-human bond. Gila shares remarkable success stories of teens who have overcome anxiety, depression, and communication barriers while gaining clarity...

In this episode of the Youth Power Podcast, we welcome Zach Garza, Founder and Executive Director of You Can Mentor. Drawing from his personal experience growing up without a father figure, Zach shares how mentors transformed his life, inspiring him to start his organization after discovering that 45 of his 65 student athletes lacked father figures at home. He discusses his journey from founding t...

This episode features a conversation with Nafees Norris, a biopharmaceutical process engineer who is making science fun and accessible for kids in Philadelphia. Nafees shares how he went from being the only Black man in most professional science settings to creating an interactive lab where children can experience hands-on learning beyond traditional classroom experiments. Rather than making volca...

Tune in for a conversation with Christina DeJesus, founder of Part of the Change, an organization that uses art to empower and heal young people. Christina shares her journey from working in finance to discovering her passion for community service, particularly through art therapy and mentorship. She discusses her work in juvenile detention centers, where she conducts weekly art sessions with youn...

Join us as we sit down with David Charles, Co-founder and Executive Director of The STRIVE Initiative, a transformative youth development organization in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. From its grassroots beginnings addressing community vandalism to becoming a comprehensive youth empowerment program, STRIVE (Strengthening Tomorrow Requires Initiative and Vision Every Day) has evolved into a unique model...

In this episode, we are joined by K-Rahn Vallatine, founder of Inner Sun Consulting, about changes in youth development. K-Rahn shares his path from working with incarcerated youth to training professionals across the nation. He explains his trauma-informed success mindset model and methods for connecting with young people through consistent engagement and cultural understanding. This episode pres...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alyssa Bigby, founder and director of Rebel Arts Movement, who is revolutionizing youth empowerment in Philadelphia through the transformative power of circus arts. In this episode, we explore how a unique blend of dance, tumbling, and aerial arts is creating pathways to success for underserved youth in Kensington. Discover how Rebel Arts breaks down fina...

In this episode, you'll discover insights from Morgan Johnson, NCC, LPC, an adolescent mental health professional with a decade of experience. You'll learn about the importance of mental health care for young people and common misconceptions about therapy. Morgan shares successful outcomes from her practice, including helping teens overcome social anxiety and develop self-advocacy skills. She also...

In this episode of the Youth Power Podcast, host Kirk Berry interviews Amy Meuers, CEO of the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). With over two decades at NYLC, Amy shares information about the organization's mission to empower youth through service learning. She discusses how NYLC integrates service learning into educational curricula, fostering youth leadership and community engagement. Am...

In this episode, we are joined by Ami Yares, Executive Director of BuildaBridge International, an arts education nonprofit in Philadelphia. Ami shares how BuildaBridge uses the power of art-making to teach life lessons and foster resilience, self-efficacy, and hope in youth who have experienced trauma. He explains the concept of teaching artists and describes how activities like singing, music, an...

In this episode of the Youth Power Podcast, we are joined by Gary Mills, founder of Shoot Basketballs NOT People, a Philadelphia-based organization dedicated to preventing violence and promoting positive change through basketball and mentorship. Gary discusses his background, the inspiration behind starting the program, and the various ways they engage with youth, including affordable basketball t...

In this episode, we welcome three amazing guests from the Noble House Fairview Dojo in Camden, New Jersey. These women share their expertise in teaching self-defense and empowering young people through martial arts. They discuss the importance of teaching children how to react in various social situations, the transformative power of self-defense training on a young person's confidence, and how th...

This episode features an interview with Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks in Camden, New Jersey, an organization that provides technology training, professional development, and real-world work experience to prepare unemployed young adults for living-wage jobs. Dan discusses Hopeworks' unique trauma-informed approach that not only teaches in-demand tech skills but also builds social-emotional readiness...

This episode features an interview with Charmaine Bazemore, the Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Community Center in Norristown, PA. Charmaine discusses her vision for the Carver Center, including bringing back the Kid's Cafe program, providing a safe space for local youth, and expanding literacy and learning opportunities. She also stresses the importance of meeting the communit...

This episode focuses on the profound impact of yoga on urban youth and how it can be a transformative tool for educators, mentors, and youth workers. Tune in to a conversation with Dennis Davis aka "Yogi Den", as he shares his journey from personal trauma to healing through yoga. As a certified yoga instructor and youth advocate, Yogi Den provides invaluable insights and practical tools. You'll le...

This episode features a conversation with Dave Beal, CEO of Brain Power Wellness, to discuss social-emotional learning and holistic wellness strategies for students, teachers, and families. Dave shares practical tips and activities from the Brain Power Classroom book to promote positive mental health and development in the classroom. They discuss embracing resistance from students as an opportunit...

Kris Breslin, Master Technician at Team Toyota of Glen Mills, joins the program to discuss her career journey and what it is like to be a woman working as an automotive technician. Kris also provides an overview of the work she did with the KB Foundation's overnight girls mentoring camp, and why it is important for girls and young women to be familiar with the fundamentals of car repair, such as c...

Vernon Ray Jr., Owner of Creative Mind Productions, joins the program to discuss his own journey of developing a passion for photography and the campaign that he created to combat gun violence. Vernon shares how his campaign is helping give youth a different creative option to pursue and helps youth feel heard and supported. Vernon also shares tips about how to connect and communicate with young p...

Atiyah Harmon, Founder of Black Girls Love Math (BGLM), joins the program to discuss the work that her organization does to cultivate a positive math identity for Black girls. BGLM uses a research-based approach to create a fun, encouraging, and culturally conscious space for Black girls to explore and discover math.

Joy Jamerson, Program Manager-Outreach, H-CAP (Healthcare Career Advancement Program, joins the program to discuss her career journey of supporting youth in various roles. Joy shares her thoughts about how to engage youth and how to talk to youth in a way that compels them. She also reveals tips for employers who want to recruit and retain youth, and how to prepare youth for the workforce. 

Jonathan Alvarez, Founder of 914United Inc., joins the program to provide an overview of the mission and vision of his organization. Discover how 914United emerged in 2020 to serve at the forefront of advocating for the youth and the formerly incarcerated residing within the Lower Hudson Valley. 

Mike Brown from the Philadelphia Gaming Initiative joins the program to reveal how the organization is using gaming as a way to engage youth and keep them out of harm's way. Mike also shares how the Philadelphia Gaming Initiative uses gaming as a hook to bring young people into their space, and the other life skills instruction that is available to youth. Discover the importance of creating safe s...