Empowering Youth Voices 2026 was an incredible success, bringing together young people, mental health advocates, educators, and community leaders for a day centered around connection, resilience, and hope. We are beyond grateful to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited, and supported this year’s event. The energy throughout the day was inspiring, and it was powerful to witness so many youth leaders developing their voices, building meaningful connections, and engaging in important conversations surrounding mental health.

A special thank you goes to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for their partnership and continued commitment to uplifting youth voices, as well as to Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell for serving as our keynote speaker. Her reflections on her journey to success as a woman of color and her dedication to youth mental health and advocacy left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

We are also deeply thankful to Charlene Zuffante, Deputy Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, for speaking on the importance of empowering young people and ensuring youth voices remain at the center of mental health conversations. In addition, Peer Mentor Lexy’s courageous story about resilience and living with OCD reminded attendees that they are never alone, creating a space where honesty, vulnerability, and support could thrive.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our workshop presenters, speakers, supporters, and to Danversport for helping us create such a meaningful experience. Most importantly, thank you to the young people who showed up ready to learn, connect, and lead. Together, we continue building a future where youth feel heard, empowered, and supported — because together, we rise.