Teens Lead the Way at 25th Annual Leaders in Life Youth Conference

Nearly 1,400 middle and high school students found their spark Thursday at the 25th Annual Leaders in Life Youth Conference, created by teens for teens. Known as one of California’s premier youth leadership events, Leaders in Life celebrated a legacy of over two decades of empowering young people from Kern County.

“85,000 students over 25 years, and we encouraged every one of them to find their spark,” said Morgan Clayton, the founder of Leaders in Life. “This is a place where they can have their voice, their conference, the way they want it”

The conference has become a pivotal platform for teen students to engage in relevant discussions, connect with mentors and peers, and gain practical leadership skills that will shape their future.

“It’s been amazing just to talk and network with other people,” said senior Carolyn James, head of marketing and PR for Leaders in Life. “One of the skills I gained was confidence. I started this when I was 10 years old; I’m now 16 and one of the ones helping lead it.”

Opening speaker Laymon Hicks gets the the students pumped with dancing and singing.

The conference is unique in its student-driven nature. Its planning committee is composed entirely of young people who are guided by adult mentors. These student leaders work tirelessly for months to plan and execute every detail, from selecting the keynote speakers and workshops to designing the event layout and coordinating food and resources.

“It really is a giant family. We all work together,” James said. “Each subcommittee has to work with the others to make sure this all comes together.”

The Kern County Network for Children and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office have provided essential support, working as volunteers, and allowing students to bring their vision to life.

Opening speaker Dr. Laymon Hicks kicked off the event, energizing the crowd by encouraging them to get up and dance and sing. He shared his journey from troubled youth to high achiever, overcoming peer pressure, trauma, and depression to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and earn a doctorate at the age of 29.  His speech emphasized the importance of overcoming obstacles and the power of perseverance, encouraging teens to find their path and purpose.

“Leadership is not just something that you do, it’s something that you are,” Hicks said. “I’m encouraging young people that they do matter, that they are important in life.”

Ashley Bendiksen’s keynote address in the afternoon centered around her experience as a teen trauma survivor. As a national speaker and activist specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, she inspired the audience with her story of resilience and self-advocacy.

The conference offered a variety of workshops addressing issues that matter most to today’s teens, such as diversity and inclusion, career readiness, substance abuse prevention, public speaking and leadership skills, mental health and wellness, and more. These workshops provide teens with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the challenges they face in their daily lives.

“This benefits all the students because it shows them that they have a voice and can put their own opinions out there. It can also give them the confidence to do that,” James said.

In between workshops, attendees had the opportunity to explore a resource fair featuring local programs that support youth. Organizations such as Kern Public Health, AmeriCorps, CAPK, the Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and various college programs were present to provide information and resources for teens to continue their growth and learning.

Leaders in Life is more than just a conference; it’s a celebration of youth leadership and collaboration. Empowering students to organize the event not only provides them with leadership experience but also encourages them to take ownership of their futures and their communities. 

“We want to lift up our youth and show them they have purpose, they have meaning,” Clayton said. “I’m so proud of them.”

Leaders in Life Executive Board and Committee.

Seniors Jaycob Salinas and Ella Murano awarded scholarships from Leaders in Life.