The 10th Annual YES! Conference: A Celebration of Foster Youth Success and Empowerment

Youth Empowering Success (YES!) marked its monumental 10th annual conference March 28, bringing together foster youth, educators, and community leaders across Kern County for a day of growth, empowerment, and connection. Held at Bakersfield College, this year’s event focused on the journey of YES! throughout the years. 

YES! started as a small mentoring initiative serving middle and high school students who are current and former foster youth. Since then, it has grown into a dynamic, county-wide network dedicated to helping foster youth overcome adversity and thrive in all areas of their lives. 

“‘My Journey, My Future.’ That was a slogan selected by our students,” said Kim Silva, research associate with Homeless and Foster Youth Services at Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). “They want to have more control of their future.”

The conference opened with an inspiring keynote address from Kevon Lee, a nationally recognized motivational speaker. He gave students a powerful message about setting and achieving goals and encouraged them to take charge of their futures. Lee also led a workshop for high school students: “From Vision to Victory.”

For the middle school students, Luis Garcia, senior director for Social Emotional & Academic Supports at KCSOS, led a workshop on goal-setting called “Dream It, Plan It.” Garcia focused on the importance of developing a vision early on and taking small steps toward making it a reality. 

For the first time this year, a youth panel, composed of three high school students and one middle school student, held a session geared toward supporters and caregivers to help them learn how best to support foster youth in their educational and personal journeys. “Real Talk: Foster Youth Share What Matters Most” allowed the youth panel to open up about the most prominent issues facing them.

“Students said they wanted the adults to hear them, to get to know them,” said YES! conference organizer Cynthia Gutierrez. “We want to hear their voice on what their needs are because that helps us know what we need to do to support them.” 

Gennessa Fisher, Cynthia Lira, and Rubi Galvez, all former foster youth, also shared their personal stories and insights into the challenges and triumphs of life in foster care. They offered invaluable guidance for those navigating similar paths.

Throughout the event, attendees had the chance to explore a resource fair, where local organizations such as the Dream Center, Bakersfield College, Job Corps, and more offered valuable resources for college, career, and personal growth. Gutierrez says many youth don’t realize there are a lot of resources and support systems out there that students should take advantage of. 

“They don’t even know about the Dream Center, which is a one-stop shop for our foster youth, and all the resources and support that they have here,” Gutierrez said. “We want them to know that we’re here to help. We want them to be successful.” 

One of the most touching moments of the day came when students were given the chance to win prizes, thanks to generous donors who provided over $10,000 in gifts. Silva said her favorite part of the experience was witnessing the joy on kids’ faces when they won something big, like a bicycle or a laptop. 

“They jump out of their seats with joy and excitement,” she said. “These students have gone through some incredibly dark things, but to see epic joy like that, it’s awesome and phenomenal.” 

In addition to the workshops, resource fair, and panels, the event also featured a Zen Den, a safe space for students who needed a moment to decompress or access emotional support. Many of the students face trauma and instability in their lives. The Zen Den allows them a moment of quiet reflection so they can return to the conference feeling ready to engage. 

Most of the students attending the conference have active YES! chapters at their schools, allowing foster youth to access those same supports and resources on their own campus. The conference also encouraged students who are not part of a YES! chapter, to join one or start one at their school. Silva says these chapters help the students feel less alone. 

“When they see that YES! logo at their school, they will know that there’s a safe community just for them with caring adults, and also a chance for them to raise their voice to change their experience in school and in foster care,” she said. 

The day was a reflection of the YES! mission: to provide foster youth with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. The conference allowed them to envision a future full of possibilities while also giving them a sense of community where they felt seen, heard, and valued.