What Youth Leaders Told Us

2025 was a very challenging year for those working to uplift opportunities for all youth to thrive. We are grateful to the young people who shared their wisdom, lived experience, and bold ideas with us.

Below, we lift up takeaways from a few of those leaders. To learn more, click on the webinar links for resources and recordings.

In 2026, we will continue to create spaces where youth leaders shape the agenda — and where philanthropy can listen, learn, and act alongside them so all young people can thrive.

GTY members dig deeper through in-person convenings and member-only conversations.
If you’re interested, send an email!

On Immigration

Undocumented status is a social construct. We are human. We’re superhuman to thrive under these conditions. We need our humanity to be seen.

—Karely Amaya Rios
CUNY School of Law

Hear the full discussion:
Supporting Immigrant Youth to Thrive

On Economic Justice

I would love to see a workforce development ecosystem that centers intergenerational collaboration and is youth-designed and youth-sustained; where training, mentorship, and career access aren’t reserved for a few but are designed around the realities of young people’s lives.

—Hayat Hassan
Youthprise

Hear the full discussion:
Youth Leaders on Economic Justice

On Mental Health

Lived experience is not just a story to be told; it is a critical source of expertise that must inform all aspects of mental health policy and practice, especially when it comes to youth from marginalized communities.

—Saanvi Arora
Youth Power Project

Hear the full discussion:
Youth Leaders on Mental Health

Continuing to Listen

In 2026, we will continue to create spaces where youth leaders shape the agenda — and where philanthropy can listen, learn, and act alongside them so all young people can thrive.

GTY members dig deeper through in-person convenings and member-only conversations.
If you’re interested, send an email!

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GTY is a funders’ forum promoting equitable systems, structures and opportunities for young people to thrive in learning, work, citizenship and life.

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