2025
Youth
Summit
Contra Costa County, District 5
Presented by: Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston
Welcome to the 2025 Youth Summit, a powerful gathering designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in Contra Costa County. Hosted by Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, District 5, the summit invites students to spend a full day engaging in activities that challenge, motivate, and connect with one another.
Through exciting workshops, interactive sessions, and motivating keynotes, participants will explore new ideas, build confidence, and discover practical tools they can use right away. This year’s program is designed to spark curiosity and growth through self-discovery, social activism, career exploration, and digital wellness.
The 2025 Youth Summit focuses on helping students explore, elevate, and lead as they prepare for what comes next. Workshops cover everything from mental wellness and advocacy to digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy—giving participants the chance to align personal passions with exciting opportunities.
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High-energy keynote speakers and the Youth Innovation Fest add to the momentum, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and interactive experiences. Students can explore career pathways, college resources, and hands-on activities designed to support their growth. More than an event, the Youth Summit is a launchpad for success, building confidence, skills, and connections.
Our Speakers
Emcee: Eddie Cortez
Eddie Cortés is a former at-risk student turned award-winning youth speaker who knows what it’s like to struggle—and how to rise. As the author of I’m Possible: A Kid’s Guide to Building Resilience, Eddie created the “I’m Possible” mindset to help students face self-doubt, fear of failure, and feelings of not belonging. His high-energy style mixes humor, storytelling, and interactive moments that keep audiences engaged and inspired.
Eddie has spoken to hundreds of school districts, where his assemblies spark conversations about grit, growth, and self-worth that last far beyond the event. As this year’s Youth Summit emcee, Eddie will bring authenticity, energy, and connection to every moment of the day.
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Dr. Julia Garcia
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Dr. Julia Garcia is a nationally recognized voice for the next generation, known for creating experiences that help students feel seen, heard, and inspired to grow. As a Doctor of Psychology, TEDx speaker, and author of The Five Habits of Hope(HarperCollins, 2025), Julia blends research with real-life stories to spark emotional breakthroughs and lasting change.
At the 2025 Youth Summit, she will deliver her high-energy keynote “Hope is a Practice”—an interactive and transformative session on emotional health, belonging, and empowerment. Her approach isn’t a lecture—it’s an experience. Students will leave with tools to navigate their emotions, a renewed sense of purpose, and the reminder that hope isn’t passive. It’s something you practice every day.
Nicki Joiner
Nicki Joiner is a dynamic career readiness speaker who inspires students to see their story as the foundation of their future. A former corporate recruiter at a Fortune 100 company with over a decade in higher education, Nicki blends insider industry knowledge with a deep understanding of student development. Known for her high-energy, interactive style—“a walking shot of espresso”—she makes career planning engaging and actionable.
At the 2025 Youth Summit, Nicki will deliver “Your Story. Your Power. Your Future,” a keynote designed to help students embrace personal branding, build confidence, and take bold steps toward their goals. Nicki’s mission is clear: equip students with real-world tools while empowering them to believe in what’s possible.
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EJ Carrion
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EJ Carrion is an Afro-Latino entrepreneur who proves that obstacles can be turned into opportunities. Once an at-risk youth, he became a first-generation college graduate, a Bill and Melinda Gates Scholar, and later earned recognition as a Forbes Top 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur. Today, EJ is the co-founder and CEO of Student Success Agency, a digital mentoring platform that gives students support right from their devices—whether for tutoring, college advising, or mental health.
Featured by NBC, ABC, and Fox News, and invited to the White House, EJ inspires audiences with his story of resilience and leadership. His keynote, “From Possible to Powerful,” will leave students ready to dream bigger, lead boldly, and see themselves as unstoppable.
Schedule
8:00 AM
Student Union Building: Registration & Check-In
Participants arrive, check in, and receive swag bags and event materials. Student volunteers will help direct attendees and provide program schedules.
9:00 AM
Student Union:
Welcome & Opening Keynote
Welcome Address: Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, introduced by Emcee Eddie Cortes
Keynote Presentation: “Hope is a Practice” with Dr. Julia Garcia
Kick-off keynote focused on emotional health, belonging, and empowerment. Interactive and experiential—not another lecture, but a transformative experience to set the tone for the day.
10:15 AM
Math Building:
Workshops Session One: Mental Wellness, Advocacy & Sustainability
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Room MA202: Real Talk: How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Bad
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Room MA203: Eco-Hustle: Turning Climate Action into Community Impact
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Room MA204: The Change Agent Toolkit: How to Advocate, Organize & Win
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Room MA205: Mind Over Media: Protecting Mental Health in a Hyperconnected World
10:57 AM
Student Union:
Midday Keynote Speaker Presentation:
“Your Story. Your Power. Your Future.” with Nicki Joiner
A high-energy, actionable keynote focused on career readiness, personal branding, and empowering students to believe in themselves and take action toward their future.
1:34 PM
Math Building:
Workshop Session Two: Digital Innovation, Leadership & Career Readiness
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Room MA202: Digital Dream Jobs: Careers You Haven’t Heard of (Yet)
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Room MA203: Build It, Code It, Own It: Create Your First App Idea
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Room MA204: Future CEOs:
Launching Microbusinesses as a Teen
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Room MA205: Lead Loud: What Real Youth Leadership Looks Like
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Room MA206: AI Unlocked: How to Use ChatGPT, Copilot & More Responsibly
2:16 PM
Math Building:
Workshop Session Three: Self-Empowerment & Future Planning
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Room MA202: Level Up: Making Your First Budget (and Sticking to It)
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Room MA203: Shield Up: Protecting Yourself Online & IRL
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Room MA204: Branding Yourself: Personal Branding & Professional Networking
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Room MA205: Finding Your Path: Career Exploration and Goal Setting
2:58 PM
Student Union:
Closing Keynote Presentation:
“From Possible to Powerful” with EJ Carrion
A dynamic, inspirational keynote on transforming obstacles into opportunities, entrepreneurship, and the power of youth leadership. Energetic closing message to leave students feeling unstoppable.
3:58 PM
Student Union:
Closing Keynote Presentation:
Closing Session & Wrap-Up
Emcee Eddie Cortes and Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston close out the day with final remarks, key takeaways, and a celebration of tomorrow’s youth leaders.
12:04 PM
Quad & Lawn
Lunch & Youth Innovation Fest:
Enjoy great vibes, food trucks, live DJ music, and exciting entertainment, including cultural performances and jumpies. Explore career exploration and workforce development programs, college and higher education resources, apprenticeships, and technical training opportunities.
Connect with community partners offering health and wellness support, financial literacy and life skills resources, as well as volunteer and community engagement opportunities. The hotspot for awesome times and positive vibes!
Please Note: You do not need to pre register for workshops
