In June, Youth Advisory Committee members represented the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at the Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference at Saginaw Valley State University.
The statewide gathering brought together youth grantmakers for several days of leadership development, hands-on learning, and connection. Participants took part in workshops, breakout discussions, team-building activities, simulation exercises, and a service project designed to strengthen their skills as young philanthropists and community leaders.
Members Milana Kia and Genesis Bingham share their experience in this Q&A.
Milana Kia
Senior, Grand Blanc Youth Advisory Committee Chair and Michigan Community Foundation's Youth Project (MCFYP) Council Member
Q: What was your favorite part about the YAC conference and why?
A: My favorite part was meeting so many passionate YACers from across Michigan. It was really cool hearing about everyone’s ideas, especially during the rap battle on the last day!
Q: What was the biggest takeaway or lesson you've learned from the conference?
A: My biggest takeaway was that the best way to create change is by listening to your community first and working with others to find solutions. That way, it’s not just volunteering, but the impact is more community-engaged.
Q: What was it like connecting with other young leaders from across Michigan?
A: It was really inspiring! Everyone was so passionate about helping their communities, and it was fun getting to share ideas and meet people with similar goals.
Q: How has your involvement in YAC influenced your personal growth or leadership skills?
A: YAC has helped me become a more confident leader and taught me how to work with different people, communicate better, and turn ideas into action.
Genesis Bingham
Junior, Countywide Youth Advisory Committee Secretary
Q: What was your favorite part about the YAC conference and why?
A: My favorite part of the YAC conference was connecting with different other YACers and getting different opinions on what philanthropy means to them.
Q: What was the biggest takeaway or lesson you've learned from the conference?
A: One thing I've learned during the conference is how important humility is. It's important that everyone pitches in and that no one is completely independent.
Q: What was it like connecting with other young leaders from across Michigan?
A: Being able to converse with other likeminded individuals who are passionate about philanthropy is very refreshing. It makes me happy to know that people still want to make the world a bit better.
Q: How has your involvement in YAC influenced your personal growth or leadership skills?
A: Being in YAC has very much improved my social skills. I'm a bit introverted, and being at the conference showed me that it's okay to step out of my comfort zone.
Get Involved
Want to use your voice to support youth-led change in your community? Join YAC and become part of the next generation of community leaders. Contact YAC advisor Chakara Wheeler at cwheeler@cfgf.org or 810.767.6504 to learn more.
