Ubuntu Leadership Summit

The Genesis Youth Foundation, in collaboration with local community organizations such as schools, businesses, state agencies and faith-based nonprofits, will come together for the 2023 Ubuntu leadership Summit on June 19th through 24th.  This second annual information sharing week connects community members to resources available in Des Moines. There will be round-table conversations regarding challenges facing adults/parents and all youth, including immigrant and refugee youth, black and brown youth and at risk youth living within Central Iowa. The theme this year is Leaders addressing community challenges together. It is a chance to share knowledge and inspire youths and adults through training workshops, storytelling, small group conversations, and more.

Monday, June 19 - The week will kick off with a Juneteenth Celebration including GYF's Bridging the Cultural Gap Workshop by Eric Idehen – OPX International from 5-6 pm, and a Hope + Elim Church Celebration which will include Genesis Youth Foundation dancers and a youth Ubuntu Leader Egan Kasigwa. This workshop will be on understanding our cultural differences and backgrounds to break down stereotypes and better live in community with each other.

The week will then transition into multiple evening workshops leading up to the Ubuntu Leadership Summit on Saturday, June 24th.

Tuesday, June 20- In the first workshop by Linda Fandel, Governor’s Liaison for Work-Based Learning Iowa Workforce Development we will explore the many career paths available to youth today, especially in the trades. Learn about the fastest-growing and best-paid occupations. The second workshop will celebrate World Refugee Day with a presentation by the Iowa Department of Human Rights.

Wednesday, June 21 - Sara Bath from IowaWorks will hold a mock job interview session for both youth and adults. Sharpen your interviewing skills by doing practice interviews, receiving feedback, developing strategies for handling tough interview questions, and gaining self-confidence!

Thursday, June 22 - Bill Adamowski from Drake University will hold a Youth Entrepreneurship Competition which will include developing business ideas, pitching your idea, and competing to win prizes! Winners will be announced at the Summit on Saturday.

Saturday, June 24 - Ubuntu Leadership Summit

• Breakfast/Welcome Remarks     – 9-10 am - Iowa Workforce Development Beth Townsend     will give the keynote
• Breakout Session #1 -      10:15-11:15 am

1. Balancing Sports & School – Panel Discussion led by Director of Soccer Development and Recruitment JR Fernandes. Panelists include:

o Marshalltown Community College Men's Soccer coach.

o Pastor Brian Brown - Former Olympic track and field athlete.

o Tavian Banks - Former University Iowa running back and NFL pro player. Currently the Executive Director at the YMCA in Des Moines.

o Rafael Nascimento - Former Professional player and current MCC college soccer coach.

o Marshall Bobly - Former youth player current student at Iowa State University

2. Embracing Cultural Differences – Panel led by Pastor Moulton Kyles AME Zion Church

3. Preventing Dating Violence - Presentation by Alex Karumuna, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault

4. Creating Success in the Workplace– Presentation by Sara Bath from IowaWorks, Joseph Johnson Change Course, Amy Grant, Career Planner

· Breakout Session #2 - 11:30 am -12:30 pm

1. Mental Wellbeing-– Panel Discussion led by Tricia Gabriel Director of Arts Programming & Co-founder Genesis Youth Foundation and healthcare professionals

2. Healthy and Safe environments for youth and adults – Presentation by Alex Karumuna, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault

3. Wealth Creation Through Business Startup – Workshop led by Bill Adamowski Drake University

4. Bridging the Cultural Gap between Parents and Youth – Presentation and discussion led by Eric Idehen – OPX International

· Lunch12:30-1:30 pm – With Afro Beats Dance Performance and Video Message from Iowa Governor Reynolds

·   Capstone/Panel Discussion 1:30 – 2:45 pm

o Moderator - Linda Fandel, Governor’s Liaison for Work-Based Learning Iowa Workforce Development Youth Panel (30 Minutes - Includes 5 Minute Intro of Each Panelist Then Fielding Questions from the Audience)

o Panelist – Will Keeps, Founder of It Starts Right Here

o Panelist - Tricia Gabriel, GYF Director of Arts Programming & Co-founder

o Panelist – Peter Ngo, Community Activist

Adult Panel  (30 Minutes - Includes 5 Minute Intro of Each Panelist Then Fielding Questions from the Audience) o Panelist – Kelly Garcia, Director of Iowa Department of Human Services

o Panelist - Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development

o Panelist – Dana Wingert, Des Moines Chief of Police

·  Closing2:45-3 pm - The Power of We – GYF Executive Director Sam Gabriel