October is homecoming month, and YI has embarked on a campaign to highlight the many alumni who have passed through our programs!
Young Invincibles has empowered young adults for 15 years; our network of youth community and student leaders numbers in the thousands. Young adults have proven time and time again that they will be the change past generations have hoped for. All we need to do is set them up for success.
Some now work as our colleagues and teammates, while others have been trailblazers at other institutions and programs. Some started their own campaigns to empower others. All around the world, YI alumni are doing wonderful work in service of the community.
Check out our next alumni highlight, Gabrielle Lerner!
Throughout our Young Advocates Program (YAP), YI gathers and trains the next generation of local community leaders. Throughout the program, advocates learn how to tell their stories impactfully, speak to elected officials, advocate for policy change, give public testimony, and cultivate community while gaining transferable skills.
This month, we contacted former NY YAP graduate and staff member Gabrielle Lerner to see her progress. We asked her some questions and asked if she had some wisdom to share with other advocates nationwide.
What are you up to now after your time at YI?
I am now President of the Empire State University Student Government Association, using the many skills and tools I gained throughout the Young Advocates Program to teach other students how to be leaders and advocates.
What is a skill you learned during the program?
I learned how to conduct myself professionally in new spaces and approach every initiative as a storyteller with an authenticity, creativity, and flexibility mindset.
Any advice for current and future advocates?
You don’t realize how much this program impacts you until it is over, and you can reflect on the experience and realize all of the skills and knowledge you have gained. Trust the process, learn from your mistakes, and ask as many questions as possible.