Every Story Deserves to Be Heard
On October 13, 2026, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica kicked off its Youth of the Year workshop series with Telling Your Story, a workshop designed to help teens build confidence, recognize their strengths, and find their voices as they prepare for the Youth of the Year journey.
Our Youth of the Year candidates explored how their personal stories shape who they are and how sharing those stories can help them connect with others. The workshop encouraged teens to reflect on their journeys, embrace their individuality, and communicate their experiences with confidence.
A Full-Circle Moment for Our Workshop Leader
We were thrilled to welcome back Christina Hadera, M.S., for her second year leading the workshop. Her connection to the Youth of the Year program made the session especially meaningful.
As a teen, Christina participated in the Youth of the Year program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, where she learned to own her story and find her voice. Her involvement helped her earn a full-ride scholarship to Colorado State University and opened doors to new opportunities.
Reflecting on her return, Christina shared how meaningful it was to hear the teens’ stories, share parts of her own journey, and help them recognize the power of their voices. Her journey from Club kid to mentor is a reminder of the lasting impact our Clubs have on kids and communities.
Thank you, Christina, for helping our teens see the value in their voices and the stories only they can tell. We are also grateful to our team for their continued commitment to supporting our Youth of the Year candidates.
Building Confidence for the Youth of the Year Journey
Youth of the Year is an opportunity for teens to develop leadership skills, strengthen their public speaking abilities, and reflect on the experiences and values that shape them.
As our workshop series continues, we look forward to seeing our teens grow as leaders, build confidence, and discover new ways to share their stories.
