Reflecting On 2025-2026: A Deeper Look Into the Youth Advisory Board’s Presence
Following another successful year of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), current members and former alumni were invited to look back on their experiences and reflect upon what makes this program so unique. Each individual was sent the following questions regarding the leadership, growth, and community we have fostered this past year. Through this piece we have compiled their sentiments and personal stories into a refined, comprehensive picture of what the YAB actually looks like in practice. Far beyond a standard committee, these reflections serve as a testament to how deeply our conversations, mentors, and continual presence impact not only our students' futures, but also enrich the perspectives of the professional guests who engage with us.
What is something a speaker has shared with you at one of our meetings that has left a lasting impact on your understanding of leadership? What, if anything, did you change about your leadership style after learning from that speaker?
Hearing from speakers has transformed the YAB’s understanding of leadership by showcasing diverse, dynamic styles. This year, we met with Mr. Keith Perry, an expert in the medical field. Discussing how rapidly medicine has changed due to technology, Mr. Perry emphasized that leadership is not a rigid formula. Oftentimes we view leaders as the tone setter, someone who dictates the environment they’re in. However, despite any efforts we impose, the work space is always changing. The most effective leaders are those who evolve throughout their careers—actively leaning into the habits, values, and nature of new eras. For Mr. Perry, had he continued to employ the same techniques today that were common in the medical field years ago, his contributions would have become futile. His continual development is what has made him such a relevant and respected leader for both his colleagues and patients.
Learning this prompted one of our members, Elliott, to intentionally shift his own leadership style away from a traditional, one-size-fits-all mindset. Elliott reflected upon this, saying, “As time goes on the students will have to adapt to different leaders, but more importantly leaders must lean into the habits and nature of new generations.” Instead of expecting conformity, Elliott now adapts his style to fit the team's needs, ensuring the perspectives of every age are utilized effectively. This embodies the true meaning of the YAB: fostering agile leaders who understand that to guide a changing world, you must be willing to evolve alongside it.
How has the YAB guided you in navigating leadership in a changing world?
One of the unique aspects of the YAB is that every student is paired with a mentor. These mentors and students are matched by Jennifer according to their interests, personalities, and board goals. For many members, these relationships prove to be some of the most rewarding experiences of the YAB. According to one member, Britsia, “Through [these] multiple interactions with alumni and older leaders I have learned to listen to advice and apply it to my life.”
These connections have enabled our students to develop powerful improvement skills while simultaneously linking them to adults in their fields of interest. In a rapidly changing world, it’s nearly impossible to predict what is coming next. Therefore, to succeed in the current environment, it’s imperative that youth learn to collaborate and learn from those who have pioneered before us. Learning to listen to the advice and stories of others is a massive advantage that YAB students receive; it ensures we are fully equipped to lead our communities forward.
How does/did the YAB provide an opportunity for you to grow?
The YAB serves as a vital bridge between youth and the professional world, providing a rare environment for highschoolers to explore how the corporate world operates. For many members, the most significant area of growth has been mastering time management within the professional, highly collaborative, and digital setting. Balancing academic responsibilities with the structured demands of an online board requires a high level of self-discipline and organizational skill.
Navigating virtual meetings, deadlines, and independent projects forced us to prioritize tasks and communicate efficiently across online platforms. This experience demystified the professional landscape, transforming it from something abstract into a space where each of us now know not just how to get by, but to fully thrive. By learning how to manage time and energy, the YAB has given its members the practical, foundational habits necessary to thrive in any modern work environment.
One of the key aspects the YAB strives to cultivate is community. How has this community helped you find your voice and develop your leadership talents?
The Youth Advisory Board is composed of high school students from across Virginia, each of whom bring a diverse and nuanced perspective to our meetings. Because the space varies so widely in backgrounds and student interests, each member is forced to naturally step out of their bubble. However, our meetings are kept relaxed and stress-free, thus giving students the opportunity to find their voice in a non-intimidating environment. When the atmosphere is free from competition or judgment, you feel safe to speak up, share unpolished ideas, and take leadership risks. As one alum Farrah shared, “As I sat with the faces of other youth leaders illuminating on my screen, I saw the future of innovative people that would lead us to a better world. It didn’t matter that we came from different areas, had different skill sets, or were interested in different things. This diversity tied with the same passion of creating change helped me understand how anyone and everyone can make an impact. The Aspire Leadership Consulting Youth Advisory Board inspired me to do more within my community in any way that I could, no matter the scale.”
For Farrah, the YAB allowed for this test-driving. It’s rare for students to have low stakes practice at public speaking in a professional setting prior to having a real world job. This has granted each of us confidence not just as we look ahead into our own careers, but even today. When entering into conversations with strangers, Farrah feels assured that she can build bridges and articulate opinions thoughtfully, while also being able to deeply engage with unfamiliar perspectives.
If you could use one word to describe the YAB’s purpose and character, what would it be? Why did you choose this word?
If one word could capture the true goal and character of the YAB, it is Opportunity.
According to Elliott, “The elongated purpose [of the board] is to bolster the youth, and let [their voices] be heard by others.” However, the YAB recognizes a crucial truth about leadership: amplification and empowerment are only half of the equation. Neither of these goals can be achieved if the youth themselves are not driven enough to step up and seize what is in front of them.
We chose the word "Opportunity" because the YAB acts as a pathway, not a destination. It provides a platform for growth and exploration, but the members must decide if they choose to take the initiative. We are challenged to match the board's resources with our own personal drive. Ultimately, the character of the YAB is defined by this word. Aspire Consulting offers young leaders the roadmap to influence change, reminding us that true leadership begins when you choose to take advantage of the unique moments presented to you.
What’s next for the Youth Advisory Board?
Looking ahead to 2026-2027, there are many exciting experiences in store for the YAB. We cannot wait to welcome new students, meet with insightful speakers, and continue to develop alongside our mentors. And while it may be unclear what each of these moments will entail, one thing is clear: the talents and knowledge we have refined this year will serve us well. Because ultimately, that is the cohort’s goal. Every speaker, every project, and every conversation are certainly interesting, but it’s their lasting impacts on the way we perceive leadership that makes them meaningful. The capabilities we've built won't just stay within the confines of the YAB; they will shape how we engage with, influence, and improve the communities we step into next.