Empowering Youth to Lead and Serve: Two Conferences, One Inspiring Mission
October 30, 2025 | Written by Lindsey Barta
Over 350 youth fill the Great Hall at the University of Cincinnati for the second of two Youth Leadership & Service Conferences.
Magnified Giving recently wrapped up two energizing Youth Leadership and Service Conferences, generously sponsored by The Mayerson Foundation, uniting hundreds of young people eager to learn, lead, and make a difference in their communities.
The first conference, held on October 22 at Northern Kentucky University, welcomed 115 youth participants, while the second, at the University of Cincinnati on October 28, drew more than 350 high school students from across the region. Both events brought Magnified Giving’s mission to life—to educate, inspire, and engage youth in philanthropy—by helping students discover how their unique time, talent, and treasure can be used for good.
Inspiring Voices, Powerful Lessons
Keynote speaker Ty Hogan addresses youth at the University of Cincinnati.
Keynote speaker Francesca Dishueme, a Magnified Giving alumna, Ohio State University graduate, and recipient of the 2022 Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award, inspired attendees at both conferences to be brave as they consider what positive role they can have in the world. At NKU, she was joined by Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, President of Northern Kentucky University, who encouraged students to pursue leadership rooted in empathy and purpose. She told participants, “Some of the most powerful change in our community comes from someone who asked, ‘What if? Why not?’” At UC, Ty Hogan, Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and Magnified Giving board member, challenged participants to use their strengths to meet real community needs.
Learning Through Action
Participants engaged in breakout sessions led by local nonprofits and community partners, each designed to spark creativity and deepen understanding of leadership, philanthropy, and service. Just a few examples of these sessions included:
The Heights Movement, helping students turn service-learning ideas into action through small-group challenges and storytelling.
Saturday Hoops, introducing the idea of “connect before you correct” and the importance of trauma-informed mentorship.
Young Women LEAD, offering an energetic, hands-on experience to help youth identify their leadership strengths and craft their personal leadership brand.
My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus, a crowd favorite that taught teamwork and creativity through circus arts and physical comedy.
Other participating organizations included Square 1, NKU Admissions Department, UC The Warren Bennis Leadership Foundation, UC IDD Education Center, Drug Free America Club, Students Demand Action Organization, and Madi’s House, among others.
From Inspiration to Impact
After an afternoon of connection and collaboration, attendees joined in a guided reflection exercise and call to action—encouraging each participant to identify one way they could immediately make a difference in their school or community. The day concluded with Community Connections Corner, where local nonprofits shared volunteer opportunities and invited youth to stay involved in meaningful service.
Building a Movement of Young Changemakers
Together, the two conferences showcased what’s possible when young people are equipped and encouraged to lead with empathy and purpose. From discovering new causes to connecting with local organizations, participants left inspired to take their next step in giving back.
The Youth Leadership and Service Conferences embodied Magnified Giving’s belief that it’s up to YOUth to shape a brighter, more compassionate future—and that change starts when young people realize the power they already hold to serve.