YOUth Can Change the World Event Schedule
Saturday, May 30
[11:00 AM – 1:00 PM]
Brunch Networking Event - TBD**
[1:00 PM - 6:00 PM]
Ongoing Card-Making Initiative & YOUth Book Sale
Venue:
Columbia University Medical Campus
Alumni Auditorium
630 West 168th Street
New York, New York 10032
Card-making and care package assembly for pediatric cancer patients will take place throughout the entire event in partnership with NYC for Youth Inc, supporting the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation . Attendees will help create care packages and write bright, encouraging, and child-friendly messages for children and adolescents receiving treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
YOUth Book Sale
You can meet Olivia Zhang (Forbes 30 Under 30, Harvard student, founder of Cancer Kids First) and get an autographed copy of YOUth, a book on youth leadership, resilience, and impact, throughout the event.
[2:00 PM - 6:00 PM]
Social Impact Leaders Panel
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM:
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Introduction to organizing nonprofits Cancer Kids First and NYC for Youth.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM:
Women Breaking Barriers Panel
A panel featuring inspiring women leaders across law, media, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, discussing how they built impactful careers and created change in their communities. Moderated by Alexandra Eggers.
Featured Speakers:
● Pratika Katiyar
Chief of Staff at the ACLU, the largest civil rights organization in the U.S. • Human rights and technology advocate • Has testified for legislation across multiple state legislatures and advised the United Nations • Featured in Glamour’s College Women of the Year
● Lea Nepomuceno
Founder of Beauty Beyond Bars, a nonprofit empowering incarcerated individuals through personal care and dignity-centered advocacy • Leader in social impact and community empowerment
● Simi Shah
Founder & CEO of South Asian Trailblazers, an award-winning media platform and community • Works to highlight South Asian voices in business, media, and leadership • Focused on representation, storytelling, and building community
● Olivia Zhang
Founder & CEO of Cancer Kids First • Author of YOUth, social impact leader, and influencer • Leads initiatives supporting children impacted by cancer through advocacy, fundraising, and global outreach
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM:
Building Impact: Movements vs Startups
Hear from two different fireside chats and open Q&A exploring different paths to creating change through nonprofit advocacy and entrepreneurship.
Featured Speakers:
● Hikaru Hayakawa (30 min fireside chat)
Executive Director of Climate Cardinals, one of the world’s largest youth-led climate organizations • Has mobilized 16,000+ volunteers across 145 countries to translate climate information into 100+ languages • Speaker and advisor for organizations including the UN, UNESCO, and Google. Moderated by Zahra Nuha.
● Shaina Zafar and Sanya Chaudhry (30 min fireside chat)
Executives at United Talent Agency, a global entertainment, sports, and advisory company • Leaders in media, branding, and Gen Z innovation • Shaina Zafar co-founded JUV Consulting, a Gen Z consulting agency later acquired by UTA
[4:30 PM – 6:00 PM]:
Leading With Purpose
A conversation on leadership, service, and creating meaningful impact through advocacy and global health work. Features a fireside chat and open Q&A with attendees.
Featured Speakers:
4:30 - 5:30 PM
● Brian Hoyer
Chief Programs Officer at Charity: Water, a nonprofit that has funded clean water projects for 19+ million people worldwide • Global health and nonprofit leader focused on service, advocacy, and impact-driven leadership. Moderated by Sarah Voigt.
-OR-
5:00 - 6:00 PM
● Haven Lough
Founder of Haven Skin • Built a community of 3+ million followers across platforms through skincare, branding, and lifestyle content • Will discuss entrepreneurship, personal branding, and building a business through social media and digital influence. Moderated by Kiana Kay.
Sunday, May 31
Venue:
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office building
163 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027 2nd Floor
[9:00 AM – 12:00 PM]
Turning Ideas Into Impact Workshops
A day of interactive conversations and workshops focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, confidence, nonprofit innovation, and building ideas that create real-world impact.
Featured Workshops:
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM:
“How to Build a Startup from the Ground Up”
Will Schrepferman from Donor Atlas shares his startup journey, lessons in entrepreneurship, and navigating unconventional career paths.
• Features an interactive workshop and open Q&A on innovation, leadership, and building something from scratch.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM:
Confidence, Connection & Positivity
● Megan Million
Content creator and entrepreneur with 1.2+ million followers and over 500 million views across platforms
• Known for content centered around positivity, confidence, and personal growth
• Leads an interactive workshop on communication, approaching new people, and building authentic connections with others
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM:
“Building a Nonprofit From the Ground Up”
● Jonny Immerman
Co-founder of Immerman Angels, a nonprofit that has connected thousands of cancer patients and caregivers worldwide with one-on-one support mentors
• Will discuss nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and building mission-driven organizations from the ground up
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Lunch Networking Event - Amity Hall Uptown
● Join us for a closing lunch to network with CKF team members and other conference attendees! Food will be provided and beverages on consumption.