Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Inside the YES! Youth Empowerment Summit with Mary Lingua

In this episode, Paul Ward welcomes Mary Lingua, Program Director for Camarillo’s YES! Youth Empowerment Summit to discuss this inspiring event designed to uplift and educate high school students. Sponsored by the Camarillo Rotary Club, Mary shares how YES! provides a full day of interactive workshops focused on public speaking, ethics, team building, and diversity, helping students grow into confident leaders. Held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Grand Salon at CSU Channel Islands, the event brings together students, professionals, and mentors for a transformative experience where participants walk in as strangers and leave as friends.

Mary dives into the history of YES! and how she helped bring it to Ventura County three years ago through her Camarillo Rotary Club, emphasizing the impact it has on students, many of whom return as Color Group Counselors to mentor new participants. With an exciting schedule that includes DJ Tye Hollywood, a lunch provided by the Lions Club, and an awards ceremony supported by the Sheriff’s Department, YES! is a must-attend event for high school students looking to develop leadership skills and make lasting connections. Tune in to learn how to sign up, get involved, and be part of this empowering movement!

Watch the full episode HERE

What you’ll learn in this episode:
0:00 Introduction to the show, our guest, Mary Lingua, and today’s topic: YES! Youth Empowerment Summit

0:30 What is “YES!?” and when and where is it being held this year?

0:53 Who can participate in YES! and how many years this has occurred

1:28 What is YES! and how is it empowering high school students?

2:00 Students walk in as strangers and leave as friends. Mary tells us what the day looks like for the students participating

3:00 Mary describes the 4 “Color Group” workshops YES! students participate in throughout the day: Public Speaking, Ethics, Team Building, and Diversity

6:00 Paul asks Mary more about the students that participate in YES!

7:24 Who are the professionals that run YES!?

8:08 Mary tells us about her role as Program Director for Camarillo’s YES! and shares that she visits other areas YES! events to participate in them as well

9:20 The history of the YES! program and she helped bring it to Ventura County 3 years ago

10:05 More on YES! Students and inviting senior students back to be Color Group Counselors after they’ve attended YES! In previous years

11:05 How to sign up for YES! Along with a QR code and email address for more information

11:51 YES! Is being held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Grand Salon CSUCI 8a-8p

12:10 The schedule for the day including DJ Tye Hollywood, lunch provided by the Lions Club and an awards ceremony with help from the Sheriff’s Department

12:51 Can students participate in YES! more than one time?

13:13 How to sign up for YES! Along with a QR code and email address for more information

14:47 A Special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

 

Related Episodes:
The Road to the Rose Parade: Behind the Blooms
Racing Through Community Spirit: The Legacy of The Hap Rapp Memorial Track Meet

Rotary International:
https://www.rotary.org/

YES! Youth Empowerment Summit:
yesrotaryci@gmail.com

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

 

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS Escrow! On the Road with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor OPUS Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures that On the Road provides viewers and listeners with the best possible episodes.