As summertime quickly approaches, the Men and Women of Central (MWC) are focused on  finding work opportunities for youth and young adults. MWC hosted the Youth Empowerment Summit last Friday at the Friendly Inn. 

This summit was designed to provide resources for youth and young adults, including leadership development, summer job opportunities and internships. Representatives from more than 20 Cleveland agencies and nonprofits helped young attendees explore the opportunities for employment and leadership.

Just over 60 people participated in the event, as the gym of the Friendly Inn quickly filled. Participants were offered food, including walking tacos and hibachi. WOVU 95.9 provided music while participants went from table to table collecting resources and engaging in “bleacher talk”.

Attendees go table to table, collecting resources.
Young Clevelanders find jobs, support at MWC’s Youth Empowerment Summit Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland

Ohio Means Jobs, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, MyCom and Queen IAM were among the organizations on hand, offering unique opportunities in construction, civic participation and recreation services. 

Finding that first job

Cameron M., a freshman at Campus International High School, attended the fair in the hopes of finding his first job. 

“I’m here because I really need a job this summer,” Cameron said. “I like to have my own money to buy the things I want, so hopefully I can find a good job while I’m here.”

Monica C., a sophomore at John R. Butchel Community Learning Center in Akron, spends her summers with her dad in Cleveland. She attended the fair to find out more information about mental health resources. 

“Me and my friends have been talking about starting therapy together,” she said. “I’m here to see what resources they have available and hopefully to find some group therapy sessions.”

It starts with the youth

Dameyonna Willis, founder of Queen IAM , a non-profit that teaches young women how to be confident and embrace their girl power, expressed her excitement for the summit. She believes that providing young people with better opportunities will lead to stronger neighborhoods.

The audience participating during a live Q&A.
Audience participating in a live Q&A during MWC’s Youth Empowerment Summit Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland

“It was important for us to be here so that young people understand they have safe spaces to go where they are supported,” Willis said. “They don’t always have to be outside with nothing productive to do. They need our love and support to make sure that happens.

Bridgette Smith-Jackson and Kareemah Rose, both board members at MWC, lead the charge in the organizing of the Youth Empowerment Summit. Rose expressed her excitement about the summit. She looks forward to more youth engagement opportunities in the future. 

“I am extremely proud of the youth and young adults of Central for attending, engaging and speaking their truth,” Rose said. “I look forward to strengthening the relationships MWC has formed with the youth this year.”

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.