Youth In The Loop

Inside Modesto's Growing Arts Movement

In our eleventh episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Sam Pierstorff, English professor at Modesto Junior College, Executive Director of the Modesto Artists Movement, former Poet Laureate of Modesto, and community leader. Sam shares his perspective on the power of storytelling, the role of the arts in building stronger communities, and why creativity is essential to the future of cities like Modesto. We also discuss education, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, and how young people can use creativity to make a lasting impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the power of the arts to shape the future.

Bridging City Hall and the Next Generation: A Discussion with Mayor of Modesto Sue Zwahlen

In our tenth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Sue Zwahlen, Mayor of Modesto, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the city's future. Mayor Zwahlen shares her perspective on topics including General Plan 2050, housing affordability, homelessness, downtown revitalization, and youth civic engagement. We also explore the realities of local leadership, public trust, and how young people can play a meaningful role in shaping their community. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of Modesto and the decisions that will define it for years to come.

The Power of Youth Activism with Moses Abeyta

In our ninth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Moses Abeyta, a student activist, community organizer, and President of the Stanislaus Young Dems Club. Moses shares his journey into civic engagement, what inspired him to become involved in community advocacy, and how young people can create meaningful change in their communities. We discuss the realities of organizing student-led initiatives, the challenges facing youth participation today, and the growing role of student voices in shaping local conversations. Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership, activism, and the power of young people to make an impact.

The Rise of Digital Campaigns: Politics in the Age of Social Media

In our eighth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Ethan Kelly, a political strategist, digital communicator, and founder of the YouTube channel Let’s Talk Elections. Ethan shares his journey from creating political content as a teenager to working on major campaigns, including Kamala Harris and Texas State Representative James Talarico, as well as his experience in the White House. We discuss the power of digital media in shaping political narratives, what happens behind the scenes of modern campaigns, and how messaging reaches millions of voters. Tune in for an inside look at the intersection of politics, media, and youth influence in today’s world.

The Importance of Youth Voice In Ongoing Conversations

In our seventh episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with student leader Sabrina Toor, a Student Representative to the Modesto City Schools Board of Education and member of the Modesto Youth Commission. Sabrina shares her journey into leadership, her work representing student voices in district decision-making, and her efforts to increase youth engagement in local government. We also discuss her initiative, Creation4Cessation, and how creative advocacy can reshape conversations around teen vaping and public health. Tune in for an insightful conversation on youth leadership, representation, and making a real impact in your community.