Community Leaders Inspire Local Youth at Pasadena Tournament Of Roses’ #ThisGen2024: A Youth Empowerment Forum
PASADENA, Calif. (April 17, 2024) – Today, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® hosted #ThisGen2024: A Youth Empowerment Forum presented by Pasadena City College, bringing together nearly 1,000 students. Back for the fourth year, #ThisGen2024 focused on empowering the next generation of leaders and gave students the opportunity to learn about inspiring leadership, breaking barriers and aligning passion with skill sets. Attendees were empowered by speakers to be courageous, confident and intentional with the choices that impact their future.
Bringing together hundreds of students from surrounding high schools and colleges, #ThisGen2024 featured an impressive lineup of panelists from some of the most influential sports, entertainment, and technology organizations including Mattel, Angel City FC, Moose Toys, National Football Foundation, William Morris Endeavor and more.
Panelists shared their personal journeys and career wisdom to the audience, with a strong emphasis on appealing to future leaders. Key topics included leadership, overcoming obstacles, and achieving fulfillment through pursuing one’s passions. Attendees also gained valuable insights at the event’s “Career Corner” where students had the opportunity to engage in career-forward conversations in science, technology, entertainment, art and non-profit, and how they can leverage their skills in these fields professionally.
“It’s so important for me to empower the next generation. I think so many times we’re taught a very linear path,” said Stephanie Haggerty, Vice President of Global Marketing at Moose Toys. “This was an opportunity to talk about some of my personal life experiences and let students know that a lot of us go through the same things about imposter syndrome and having doubt.”
Participants learned about career opportunities in art, non-profits, sports, technology and how they can use their talents in the professional world.
“When I walked in, there was a wave of female power, I was in awe of the successful women on stage,” shared Violet C., Diamond Bar High School. “As women, we have our obstacles along the way, and being at ThisGen inspired me to step in my power and take action for what I want.”
Known around the world for our New Year’s Day celebrations, the Tournament of Roses and its 935 volunteer members make up an Association that is active all year long. We take our role as a community partner very seriously, and we are dedicated to giving back to the community around us.
The Tournament of Roses is thankful to our presenting sponsor, Pasadena City College, for providing the venue for #ThisGen2024, Panda Cares, a charitable foundation of the national restaurant chain, Panda Express for providing the attendee’s lunch, and Coca-Cola for providing refreshments.
For complete panelist bios, please visit: https://tournamentofroses.com/thisgen/
Source: https://tournamentofroses.com/2024-thisgen/