We recently connected with Aahana And Celine and have shared our conversation below.
Aahana and Celine, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping creativity alive for the podcast nonprofit is all about staying connected to the mission and the people we serve. We make space for diverse voices and fresh ideas, especially from the youth, because their stories fuel new perspectives. Collaborating with other nonprofits, launching campaigns like the anti-gun violence initiative, and continuously seeking ways to amplify marginalized voices keeps us innovative. I also find inspiration in listening to the podcast community, exploring different media forms, and staying engaged with current social issues, which helps spark new ideas for content and outreach strategies.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Our nonprofit and podcast, originally launched to empower underprivileged youth to share their stories, has grown into a platform where young voices can drive change. We don’t just offer a mic—we create space for stories that challenge societal norms and advocate for equity. From collaborating with nonprofits like Colorado Ceasefire on anti-gun violence campaigns to promoting mental health initiatives like iMatter Colorado, we’re always pushing boundaries.
What excites me most is seeing the tangible impact of our work. We’ve fundraised for homeless youth shelters and met with legislators, all stemming from youth voices leading the charge. This year, we’re expanding with new podcast series focused on policy change and launching advocacy toolkits to empower even more young people to take action in their communities.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away, it’s that youth voices are powerful and worth listening to. We’re here to uplift them—and we’re just getting started.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
1. Adaptability: Running a nonprofit and podcast involves constant change—whether it’s shifting focus to meet community needs or adjusting strategies as we grow. Being adaptable has allowed me to stay nimble and seize opportunities as they come. For those early in their journey, embrace flexibility. Try different approaches, and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working.
2. Empathy: This has been the foundation of our work. Understanding the stories of underprivileged youth and listening to their experiences allowed us to create meaningful content and advocacy campaigns. If you want to develop empathy, spend time truly listening to others, especially those whose stories differ from your own. Engaging with diverse perspectives will broaden your worldview.
3. Collaboration: Partnering with other nonprofits and organizations like Colorado Ceasefire was key to amplifying our impact. It taught me that working with others who share a common mission can lead to greater outcomes than working alone. For those just starting, focus on building connections and collaborating with like-minded individuals or organizations.
My advice is to develop these skills by seeking real-world experiences where you can practice them, whether it’s through volunteering, launching a small project, or working with others toward a shared goal.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m looking for individuals and organizations to partner or collaborate with my nonprofit. I’m particularly interested in connecting with:
– Nonprofits focused on youth advocacy and empowerment
– Mental health professionals who can contribute expertise
– Educators for workshop development
– Influencers who are passionate about youth issues
If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out via [your email] or connect with us on [social media platforms].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weare-youth.org
- Instagram: @weare_youthorg
- Facebook: @weare_youthorg
- Twitter: @weare_youthorg
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
