This podcast interview with Sheher, the second-place winner of the 2025 Blessed Girls Essay Competition. Hosted by Dr. Anana Phifer, the episode highlights Sheher, a young woman from Bangladesh, who wrote an essay titled "The Power of One: How a Girl's Voice Can Change the World," focusing on woman empowerment. The discussion covers her motivations for writing, challenges faced by girls in her country such as child marriage and the practice of dowry, and the importance of platforms like Blessed Girls for empowering youth voices. Sheher shares her personal aspirations, including pursuing journalism or becoming a professor, and offers advice to other young girls about the value of their voices and not fearing to speak up.

In this inspiring episode of the M.A.D. Youth Civility Podcast, Dr. Anana sits down with Favor Ngugi, a passionate young creative entrepreneur and founder of Youth Tech Studio in Burundi.

Favor shares his powerful journey of starting a media company that trains youth in photography, videography, and digital storytelling—all with limited resources but an abundance of purpose. He opens up about the challenges of youth unemployment in Burundi, his mission to equip the next generation with marketable skills, and his belief that media is a vital tool for youth empowerment, advocacy, and social change.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• How storytelling gives youth a voice and builds community impact
• Why Favor believes small beginnings should inspire, not discourage
• Lessons learned about patience, consistency, and leadership
• The realities of starting a business as a young person in Burundi
• His vision to expand globally and inspire youth worldwide
• The importance of digital responsibility and ethical media training

Key Quote:
“Start with what you have... be consistent and be creative.” – Favor Ngugi

Whether you're an aspiring creative, youth advocate, or leader looking to make a difference, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with purpose, tell your story, and make a difference where you are—with what you have.

#MADYouthPodcast #YouthTechStudio #BurundiYouth #CreativeLeadership #YouthEmpowerment #DigitalStorytelling #DrAnana #YouthCivility #MakeADifference #MediaForChange #GlobalYouthVoices

This episode of the MAD Youth Podcast, hosted by Dr. Anana. The featured guest is Ikelyn Kotey, a young woman from Ghana recognized for amplifying the voices of young leaders. Ikelyn shares her journey, her passion for empowering young people, particularly girls, and discusses challenges like lack of experience and limited resources, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and social support. She also highlights her commitment to her faith, her aspirations to be a clinical health psychologist and a woman of valor, and her creative projects aimed at bringing joy and hope to others, such as her upcoming book "The 20s Unleashed" and a project to provide sewing skills and uniforms to deprived students.

The podcast episode effectively showcases Kaitlyn Black as a compelling young leader and advocate. It underscores the significance of youth voices, the transformative power of organizations like Blessed Girls Global, and the urgent need to address youth mental health. The conversation provides practical insights into overcoming personal barriers to leadership, the importance of self-care, and the impact one individual can have in creating positive change. The focus on challenging stigmas and promoting open dialogue surrounding mental health is particularly impactful.

Welcome to the M.A.D. Youth Civility Podcast!

Hey everyone! I’m Dr. Anana, your host, and I’m beyond excited about today’s episode. This is the space where young voices matter, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on creativity, culture, and community! These talented high school students are using their gifts, voices, and artistry to inspire, uplift, and tell powerful stories through music, poetry, and visual expression.

Art has always been a catalyst for change, and today, we’re diving deep into how this generation is using creativity to speak truth, build community, and redefine leadership. We’ll hear about their journeys, their inspirations, and how they’re making an impact beyond the canvas and the mic.

This podcast episode provides an inspiring glimpse into the minds and hearts of young leaders who are actively engaged in their community and passionate about using their talents to create positive change. JKL demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility, creativity, and a desire to address pressing issues ranging from local community needs to global challenges. Their thoughtful perspectives on topics like education, homelessness, healthcare, the role of media, and the emergence of AI highlight their awareness of the world around them and their commitment to shaping a better future. The conversation underscores the importance of providing platforms for young voices to be heard and valued.

So, get ready for an authentic, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversation with JKL! Let’s celebrate the power of young artists and their role in shaping a better future.

Welcome to the M.A.D. Youth Civility Podcast—where we are Making A Difference, one conversation at a time! I’m Dr. Anana Phifer-Derilhomme, your host, a World Civility Ambassador, Youth Advocate, and Founder of BlessedGirls Global.

This is THE podcast where youth voices are amplified, ideas are celebrated, and we dive deep into the 4C’s of Youth Civility—Civility, Community, Creativity, and Climate Change.

Our goal? To spark real conversations that inspire, educate, and empower young leaders like YOU to step up, speak out, and take action! 💡 Whether you're a student, activist, entrepreneur, or just someone who believes in making the world a better place—this is YOUR space!

The M.A.D. Youth Civility Podcast, hosted by Dr. Anana, which aims to amplify the voices of young leaders and change-makers. In this particular episode, Dr. Anana interviews Ayana Slacum, a soon-to-be college graduate, community champion, and South African 4C's coach. Their discussion centers on Ayana's journey, her inspiration to lead and make a difference, the importance of community involvement, and her perspectives on civility and leadership for young people. Ayana shares her experiences, challenges, and aspirations, highlighting her passion for empowering others and creating positive change.