Theme: Self Representation

Some people never get a big stage, a microphone, and an audience who will listen to them. It doesn't matter what they have to say because there are so many different obstacles before even touching the stage. This event started with the idea of providing a platform for those with mental disabilities to show they have passions. That internal fire that burns and can only be expressed with the purest smile of joy. Whether it be playing the piano, talking about a YouTube video by an influencer for CupHead, or strategizing to complete the same level on Wii LEGO Star Wars for the fifth time, those insights into who people are are what this event, in its rawest form, is about. Sharing people's stories is something more meaningful than any lecture. There is a need to understand one another in a community so diverse and expressive. There will always be more bridges to cross and more people to pass the microphone to, and this event is meant to go to them so that they can tell us who they are. Young people have just as much a voice as someone twice their age, which is why they are driving this event. Our view of the world is wider with endless possibilities to fill. So, jump on stage and share your voice.

The Side Door
2900 Franklin Blvd
Sacramento, California, 95818
United States

Anthony Zulli

Anthony is 11 years and delivers speeches on his journey with autism as inspired by his brother John. He is an avid basketball player and enjoys writing music and creating anime videos with his friends.

Edison Jun

Edison Jun is an epic eighth greater who prides himself on being a super stop motion creator, Special Olympics Global Messenger, and gold medalist swimmer. But most of all, he enjoys relaxing by watching funny videos on his phone that he can share with others.

Eleanor Love

Eleanor Love is passionate about youth involvement in democracy, at the community level and beyond. A junior in C.K. McClatchy’s HISP program, she serves as vice-chair of the Sacramento County Youth Commission. Eleanor is also a research intern at USC Price School’s Center for Inclusive Democracy, and is involved in Sacramento Youth in Action’s census and COVID-19 outreach.

Jake Yancey

Jake is 17 years old and goes to McClatchy High school. He loves doing theater and playing rugby in his free time. He also loves to write and tell stories and is very thankful to be able to speak to you today.

Jazzlyn Haque

Jazzlyn Haque is a junior in high school. She enjoys reading, video games, and tv shows, all of which inspire her to utilize her own voice as a youth advocate and aspiring writer.

Jordyn Baker

Jordyn Baker is a senior at West Campus High School. She is passionate about social justice and hopes to pursue it as a career. She enjoys swimming, playing with her dog, and watching movies.

Kai Lamb

Kai Lamb is a 7th grader who loves animals, was born in San Jose California, and has an amazing family. She also has two goats named Marshmallow and Makanalani, and they are her pride and joy.

Lilia Infantino

Lilia Infantino is a junior at NP3 High School. She is a longtime soccer player who enjoys creating art, music, and playing Minecraft. She is the older sister to 14-year-old Raena (ASD) and 12-year-old Christian (ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia).

Milton Nguyen

Milton Nguyen is 16 years old and an 11th-grade student at Mira Loma High School. He spends his time actively engaging in his community as a leading and outspoken youth advocate for tobacco control with numerous organizations, including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and many others. In his free-time, Milton enjoys traveling with his family as well as learning more about physics and other subjects.

Whitney Barnett

Whitney Barnett is 18 years old from Sacramento, CA. This fall she will be starting school at UC Santa Cruz to study environmental studies and economics. She is passionate about leadership, advocacy, and education.