What is YLI?


Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) envisions an inclusive, authentic, and just community. Its mission is to advance racial equity and social justice by developing diverse, next-generation leaders, elevating youth voice and participation, strengthening the capacity of youth-serving individuals and organizations, and driving systemic change. Guided by values of social justice, equity, and transformative leadership, YLI fosters youth-adult partnerships that challenge traditional power dynamics. The organization centers youth as leaders, ensuring their voices shape decisions and programs. Through compassionate, brave spaces rooted in trust and belonging, YLI builds a strong, supportive community where young people can thrive as their authentic selves.

A digital display shows 'YLI Inspiration Dinner' text with pink flowers on screen next to decorative cherry blossoms.
Japanese-themed party decor featuring a room divider, pink parasol, cherry blossoms, and white curtains against wooden walls.
White floral printed program cards and wrapped favors in a woven basket for an elegant wedding celebration.

YLI Inspiration Dinner


The YLI Inspiration Dinner, hosted at the Twin Cities Church is a powerful annual event that honors youth leaders and the mentors, caregivers, and community members who have influenced their journeys. This inspirational youth event creates a heartfelt space where young people are celebrated for their resilience, leadership, and commitment to creating a more inclusive and just world.

Diverse group of people seated at round tables during a community gathering in a modern industrial-style space.
People gathered around a food buffet table with someone wearing protective gear serving during a pandemic event.
Professional presentation taking place in a modern office space with digital displays and people seated at round tables.
A speaker wearing glasses and a striped shirt gestures while holding a microphone at a podium with colorful wall decor.
Presenter in a white top speaks into a microphone on stage with colorful geometric wall art in the background.

The Youth Leaders presenting an award to the individuals who inspire them.

Two people interact during a performance event with a blue backdrop and wooden wall panels.
Two people smile while posing with a certificate against a decorative backdrop with pink cherry blossoms.
Two people stand in front of a wooden wall with one holding papers while having a casual conversation.
People speaking at a stage or presentation setup with a colorful abstract mural backdrop.
Two people embrace in a heartfelt hug in front of a wall with text that reads 'To Mai Kao Thor From Sophie'.
People in a modern room with wooden walls and a decorative pink cherry blossom tree perform in front of a screen.
A speaker in a pink shirt holds a microphone and phone in front of a colorful mural wall background.
A presenter reads from a notebook while speaking into a microphone with a projection screen display visible behind.
Two people pose together holding up a certificate with a red decorative parasol and curtains in the background.
Two people embrace in front of a display screen with cherry blossom decorations on wooden wall.
A student wearing a black sweater takes notes during a presentation with a colorful wall mural and digital display behind them.
Two people stand together by decorative cherry blossoms and a pink paper umbrella while displaying a certificate.
Two people play games near a pink cherry blossom tree display with a digital screen in the background.
Two people pose together at an Asian-themed event with a pink parasol and cherry blossom decorations in the background.
A person speaks into microphone near TV screen showing 'To Raina From Noah' text with pink floral decor.
A person in a white sweater and jeans reads from a tablet device in front of a colorful wall.
People gathered in an indoor space with pink cherry blossom decorations and display boards for an event.
Two people in black and casual attire posing together at an event with a pink parasol and decorative backdrop.