On May 11, 2026, the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs welcomed 210 student leaders from 14 schools in Salt Lake County to the Utah State Capitol for Multicultural Youth Leadership Day. Centered on the theme, “Tell Your Story, Shape Your Future,” the day helped students build confidence in their voices, strengthen leadership skills, connect with mentors, and explore future educational, career, and community engagement opportunities.
The event was designed around the understanding that young people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. Across Utah, students are seeking a stronger sense of belonging, greater confidence in their voices, and clearer pathways to future opportunities. Multicultural Youth Leadership Day creates opportunities for students to build meaningful connections while developing the skills, confidence, and sense or purpose needed to lead in their schools, communities, and future careers.
Building leadership through storytelling
The day began with a community breakfast before students rotated through a series of workshops, mentorship opportunities, a career fair, and a service project with One Kind Act a Day.
A featured workshop led by keynote speaker Ciriac Alvarez Valle focused on helping students discover, develop, and articulate their personal stories. Rooted in the event’s theme, the session encouraged students to reflect on their heritage, communities, experiences, values, and aspirations while exploring a central question: Why does my story matter?
Through guided reflection and peer discussions, students created their personal story outlines and practiced sharing them with one another. As they listened to their peers, many discovered common themes of family, belonging, challenges, opportunity, and hope.
Following the event 60% of students reported feeling more confident in their ability to tell their story, demonstrating the impact of helping young people recognize the value of their experiences and voices.
The workshop reflected one of the event’s central goals of helping students recognize that their experiences matter and their voices can create meaningful change. As Associate Director Eddy Thompson explained, “For a young person I think it’s important that they’re able to tell their story and understand that we’re rooting for them. We want them to succeed. We want them to lead. Because that helps everybody.”
“Just be brave and just be you. That’s the best a leader can do to be honest. Just putting yourself out there you know.”
-Ashley Gonzalez, 2026 attendee and student leader
Learning from leaders and mentors
Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson opened the program by encouraging students to recognize the importance of civic engagement and the role they can play in shaping Utah’s future.
Students then participated in “Meet a Mentor” sessions, where they connected directly with leaders from government, education, business, and community organizations. These conversations gave students an opportunity to ask questions, receive advice, and learn from leaders whose experiences reflected a variety of educational and professional pathways.
Exploring future pathways
Students also participated in a career fair featuring colleges, universities, employers, and community organizations.
Representatives shared information about educational opportunities, career pathways, support services, and other resources available to help students achieve their goals. The career fair allowed students to explore future possibilities while building connections with organizations invested in helping young people succeed.
Celebrating culture and creativity
Throughout the day, students experienced performances that highlighted the traditions, creativity, and talent found throughout Utah. Performances by Mariachi Fuego, Ngoma Y Africa Cultural Center, and Flavakids Crew energized the event and demonstrated how music, dance, and artistic expression can bring people together.
The event also showcased student voices through the Multicultural Youth Leadership Day Short Film Competition. Students were invited to create original films exploring their cultures, families, communities, and personal journeys.
This year’s winners were:
1st place: Julia Brooks
2nd place: Elidi by Sasha Alfaro
3rd place: Etzel Robles Aquino
Investing in Utah’s future
More than a one-day event, Multicultural Youth Leadership Day is an investment in Utah’s future leaders. By helping students strengthen their confidence, develop leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and explore future opportunities, the event equips young people with the tools that will continue to benefit them long after the day ends.
As Director Igor Limansky shared, “We can celebrate our differences, but we can also focus on our shared vision for a future where we’re all thriving.”
By the end of the day, students left with new mentors, expanded networks, greater confidence, and a stronger understanding that their stories, experiences, and perspectives have the power to shape their futures and strengthen their communities.
View the event gallery here: https://cceutah.pic-time.com/-multicultural-youth-leadership-day2026/gallery
Thank you to our partners
The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors, mentors, performers, organizations, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this year’s event possible.
Sponsors: WCF Insurance, Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation
Community Partners: Salt Lake Bees, Utah Jazz
Career fair partners: FBI, Davis Technical College, Multicultural Counseling Center, Neighborworks Salt Lake, Neumont University, PIK2AR, PROG Development Center, Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah, Utah State University
Mentors: Rozanna Benally-Sagg, Ryan Hoglund, Ta’Mariah Jenkins, Jasen Lee, Madison Limansky, Sinia Maile, Shawn Newell, Alassane A. Niang, Chandani Patel, Kat Potter, Katy Riney, Derek Ross, James Toledo, Michael Ulibarri, Jamey Williams, and Jason Woodland
