This one-day certificate program aims to empower middle and high school students by cultivating essential leadership skills, fostering civic responsibility and recognizing exemplary young leaders within our community.

Event Overview

The First National Youth Leadership Certificate Program, led by the University of Houston Asian American Studies Center and co-organized by the Youth Voice for Small Business, is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Training sessions will cover strategies to excel in academics and leadership, college application tips, and forming and operating a youth nonprofit organization.

Youth non-profit organizations are welcome to set up display tables free of charge.

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Hilton University of Houston (Shamrock Room), 4450 University Drive, Houston, TX 77204
• Registration fee: $50 for youth; $25 for accompanying adult (fee includes lunch, all the training sessions and the leadership certificate). Please note: We only accept credit cards for payment. Thank you for understanding!

Sponsorship Opportunities

We appreciate your interest in supporting the certificate program to grow student leaders. Sponsorships are available at the following levels:

• $5,000 – University Partners for Future Leaders
• $4,000 – University Ambassadors for Future Leaders
• $3,000 – University Friends for Future Leaders
• $2,000 – University Supporters for Future Leaders

Student Leadership Awards

We look forward to honoring outstanding student leaders. Students may nominate themselves for a global leadership award or be nominated by someone such as a classmate, teacher or employer. There are five award categories:

• Global Leadership Award — presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and inspires others through their actions.
• Academic Excellence Award — recognizes a student who achieves outstanding academic performance and effectively applies their knowledge to strengthen their leadership abilities.  
• Community Service Award — honors a student who actively engages in community service and makes a meaningful, positive impact on their communities.
• Teamwork Award — awarded to a student who excels in collaboration and contributes positively to group projects and team activities.
• Innovation Award — given to a student who displays creativity and originality in their projects or in their approach to solving problems.

Presenters

Cathy Horn

College of Education, Dean & Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair; Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies  

“The Power of Youth Leadership in Shaping Our Future”

Cathy Horn is a visionary leader and distinguished scholar in the field of educational leadership. With strategic insight and an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence, she inspires and empowers emerging leaders to realize their full potential and actively contributes to building a more just and equitable society.

Tiffany J. Davis

“From Potential to Impact: Strategies for Academic and Leadership Excellence”

Tiffany J. Davis, Ph.D., serves as associate dean for student belonging and success at the UH College of Education. A clinical full professor of higher education, she’s a passionate advocate for student achievement and personal growth. She provides valuable insights on how students can harness their abilities to effect meaningful change and inspires them to become future leaders. 

Hong Ogle

Keynote: “Leading with Purpose: Empowering Future Leaders”

Hong Ogle is the president of Bank of America Houston, where she leads the bank’s operations and strategic initiatives in the region. With extensive experience in the financial services industry, she has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering community relationships. Through her inspiring speeches, Hong has motivated countless young students to pursue their dreams and careers.

Bryan Zhao

“How to Establish and Operate Youth Non-profit Organizations”

Bryan Zhao is a senior at the Awty International School in Houston. He is an Eagle Scout, a champion of the Texas State Debate Championship, and the founder and president of both Youth Voice for Small Business and Circuit Skillbuilder. 

Benjamin Who

Panelist: “Youth Leadership and College Applications”    

Benjamin Who is a rising sophomore at Harvard College studying government and philosophy. Outside of the classroom, he works as an editor of the Harvard Undergraduate Law Review and an associate on the Harvard Undergraduate Consulting Group. A 2024 Coca-Cola Scholar and Bank of America Student Leader, Ben is a changemaker who studies and advocates for equality across various sectors, including education and immigration. 

Tiffany Zhang

Panelist: “Youth Leadership and College Applications”

Tiffany Zhang is an incoming freshman at Stanford University, planning to major in psychology. She is interested in finding solutions to the mental health crisis and improving adolescent mental health through her research and community initiatives. 

Sanskriti Manoharan

Panelist: “Youth Leadership and College Applications”

Sanskriti Manoharan is an incoming freshman to Brown University, majoring in Neuroscience in the PLME BS/MD Program. A Regeneron ISEF Finalist, two-time TJSHS National Finalist (1st in Computer Science/Mathematics), and USA National Brain Bee Finalist, Sanskriti is an avid researcher in the fields of medicine and computational neuroscience, committed to improving healthcare through service and innovation.

Organizing Committee

• Chair: Yali Zou (Director UH Asian American Studies Center and Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies)
• Co-chair: Bryan Zhao (Founder & President of Youth Voice for Small Business)
• Committee Members: Elizabeth Gonzales, Sumith Murthy, Jessica Shi, Simon Zhong, Edward Kang and Yan Chaffin

Supporting Organizations

• Asian Chamber of Commerce 
• SpiderSmart at Sugar Land 
• Circuit Skillbuilder
• AYLUS Pearland Branch
• PROMIS
• To the Top Education

Contact Us

Have questions about the program or want to discuss sponsorship opportunities? Please reach out! Email the Asian American Studies Center at egonza21@cougarnet.uh.edu and put “First National Youth Leadership Certificate Program” in the subject line. Register Now!