Youth Conference: Eras
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Icebreaker, Welcome, and Thunderdome Activity
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Jubilee
10:00 - 10:30 am: Kahoots
10:30 am - 11:30 am: Activity Square Game
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch on Your Own
1:30 - 3:15 pm: Panel Speakers
- Andy Barlow (Facilitator)
- Sarah Goldman (YLF and YSC)
- June Hermanson (YLF)
- Current Youth Steering Committee Executive Members
- Noah Russell (YSC and YLF)
- Jordan Hayes (YSC and YLF)
- Opal Besaw (YSC and YLF)
- Cecile Atimango (YSC)
- Whitney Doyle (YLF & YSC)
3:15 - 4:00 pm: Round Table Discussions
- How to get involved with the Youth Steering Committee
- Reminder of upcoming activities and Youth Dance
- Additional Discussion Topics:
- Disability in the Media with Noah
- Disability Identity with Harm Tarrant
- Neurological vs Physical Disabilities
- Transportation
- Disability and Mental Health/Wellness
- Co-occurring Disabilities with Jordan
Speaker Bios:
Sarah Goldman
Director of Administration and Youth Initiatives- FILC
Sarah received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Central Florida and furthered her education by earning a Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. Sarah has used her education and experiences as an individual with a disability to advocate for others. Before joining FILC in 2020, Sarah worked as a legislative aide for four years in the Florida Legislature. She has been recognized for her achievements as an advocate for community integration, inclusion, and employment initiatives for those with disabilities.
Whitney Doyle
Whitney Doyle is the Director of Operations and Capacity Building at the Amputee Coalition. Whitney has extensive advocacy and grassroots leadership experience and previously served as the Executive Director of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Inc. Her drive for transparency and equality led to expanded outreach of assistive technology services in every county in Florida. Whitney began her career with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics from St. Petersburg College and became a certified prosthetist in 2015. Seeking a transition away from patient care, Whitney began working on projects that aligned with her passion for equitable access.
Her disability advocacy work started in 2008, when she joined the Florida Youth Council and became a volunteer at the Florida Youth Leadership Forum. Being inspired by others who have disabilities has led her to become an active member of the Florida Independent Living Council’s board of directors and the National Council on Independent Living’s finance committee. Whitney has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the University of Central Florida and became a certified nonprofit professional in 2023.
Noah Russell
Noah Russell is a member of the Space Coast Independent Living Center. He holds 4 going on 5 black belts, is a supporter of United Way, a member of the Autistic Community, and is the Chair of the YSC (Youth Steering Committee). He is a dedicated to helping people all around by advocating for people in his community and in his state of Florida. He works at Publix Super Markets and through them helps people with disabilities and non-disabled people.
Jordan Hayes
Jordan is a 26 year old woman who grew up in South Carolina. She graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelors in Social Work in 2021. Previously, she worked as a self-advocate for York CAN and now works for a Center for Independent Living, Disability Rights & Resources, in Charlotte, North Carolina as a Peer Mentor. Jordan is passionate about being in community with individuals with disabilities, offering support to folks envisioning their future, and helping individuals navigate local resources. She enjoys working collaboratively and is always excited to learn something new.
Opal Besaw
Opal Besaw is a proud alumnus of both Montana Youth Transitions and the Montana Youth Leadership Forum. She is passionate about helping youth find the voices to advocate for themselves. Opal has served as Montana Youth Leadership staff for three years and this year will be a keynote speaker at the Montana Youth Transitions Conference. In 2023, Opal received the Linda Gonzales Award for Outstanding Rural Youth.
Cecile Atimango
My name is Cecile Atimango and was born in DRC Congo I’m a former Peer Support Specialist at LINC in Boise Idaho and just recently moved to nonprofit healthcare organization and is currently working as a outreach and Enrollment I loved my job at LINC but sometimes in Life you have to do things differently enjoying my new rule. I have passion for my community and enjoy helping others.