By Grace C. Liu, NYLC Youth Advisory Council Mentor
“La la la! Weee wooo weee.” My voice echoed in the quiet room as I completed my vocal warm-up, a ritual that was as much about calming my nerves as it was about preparing to speak. The mix of pride, joy, and a touch of silliness washed over me, grounding me as I prepared to present my research paper on “Historical Roots, Title IX and Women’s Empowerment through Fencing” at the Global Conference on Women’s Studies. What I didn’t fully grasp at that moment was how this experience would shape my future. The applause and recognition were fleeting – what lingered were the quiet nods from scholars and professors who supported my work. Their encouragement lit a spark that would grow into a much larger vision: making research accessible and empowering for all. This vision became the foundation of Research to Empower (ReTE), a nonprofit I founded as a student that has flourished beyond my wildest expectations, thanks to the support of many.
To start from the beginning, every step of this journey has been supported by my family. My mother’s unwavering belief in curiosity and passion shaped my early years. Whenever challenges felt insurmountable, she was the voice reminding me that every problem has a solution—it’s just a matter of shifting perspective. My father, a constant companion, drove me to countless research interviews and conferences, where our conversations often stretched into long discussions about current events and ideas. These daily exchanges were the highlights of my day, fueling my passion and guiding me forward.
As I grew older, I began to notice the discrimination and inequalities in access to research education. The gap between those who could afford quality learning experiences and those who couldn’t was absurdly unfair. This was what led me to action. My idea was simple: make research fun and accessible to everyone. But how does a young girl make such a vision a reality? For me, it began at a local organization called the New Energy Education Center (NEEC), just a few blocks from home.
Walking into the center, intrusive thoughts inevitably started swarming my mind. Would anyone take me seriously? Is this even feasible? But, my worries quickly vanished when I met with the founder of NEEC, who agreed to let us use their space for our first classes.
My local public library followed, offering me not only a space for workshops but also inviting me to share my story on their “Turn the Page” podcast and at their Local Author Showcase. My community gave me the space to fail, learn, and, most importantly, succeed. Their belief in my vision, when it was still just a seed of an idea, made all the difference.
As ReTE grew, so did the opportunities. When I was selected as a Youth Advisory Council Member by NYLC in 2022, I was ecstatic and overjoyed!I was invited to emcee, participate as a panelist, and host workshops during The Annual National Service-Learning Conference® in 2023 and 2024, reaching larger audiences like everbefore. These conferences brought together educators, nonprofit leaders, students, and visionaries from around the globe. It was inspiring, but also incredibly daunting.
There was no time for self-doubt, though. The glow of the stage lights, the murmur of the audience, the feel of the microphone in my hand—all these sensations grounded me as I prepared to speak onstage. My heart raced. But, as I looked out, I saw the faces of the NYLC team who had guided and supported me unconditionally to this point. They were there in the front row, nodding and smiling, as if they knew I could do this even before I did. Their presence was a powerful reminder that I wasn’t alone in this journey.
The conferences were a success, not just because of meticulous planning but because of the community behind them. The adults who organized the event treated me as an equal, not a “kid who doesn’t understand anything.” They gave me responsibilities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, trusting that I would rise to the occasion. And when I did, they were the first to congratulate me.
The leap from local to national was significant, but the international stage was even more incredible. When I became the Technology Focal Point for the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), representing over a billion young people, it felt surreal. I was still in high school, yet here I was, attending a Stakeholder Session at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. I stood in that room, representing the voices of over one billion children and youth. It was a transformative experience, one that deepened my commitment to driving impactful conversations internationally and advocating for a sustainable future.
Looking back, I realize that leadership isn’t about standing alone at the top. It’s about building on the foundation of those who believe in you, and who see your potential even when you don’t. Today, as I continue my work with ReTE and other initiatives, I strive to be the kind of youth leader who lifts others as I climb. As a recently appointed mentor for the Youth Advisory Council of NYLC, I try to offer the same guidance and support that was given to me. I share my experiences to show that leadership is a journey anyone can embark on, especially with the right people on one’s side.
