At Your Move MKE, five young leaders are creating space for young people to confront something that often goes unspoken. Break Through Your Trauma is a two-day event that combines physical activities, guided reflection and community support to help youth process stress, anger and trauma in healthy ways. They aim to create an experience centered on healing, resilience and positive coping strategies for Milwaukee youth.

At Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), four young leaders proposed something simple but powerful: a podcast led by youth, for youth, where Milwaukee’s young people can speak openly about mental health, civic engagement and the realities they face every day. Now, the team is using their $4,000 grant to bring their podcast to the life.

At Walker’s Point Center for the Arts, four young people are turning everyday spaces into something more meaningful. Yardwork, their youth-led public art project, combines affirming messages and community artwork into a neighborhood-wide installation. Their project aims to spark visibility, pride and connection across Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood.

At Project Kindred, a team of young leaders are kicking off summer with a dynamic celebration centered on youth. The MKE Love Summer Kickback brings together music, resources, organizations and wellness supports so youth can see what’s possible - and where they can plug in. It’s a high-energy celebration where young people can find opportunities, get supported and start the summer with momentum.

At Neighborhood House, three young people saw a simple need with a profound impact. Their project, Keep a Clean Mind, provides hygiene supplies and self-care resources to community members facing hardship, helping remove barriers that can affect both physical health and mental well-being. Their project will expand access to essential resources while reminding people that everyone deserves to feel cared for, confident and supported.