YOUTH MODERATORS

Amelia Abuali

20 Years Old from Portage Park 
Senior @ University of Illinois Chicago
Everyone Can Code Chicago Alumni

Marquis Sewell

22 Years Old from Englewood
Senior @ Morehouse College
Everyone Can Create Chicago | Participant

App Showcase

38 teams comprised of 118 students competed | 2 rounds of judging to identify the top 4
(click images to view pitch presentations)

Covid Companion

A central information hub about COVID-19 and a helpful tool in containment.

Gentrification Education

Have you ever wanted to find out more information about gentrification in your neighborhood or support local businesses?

Unition

Searches for protests and petitions have skyrocketed over the past couple of months.  People want to get involved in activism.

Beat Street

Is your community continuously overlooked when it comes to repairing roads?

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

(click profile pictures to view messages)

Sybil Madison

Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services | City of Chicago

Owen Washburn

Vice President, Global Philanthropy | JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Sam Mestman

CEO of We Make Movies, Founder of LumaForge

Angela Rudolph

Deputy Commissioner Youth Services | Dept of Family & Support Services

LaTanya McDade

Chief Education Officer | Chicago Public Schools

Lisa Davis

Director of One Summer Chicago | Dept of Family & Support Services

Stacy Erb

Director of Community Education Initiatives | Apple

Rita Coburn

Peabody and Emmy Award-Winning Director, Writer and Producer

Video Showcase

25 videos produced by 42 students | 2 rounds of judging to identify the top 6
(click images to view videos)

Coping with COVID

The fears of not knowing. I suffer from anxiety and depression like many others. But when COVID-19 hit it took a toll on me. This project has given me a reason to make my photography the best, my writing the best. And put my mindset in a good state. I will enjoy the present and it’s moments, rather than fear a future that I cannot see.

#Big Drip

So often people’s worth is not judged by their knowledge, talent or character, but on what they possess. It’s the story that pop culture constantly perpetuates, and therefore, how we as young people start to view ourselves. We judge our self worth based on whether we have the hottest brands, most expensive shoes, or newest tech. Since there will always be someone with “more” and “better,” this causes eternal dissatisfaction with our lives. Social media is at the crux of our materialistic driven culture, and it has been proven to lead to anxiety, depression, and even violence in young people. It’s time for us to take back control and change the culture!

Black Girl Joy

As black women continue to face racism, sexism, colorism and many other trials in society, we are engaged in a Movement that connects where we were to where we’re going. Our legacy of strength despite vulnerabilities and negative perception propels us to live and celebrate in the spirit of Joy, Black Girl Joy!

Little Hands, Big Help

A short film depicting the sweet bond between 17-yr old Azalee Irving and her four-year old nephew J’aking Jones.

Peace Is . . .

From the lens of a young girl - Kate, a father - Daniel, and a mother - Celina... 

COVID on Chicago Youth

A short film showcasing how COVID has drastically changed and affected the youth in Chicago.

Additional Videos

(click images to view videos)

Photography 4 All | Photo Montage

App / Video Showcase (full video)